Description

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

Roles and Responsibilities:

IFC is working to accelerate a transition to low-carbon resilient, economic growth that is focused on people and jobs. Thus, IFC has invested and mobilized $50.7 billion in climate finance since 2018. As the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector, IFC combines sector and regulatory expertise, financial innovation and convening authority to accelerate inclusive, commercially viable low-carbon pathways. IFC is the only global development institution that can create bankable climate projects, blend public and private capital to make investments viable, and craft mechanisms allowing institutional investors to back impactful climate solutions at scale.

As an experienced communications professional, the Senior Communications Officer leads the strategic planning, development, and implementation of effective internal and external communications strategies for climate, directly supporting the Climate Business Department (CBD) and working across the organization with industry, regional, and corporate communications teams as well as business units operating in and outside of IFC Headquarters. Closely coordinating on climate communication priorities across the World Bank Group is also expected.

The Senior Communications Officer supports corporate, internal, and operational activities via the following specific work areas: 

Strategic planning: Supports strategic and unified communications: advancing a global climate communications strategy leveraging IFC’s industry-specific and regional expertise to promote IFC’s work; strengthening relations with key internal and external stakeholders and audiences; and crafting clear and compelling messages to effectively communicate IFC’s climate-related activities and achievements. Leverages key spokespeople across IFC, including the Managing Director and members of senior leadership as appropriate, to convey IFC’s vision and communicate the institution’s unique value-added and to maximize IFC’s impact in the climate action space.

Products: Conceptualizes and supervises the preparation, production and dissemination of communication products (e.g., media packets, news releases, brochures, Q&As, presentations, briefing notes, online and social media content, speeches, etc.) and thought leadership. Writes, oversees, and/or supports preparation of high-profile speeches, talking points, op-eds, and presentations, as well as client-facing collateral and internal staff engagement content. Updates and maintains a current global narrative and enriches a pool of messaging talking points – focused on IFC’s sector and cross-sector expertise. This includes regular, high-profile World Bank Group products, for which close coordination with the World Bank will be needed.

Teamwork and networks: Maintains effective professional relationships with key external and internal constituencies (e.g., the media, civil society, academia, businesses, government agencies, World Bank Group colleagues, thought leadership team, etc.). Builds and maintains close team relationships with World Bank communications colleagues. Works in partnership with other industry leads on relevant climate thematic issues, and ensures industry and regional perspectives, activities and deliverables are communicated more broadly under a climate business umbrella – both internally and externally.

Events: Oversees planning, coordination, and logistics, often across multiple teams, for UN climate summits, key corporate events organized as part of the Spring and Annual Meetings, press briefings, IFC-organized industry conferences and seminars, executive missions and speeches, public, media or broadcast appearances, and other communications-related activities involving external and/or internal audiences. For climate, this includes several high-profile events including COP, NY Climate Week and other international summits, as well as regular engagements with civil society organizations. 

Risk management:  Supports the Risk and Public Affairs unit in identifying and responding to risks in the context of corporate and operational communication interventions; advises specific internal and external stakeholders. Focus includes current events, public opinion, social or political issues and other external or internal developments related to IFC’s work in the climate area.

Team oversight: Leads climate communications working with a team (staff and consultants) focused on climate and coordinates closely with other Communications Leads that are responsible for sectors that have important climate commitments and initiatives. The Climate Communications Lead is charged with developing and monitoring high visibility communications plans and activities. For specific deliverables, s/he is responsible for assigning work, monitoring work quality, and reviewing output related to climate communications.

Resource management: Manages specific human and financial resources for specific tasks/projects, including supervising any procurements made for climate communications.

Selection Criteria

•  Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with 10 or more years of experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, political science, or other related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. In addition, a degree in Business Administration and/or working experience in Investment Operations will be valued.
•  Demonstrated ability to lead and manage relationships with senior industry colleagues and content experts and contribute to strategy development.
•  Proven ability to capture trends, case studies and innovations in communications products in a compelling, easy-to-understand manner.
•  Passion for climate issues and willingness to learn and engage on the diverse array of technical aspects of climate change, climate politics, sectoral challenges associated with climate responses, and IFC products and solutions in the climate space.
•  Proven ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze diverse information from various sources and an ability to learn, adapt, and to be innovative as new communications challenges arise.
•  Self-motivated, creative, excellent organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks.
•  Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to work in a team environment while providing leadership and strategic direction.
•  Excellent English writing and editing skills.
•  Understanding of multilateral development institutions, including the World Bank Group, its policies and operations; understanding of current development topics and issues, including a profound interest in and understanding of latest climate business realities a notable plus.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.