Principal Communications Officer, LAC Region

Job Posting Organization:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of the World Bank Group, which is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Established to help countries solve their greatest development challenges, the World Bank Group is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG collaborates with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects and utilize data, research, and technology to develop solutions to urgent global challenges. The IFC specifically focuses on the private sector in emerging markets, working in more than 100 countries and leveraging private sector solutions to create markets and opportunities. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, aiming to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit their website at https://www.ifc.org.

Job Overview:
The Principal Communications Officer for the LAC region will play a crucial role in supporting communications and stakeholder engagement across Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This position is designed for a seasoned professional who can strategically position the region’s communications in alignment with development priorities. The officer will provide expert advice and operational support on stakeholder engagement, reputational risk management, campaigns, and strategic business marketing. The role requires a deep understanding of the LAC region's political, social, and economic dynamics, as well as the mission and values of the World Bank Group. The officer will be responsible for coordinating the delivery of the WBG’s LAC communications work program, ensuring consistency of messaging, and integrating IFC-specific priorities. This position demands strong leadership skills, the ability to make decisions, and a commitment to driving an ambitious communications program forward, including travel as necessary to fulfill the role effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain trusted relationships with key decision-makers and influencers, reaching emerging audiences such as Gen Z and private sector champions. Mobilize coalitions across various sectors, including government, academia, and civil society, to support WBG priorities. Integrate stakeholder insights into country strategies to enhance relevance and results.
• Strategic Business Marketing: Position the WBG’s integrated offer by linking public policy reforms with private capital solutions. Demonstrate impact through evidence and client testimonials, promoting replicability of WBG tools. Amplify success stories that showcase WBG leadership in priority sectors.
• Advocacy and Campaigns: Mobilize networks behind priority reforms, ensuring co-ownership from strategy to impact. Target audiences with tailored narratives to increase demand for WBG solutions.
• Risk and Issue Management: Provide insights that shape strategy and open opportunities, monitor political and media trends, and develop proactive plans for sensitive issues.
• Strategic Communications Support: Coordinate a team of communications professionals to ensure effective delivery of the WBG communications work program. Provide strategic advice to internal clients and enhance partnerships for efficient risk mitigation.
• Performance Management: Support talent management initiatives and manage performance through feedback and quality control.
• Corporate Coordination: Participate in regional management committees and develop communications strategies for cross-regional initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, international relations, public affairs, marketing, business, or finance, along with 12-15 years of experience in corporate communications or related fields. Strong verbal and written communication skills in both Spanish and English are essential, with a working knowledge of Portuguese preferred. Candidates should demonstrate creative thinking and the ability to identify critical topics and trends for impactful messaging. Previous experience in senior communications roles within the private sector in the LAC region is required, along with demonstrated media relations experience and the ability to activate networks of contacts. Experience in sensitive communications and reputation management is also necessary, along with strong team and project management skills.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, international relations, public affairs, marketing, business, or finance is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of communications in a global development context.

Experience:
Candidates should have 12-15 years of relevant experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, or a related field. This experience should include senior communications roles, particularly within the private sector in the LAC region, demonstrating a strong understanding of the political and economic landscape.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is mandatory for this position, with at least a working knowledge of Portuguese expected to successfully perform in the role. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication with diverse stakeholders across the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is advertised as an international recruitment with a standard international package. The contract duration is for 3 years, and the role is based in Bogota, Colombia. The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.