Communications and External Relations Associate

Communications and External Relations Associate

World Bank

August 17, 2026October 1, 2026PretoriaSouth Africa
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1944, the organization has grown to include 189 member countries and operates in over 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, working with public and private sector partners to invest in groundbreaking projects and utilize data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. The organization aims to enhance shared prosperity and improve living standards for people in developing nations.

Job Overview:
The Communications and External Relations Associate plays a crucial role within the Regional Stakeholder Engagement team at the World Bank Group. This position is focused on implementing stakeholder engagement, communications, advocacy, and reputational risk management activities across the region. The associate will contribute to advancing the World Bank Group's regional stakeholder engagement agenda through the delivery of services across four business lines: Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Business Marketing, Advocacy & Campaigns, and Risk & Issue Management. The role requires strong digital communication skills, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to develop engaging social media content. The associate will work closely with regional and country management, operational teams, and colleagues across various World Bank Group institutions to ensure a coordinated approach to external relations. The position is designed for individuals who are innovative and prepared to utilize both traditional and digital tools to shape discussions on development priorities and trade-offs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Support stakeholder engagement activities through social media and digital communications to broaden awareness of regional priorities. Monitor online conversations and audience engagement to identify stakeholder concerns and opportunities. Use analytics to strengthen stakeholder engagement and improve regional communications. Support digital engagement for virtual events and consultations. Contribute to knowledge sharing across the regional stakeholder engagement network.
  • Strategic Business Marketing: Publish and maintain regional web content, ensuring it is timely, accurate, and aligned with World Bank Group standards. Develop digital content that highlights flagship operations and regional priorities. Implement editorial calendars across social media and web platforms. Monitor website performance and recommend improvements based on digital analytics.
  • Advocacy & Campaigns: Manage the region's social media channels and develop engaging content that supports advocacy campaigns. Create platform-specific content, including graphics and videos, that translates complex topics into engaging material for diverse audiences. Monitor campaign performance and optimize content using analytics.
  • Risk & Issue Management: Monitor social media and online communities to identify emerging issues and stakeholder sentiment. Analyze online narratives to provide insights that support communications around policy reforms. Prepare regular reports on social media listening and digital insights. Support rapid communications during major announcements or events by coordinating timely publication of content and monitoring audience response.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant mix of education and experience, including a Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, digital communications, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in digital communications, social media management, or stakeholder engagement is required. Demonstrated experience in developing and managing social media content and campaigns across multiple platforms is essential. Candidates should have experience managing website content and applying editorial standards to ensure high-quality digital communications. Familiarity with social media analytics and digital publishing best practices is also necessary. Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills are crucial, along with the ability to translate complex topics into clear digital content.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, digital communications, international relations, or a related field is required. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective communication and stakeholder engagement in a global context.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in digital communications, social media management, or related fields. This experience should include developing and managing social media content, monitoring online conversations, and using digital analytics to inform communications strategies. Experience working with senior executives and managing reputational risks is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Portuguese is preferred, and familiarity with French is also desirable. These language skills will enhance the associate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communicate effectively across different platforms.

Additional Notes:
The position is a local recruitment opportunity 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 opportunity for all employees regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. The work environment is collaborative, and the organization values a service-oriented approach.
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