IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries. Established in 1956, IFC is owned by 184 member countries, a group that collectively determines our policies. Our work in more than 100 developing countries allows companies and financial institutions in emerging markets to create jobs, generate tax revenues, improve corporate governance and environmental performance, and contribute to their local communities. IFC’s vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives.
We are looking to hire a Communications Officer to join our Regional Communications team, implement our communications strategy and develop content for Central Africa (including Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe) and Anglophone West Africa (including Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone), with flexibility to support other countries/sub-regions as needed. The right candidate will be highly organized, and a good team player. He/she is expected to travel, including in difficult markets where security issues might appear, as needed to effectively perform his/her role.
The Communications Officer will be an integral member of the Regional Communications Unit. This Unit works closely with Corporate and Industry communications teams to advance business development and communicate IFC’s impact in regions of coverage. Regional Communications Officers engage with IFC’s stakeholders (companies and businesses, development partners, civil society, and others) to promote projects that showcase IFC’s leadership and innovation as the premier partner of choice for the private sector in emerging and developing economies. The Regional Communications Unit collaborates regularly with counterparts within the World Bank Group.
Role and Responsibilities
The Communications Officer, Central Africa, and Anglophone West Africa will be based in Lagos, Nigeria, and report to the West and Central Africa Communications Lead based in Dakar, Senegal.
The Communications Officer, Central Africa, will be responsible for:
Advice and strategic communications:
- Serve as a trusted advisor on communications to IFC management and staff leading IFC’s operations in Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa.
- Provide guidance on internal and external communications, partnerships opportunities, and stakeholder engagement.
Coordinate with other regional Communications colleagues to design and execute a coherent communications strategy in the sub-region that elevates IFC’s brand in the region.
Messaging and Products:
- Conceptualize and supervise the preparation, production, and dissemination of communication products (e.g., feature stories, news releases, op-eds, blog posts, speeches, presentations, briefing notes, online and social media content, etc.) and thought leadership pieces.
- Write and/or oversee preparation of high-profile speeches, talking points, op-eds, and presentations, as well as client-facing collaterals and internal staff engagement content.
Networks:
- Initiate effective professional relationships with key external and internal constituencies (e.g., the media, civil society, academia, businesses, government agencies, influencers, World Bank Group colleagues, etc.), in accordance with priorities defined by the operational teams and Communications Management.
Events:
- Oversee planning, coordination, and logistics, often across multiple operational and communications teams, for IFC-organized conferences and seminars, executive missions and speaking engagements, public or broadcast appearances, press briefings, and other communications-related activities involving external and/or internal audiences.
Risk management:
- In collaboration with the African communications team, reputational issues and risk management team and industry communications team:
- Support risk identification and mitigation activities in the context of regional and operational communication interventions.
- Advise specific internal and external stakeholders on managing responses in challenging circumstances.
- Provide political economy analysis for relevant countries. Focus includes current events, public opinion, social or political issues, and other external or internal developments related to Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa.
Selection Criteria
- Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with 7+ years’ experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, political science, or other related field. In addition, a degree in Business Administration and/or working experience in Investment Operations will be valued.
- Solid background in communications
- Strong knowledge and experience working across in markets in Africa, especially in Nigeria or Central Africa, and in the private sector is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage relationships with senior executives.
- Demonstrated ability to engage with industry subject-matter experts and operational leads, understand technical aspects related to operations, portfolios, and investments, in order to develop impactful communications strategy.
- Proven ability to capture trends, case studies and innovations in communications products in a compelling, easy-to-understand manner.
- Proven ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze diverse information from varied sources and an ability to learn, adapt, and to be innovative as new communications challenges arise.
- Self-motivated, creative, excellent organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to work in a team environment.
- Demonstrated project-management skills, in relation to event organization.
- Excellent English and French, including writing and editing skills.
- Understanding of multilateral development institutions, including the World Bank Group policies and operations; understanding of current development topics and issues.
- WBG Core competencies: client orientation; drive for results; teamwork of collaboration and inclusion; knowledge, learning and communication; business judgement and analytical decision-making.
Method of Application
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