Communications and External Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions that focus on providing funding and knowledge to developing countries. Established with the mission to eradicate extreme poverty, enhance shared prosperity, and promote sustainable development, the WBG has grown to include 189 member countries and operates over 120 offices worldwide. The organization collaborates with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and leverage data, research, and technology to address pressing global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Communications and External Affairs Officer plays a crucial role within the Western and Central Africa Communications and External Affairs team, stationed in the Nouakchott, Mauritania Country Office. This position is pivotal in designing and executing stakeholder engagement, communications, advocacy, and reputational risk management activities that align with the World Bank Group's strategic priorities in Mauritania. The officer will contribute to the delivery of the Communications and External Relations (CER) team's four business lines: Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Business Marketing, Advocacy & Campaigns, and Risk & Issue Management. The role demands strong judgment, political acumen, excellent communication skills, and the ability to foster relationships, identify opportunities and risks, and provide high-quality external affairs support. The officer will work closely with country and regional management, operational teams, and colleagues across various World Bank Group institutions to promote a coordinated approach to stakeholder engagement and communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain trusted relationships with government counterparts, development partners, private sector, media, academia, youth, and civil society to enhance understanding of the WBG’s role. Spearhead strategic partnerships that drive impact, maintain an active network of influencers, and advise the Country Manager and operational teams on effective stakeholder engagement approaches. Lead outreach programs that foster open discussions on reform challenges and manage media relations to broaden outreach opportunities.
• Strategic Business Marketing: Showcase the WBG’s integrated offerings by linking public policy reforms to private capital mobilization and knowledge services. Develop communication strategies that highlight results and demonstrate the impact of WBG support. Position the CMU country program within a broader regional context and promote success stories that illustrate WBG support's transformative impact.
• Advocacy and Campaigns: Contribute to regional and global advocacy efforts by localizing messages and supporting country-specific campaigns. Design and implement communications plans for major project launches, ensuring consistent messaging across channels. Draft and edit communications materials, simplifying complex concepts into compelling narratives.
• Risk and Issue Management: Monitor political, social, and media developments to identify potential risks and opportunities. Provide timely analysis and recommendations on sensitive issues and support the development of proactive communication strategies for high-profile projects.
• Corporate Coordination and Innovation: Collaborate with the regional communications network and ensure alignment with IFC and MIGA counterparts. Champion innovative communication approaches to enhance reach and impact, actively engaging in professional development opportunities within the WBG-wide Communication Network.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant mix of education and experience, including a Master’s degree with at least 5 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience in fields such as communication, journalism, public affairs, or international affairs. Experience in an international environment and a deep understanding of international trends and political/economic issues related to development are essential. Knowledge of and experience working with CMU government and public institutions, as well as private sector and civil society organizations, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate political awareness and the ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations, manage reputational risks, and engage effectively with senior executives. Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills are required, along with excellent English and French language proficiency, and Arabic is a plus.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in communication, journalism, public affairs, international affairs, or a related field is required. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their understanding of the complexities of communication in an international development context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communication, public affairs, or related fields, preferably within an international context. Candidates should have experience working with government and public institutions, as well as a proven track record of managing reputational risks and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is mandatory, with Arabic being a preferred language. Candidates should be able to write and edit complex communications products clearly and persuasively for various audiences.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of 4 years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.