Senior Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution that was established to foster economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, ADB comprises 69 member countries, with 50 of these from the Asia and Pacific region. The organization is dedicated to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while also focusing on the eradication of extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its expanded vision under Strategy 2030, which aims to address the region's development challenges effectively. ADB is committed to creating an inclusive work environment that respects diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all employees, encouraging applications from individuals regardless of their background, gender, or abilities. Women are particularly encouraged to apply, reflecting ADB's commitment to gender equality and empowerment.

Job Overview:
The Senior Communications Specialist position is a pivotal role within the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Office of the Principal Director, specifically within the Department of Communications and Knowledge Management (DOCK). This role is designed for an individual who is passionate about fostering prosperity in Asia and is ready to contribute to the organization's mission of alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing the President's communications strategy, which involves creating high-quality content and managing engagement across various media platforms, publications, and events. The role requires a strategic thinker who can liaise effectively with the Office of the President and other partners to ensure that all messaging aligns with the President's leadership vision. The Senior Communications Specialist will also be tasked with monitoring and analyzing the effectiveness of communication efforts, compiling data for comprehensive reports, and supporting engagement on issues and crisis communications to protect ADB's brand and reputation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Communications Specialist include implementing the President's communication and engagement strategy under the guidance of the Principal Communications Specialist. The role involves serving as a focal point for cross-departmental collaboration regarding the President's communication and engagement plan. The Specialist will draft, edit, and produce content for various communication activities, including speeches, talking points, briefing notes, and video scripts, ensuring alignment with communication priorities. Additionally, the role requires preparing news releases, media kits, and background materials to support the President's media engagements, facilitating media relations by coordinating interviews and press conferences, and preparing content for the President's social media accounts. The Specialist will ensure rigorous quality control of all external-facing materials prior to final approval and will monitor and analyze the effectiveness of communication efforts, compiling data for reports and presentations. The role may also involve supporting engagement with the Office of the President on issues and crisis communications, as well as performing other related tasks as assigned by the Principal Director.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Senior Communications Specialist position, candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in Communications, Journalism, Public Policy, International Development, or relevant fields. Alternatively, a University degree combined with at least 5 years of specialized experience relevant to the position may be considered. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, providing strategic communication support to senior leadership, particularly at the international level. A demonstrated understanding of development issues, especially in the Asia and Pacific region, is essential. Proficiency in written and verbal English is mandatory, and international experience working in multiple countries is preferred. Experience in preparing and implementing strategic communications plans in a large organization, as well as mentoring junior team members, is also highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Communications Specialist position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in fields such as Communications, Journalism, Public Policy, International Development, or other relevant areas. Candidates with a University degree and significant specialized experience may also be considered. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and the development issues faced in the Asia-Pacific region.

Experience:
Candidates for the Senior Communications Specialist role should have at least 10 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include providing strategic communication support to senior leadership, particularly in an international context. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of working in diverse environments and will have experience in preparing and implementing strategic communications plans within large organizations. Additionally, experience in mentoring junior team members is preferred, as the role may involve overseeing less experienced staff.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, both written and verbal. This is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the Asia-Pacific region, as they can enhance communication efforts and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of extension for up to 2 additional years, conversion to a regular appointment, or termination at the end of the initial period based on ADB's needs and the staff member's performance. The appointment is open to both internal and external applicants, and multiple positions at various grades may be filled from this opening. The actual position title and grade will be determined based on the qualifications, experience, and job scope assigned to the selected applicants. ADB offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes housing and education allowances (if applicable), expatriate benefits (if applicable), a retirement plan, medical and health benefits, paid leave (including parental leave), life and other insurance plans, and opportunities for staff development.