Overview
The External Affairs Officer will serve as a primary media relations focal point for members of the press, executing communications strategies and monitoring for reputational risk. The role supports media engagement in regional markets and manages relationships with counterparts at key development partner agencies.
Key Responsibilities
- Serving as a primary WB media relations focal point for members of the media, including designing and implementing effective media relations and media monitoring strategies.
- Contributing to the development of communications plans for all major publication launches, key initiatives, and WB Senior Management visits.
- Preparing briefing materials for media and public engagements of Senior Management.
- Handling media requests, ensuring close collaboration with regional-based teams.
- Actively contributing to the planning, coordination, scheduling and logistics for press briefings, roundtables, major conferences and seminars, public or broadcast appearances, and other communications-related activities.
- Contributing to regular assessments of media-related reputational risk.
Required Experience
- At least five years of professional experience in Communications, Political Science, Economics, International Relations/Public Affairs, Journalism, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with multilateral organizations, development, and/or international financial institutions preferred.
- Proven track record of communications work, including strategic media management, combining traditional and digital strategies.
- Contacts, experience and skill in managing high-level communications with the media.
- Relationships and experience in working with NGOs, government officials, international institutions, business groups, and other audiences critical to the Bank's work.
- Proven ability to assess and identify reputational risk issues.
- Proven planning and organizational skills, ability to think strategically and translate into actionable communications.
- Proven ability to work both independently and in diverse teams in a multicultural setting with strong attention to detail and minimal supervision.
- Strong interest in development issues, strategic communication, and multilateral cooperation/negotiation.
- Ability to interact with internal and external clients at all levels, and to exercise judgment, tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive and/or confidential matters.
- Ability to take initiative, personal ownership, and accountability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, and achieve agreed-upon results.
Qualifications
Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
