Senior Communications Officer, Africa Industries - JHB at World Bank Group

Context of the Position

Are you passionate about having an impact on people’s lives and contributing to solving some of the world’s greatest development challenges? Do you believe that the private sector can provide practical and efficient responses to Africa’s most pressing issues, and generate growth and jobs to drive down poverty and improve the quality of life for people? Would you like to support climate transition in critical industries and promote climate-smart solutions and processes ? Then consider this opportunity.

We are looking to hire a Senior communications Officer to join our Regional Communications team, implement our communications strategy and develop content for Africa-based industry groups, notably Financial Institutions Group (FIG), Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services (MAS), Infrastructure and Natural Resources (INR) and Disruptive Tech and Funds (CDF). 

The Senior 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 position will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa and will report to the Communications Lead for East Africa, North Africa and the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Senior communications Officer for Africa industry communications will be responsible for:

Advice and strategic communications: 

•  Serve as a trusted advisor on communications to IFC management, Africa industry directors and staff leading IFC’s operations in the various industry groups.  
•  Provide guidance on internal and external communications, partnership opportunities, and stakeholder engagement.
•  Coordinate with other regional Communications colleagues to design and execute a coherent communications strategy to ensure better understanding and endorsement of IFC industry groups’ work, achievements and prospects.
•  Proactively monitor industry trends in the region to inform the industry communications strategy and plan.

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 collateral 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. Notably: proactively engage and build relationships with IFC’s global industry colleagues and the industry communications unit.

Events: 

•  Oversee planning, coordination, and logistics, for IFC-organized industry 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 Africa communications team, reputational issues and risk management team and industry communications team:
•  Support risk identification and mitigation activities in the context of regional industry communication interventions.
•  Advise specific internal and external stakeholders on managing responses in challenging circumstances.

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. 
•  Demonstrated communications skills; experience on industry communications (in-house, in government agency or as communications consultant for industry companies) is a plus. 
•  Strong knowledge and experience working across in markets in Africa, and in the private sector is a plus.
•  Demonstrated ability to engage with senior executives and 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, including writing and editing skills. Written and oral proficiency of French. 
•  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.