Senior Communications & External Affairs Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a prominent global institution established to provide funding and knowledge to developing countries. It is a unique partnership comprising five institutions, dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty, enhancing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With a membership of 189 countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG collaborates with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and leverage data, research, and technology to address pressing global challenges. The organization is committed to fostering economic growth and improving living standards in developing regions, making it a vital player in international development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Communications & External Affairs Officer plays a crucial role within the Latin America Communications and External Affairs team, specifically based in São Paulo, Brazil. This position is integral to supporting the Brazil country program and acts as a strategic advisor to both country and regional management regarding stakeholder engagement, communications, advocacy, and reputational risk management. The officer will focus particularly on private sector engagement and communications support for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) program in Brazil. This entails positioning the World Bank Group’s public-private solutions, enhancing engagement with private sector stakeholders, and facilitating communications around IFC priorities, investments, partnerships, and broader private capital mobilization efforts. The role is essential for advancing the World Bank Group’s external affairs agenda in Brazil, driving initiatives across four key business lines: Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Business Marketing, Advocacy & Campaigns, and Risk & Issue Management. The position demands strong strategic judgment, political awareness, business acumen, and the ability to anticipate risks, influence stakeholders, shape narratives, and mobilize support for development priorities. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with country and regional management, operational teams, and colleagues across IBRD, IFC, and MIGA, contributing to a coordinated One World Bank Group approach across the Brazil portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Lead strategies to engage stakeholders that advance World Bank Group priorities and support country outcomes. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, media, and academia. Conduct stakeholder intelligence efforts, including mapping and monitoring trends that may impact World Bank Group priorities. Advise management on stakeholder dynamics and engagement approaches. Convene dialogues and public forums to advance policy discussions and amplify reform solutions. Identify and elevate stakeholder-driven issues that could affect operations or reputation.
• Strategic Business Marketing: Position the World Bank Group as a trusted partner in Brazil by articulating the value of integrated public-private solutions. Develop strategic narratives and communications products that support operational objectives and client engagement. Highlight flagship operations and success stories that demonstrate impact and generate demand for engagement. Strengthen visibility of the World Bank Group's work among government and private sector stakeholders.
• Advocacy & Campaigns: Lead advocacy and communications campaigns that support development priorities and institutional objectives. Develop compelling messaging that translates complex issues into accessible communications. Oversee the development of speeches, press releases, and other materials for senior management. Ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.
• Risk & Issue Management: Serve as a senior advisor on reputational risk, helping management anticipate and respond to developments that could affect operations or reputation. Lead risk assessments and issue management efforts for sensitive operations. Develop issue briefs and response strategies to support informed decision-making. Monitor political and social developments and assess their implications for operations.
• Corporate Coordination & Innovation: Promote integrated communications and stakeholder engagement across IBRD, IDA, IFC, and MIGA in Brazil. Support the development of the regional stakeholder engagement strategy and drive innovation through creative communications approaches. Mentor junior staff and contribute to building capacity across the communications network.

Required Qualifications:
A Master's degree with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, international affairs, political science, or a related field. Experience in an international environment with a strong understanding of Brazil and regional development issues, political economy, and emerging trends affecting developing countries. Knowledge of World Bank Group operations and the risks associated with communications and stakeholder engagement in a development context. Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing strategic communications and stakeholder engagement initiatives in complex environments. Proven ability to provide strategic advice to senior management and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Portuguese are essential.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, international affairs, political science, or a related field is required. The educational background should provide a strong foundation for understanding complex development issues and effective communication strategies.

Experience:
Candidates should possess at least 8 years of relevant professional experience in communications, public affairs, or a related field. Experience working in an international context, particularly in Brazil, is highly desirable. The role requires a demonstrated ability to engage with a broad range of stakeholders and manage reputational risks effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Portuguese is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a local recruitment role with a term duration of 4 years. 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.