Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization established in 1944 with the mission to promote global economic stability and growth. The IMF has a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on providing financial assistance, policy advice, and technical assistance to its member countries. The organization is committed to achieving a diverse staff, including with respect to gender, nationality, culture, and educational background. The IMF's Offices in Europe (EUO) include a sister office in Brussels, and the organization is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer will play a crucial role in the IMF’s Offices in Europe, specifically in the Paris office. This position is designed for a full-time local contractual employee who will be responsible for executing a variety of communications tasks. The selected candidate will report directly to the Director of EUO and will work closely with the Special Assistant to the Director for Communications. The primary focus of this role is to support the IMF’s communications and outreach activities across Europe, targeting diverse audiences such as media, parliamentarians, policymakers, and think tanks. The Communications Officer will help shape the communications strategy and will be involved in producing and disseminating various communications products, including newsletters, news digests, and social media content. Additionally, the officer will support outreach efforts by IMF Management and organize events and interviews, ensuring effective communication and coordination with colleagues in EUO and other departments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the IMF’s communications and outreach activities in Europe, targeting various audiences such as media, parliamentarians, and policymakers.
• Assisting in the production, dissemination, and maintenance of multiple communications products, including newsletters, news digests, and social media posts.
• Organizing events and interviews to facilitate outreach by IMF Management and other staff members.
• Coordinating closely with colleagues in EUO and the Fund’s European and Communications Departments to ensure alignment in communications efforts.
• Engaging with media representatives and managing relationships with key stakeholders to enhance the IMF’s visibility and impact in Europe.
• Monitoring and analyzing media coverage and public perception of the IMF’s activities in Europe.
• Contributing to the development of communication strategies that effectively convey the IMF’s messages and objectives.
• Utilizing relevant IT skills to manage social media platforms, create presentations, and maintain web content.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Communications Officer position are expected to possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• A master’s or equivalent university degree in a relevant field of study, such as communications, public relations, or international relations.
• A robust background in communications and outreach, with at least five years of relevant work experience, preferably in an international institution or government setting.
• Experience in engaging with media and organizing high-level events.
• A solid understanding of economics and finance, with the ability to distill key messages from economic reports for various communications products.
• Familiarity with the European institutional architecture and its dynamics.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English, with proficiency in French or other EU languages considered a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with counterparts at all levels of seniority.
• Personal initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work outside regular office hours and undertake travel as needed. 1
• Proficiency in relevant IT skills, including social media management, web design, and content maintenance.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Communications Officer position includes a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field of study. This could encompass areas such as communications, public relations, international relations, or other related disciplines that provide the necessary knowledge and skills for effective communication and outreach in an international context.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in communications and outreach. Experience in an international institution or government is highly desirable, particularly if it includes engagement with media and the organization of high-level events. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of successfully managing communications initiatives and producing impactful communications products.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as excellent spoken and written communication skills are essential. Additionally, proficiency in French or other EU languages is considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse audiences across Europe.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time local contractual role with a competitive salary and benefits package. The contract will be governed by IMF employment conditions for local employees recruited for positions outside of headquarters. The initial appointment term is one year, with the possibility of renewal. Candidates must be legally entitled to work in France and should be nationals or residents of the duty station or able to independently obtain a valid work permit before starting employment. Proof of nationality, residency, and/or work authorization will be required prior to employment. The IMF will not sponsor or assist with obtaining work permits. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in September, with the successful candidate expected to start in October or November.