Senior External Relations Officer (Internal and Executive Communications)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution established to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. It is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for development, with a mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. The organization comprises five institutions and has 189 member countries, operating in over 120 offices worldwide. The World Bank Group collaborates with 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 sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for people around the world. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Senior External Relations Officer plays a crucial role in the World Bank Group's Communications and External Relations Vice-Presidency (CER). This position is responsible for leading the Messaging team and providing strategic direction and oversight to ensure a coherent communications approach across the organization. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Internal and Executive Communications Manager and the Director of Communications and Marketing, to align communications with institutional priorities and enhance the World Bank Group's narrative. The role involves identifying high-impact storytelling opportunities, reinforcing the corporate narrative, and ensuring that communications reflect the organization's objectives. The officer will also serve as a strategic advisor, guiding messaging and storytelling for high-profile initiatives and complex issues, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of the World Bank Group's communications strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior External Relations Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and implementing a coherent corporate narrative that aligns with the World Bank Group's strategic priorities.
• Leading the Messaging team to ensure the delivery of impactful corporate messaging across the organization.
• Identifying and promoting high-impact stories that highlight the World Bank Group's work and achievements.
• Monitoring external trends and issues to inform communications strategies and narrative development.
• Serving as a strategic advisor to communications teams, providing guidance on messaging and positioning for high-profile initiatives.
• Reviewing and providing input on communications products to ensure alignment with the organization's narrative.
• Supporting communications planning for leadership engagements and major institutional moments.
• Coordinating with various teams to ensure narrative coherence and effective delivery of communications.
• Collaborating with communications colleagues across the organization to identify shared storytelling opportunities and strengthen teamwork.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, international relations, political science, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with additional relevant professional experience is acceptable. A minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in external communications, public affairs, media relations, or strategic communications is required, preferably within a global or complex institutional environment. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record in strategic communications, including narrative development and the integration of various communication approaches. Experience managing high-level media engagement and relationships, as well as designing and executing communications strategies for senior leaders, is essential. Excellent writing and editorial skills are necessary, along with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, international relations, political science, or a related field. A Bachelor's degree may be acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant professional experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of global communications and the strategic needs of the World Bank Group.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in fields related to external communications, public affairs, media relations, or strategic communications. This experience should ideally be gained in a global, multilateral, government, or complex institutional environment, demonstrating the ability to manage high-level communications and navigate complex workflows involving multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in additional languages is preferred but not required. Candidates who can communicate effectively in multiple languages may have an advantage in this role, given the global nature of the World Bank Group's work and its diverse stakeholder base.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a term duration of 4 years. It involves international recruitment, indicating that candidates from various countries may apply. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, 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 applicants regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.