Senior Communications Officer | Singapore, SG

Senior Communications Officer
Job #: req30422 Organization: IFC Sector: Communications Grade: GG Term Duration: 0 years 6 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Singapore, Singapore Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 11/29/2024 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description
IFC - a member of the World Bank Group - is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

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 East Asia's economic issues and play a vital role in generating growth and jobs and improving the quality of life for people? Then consider this opportunity.

We are looking for a Senior Communications Officer to join our Regional Communications team and serve as lead for East Asia and the Pacific (EAP Cluster). The EAP cluster is diverse, including major financial hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore, large portfolios like China and Indonesia, donor countries like Japan and Korea, emerging economies, and island nations. Responsibilities focus on developing and executing communications strategies, in line with business priorities agreed for each market. In addition to being a good team player, the right candidate will be highly organized, able to lead and make decisions, accountable and able to hold direct reports accountable as needed in order to drive an ambitious communications program forward. The selected candidate will be a trusted advisor for the office of the Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific, the Regional Director for East Asia Pacific, and Country Managers within the East Asia Pacific region. The selected candidate is expected to travel as needed to effectively perform their role.

Role and Responsibilities:

The Senior Communications Officer for East Asia and the Pacific will be based in Singapore and will report to the APAC Regional Communications Lead also based in Singapore. The selected candidate will work closely with the Senior Communications Officer and Lead for South Asia.

The Senior Communications Officer and lead for East Asia and the Pacific will be responsible for:

1. Advice and strategic networking:
   - Build and nurture network of contacts with key audiences - media, corporate executives, civil society, donor representatives, academia and think-tanks, government bodies, the World Bank Group and other international organizations as needed.
   - Provide strategic advice to the team and to internal clients on communications matters; identify/leverage opportunities for proactive, high-impact communications that help position IFC and its projects with relevant audiences.
   - Work collaboratively and maintain dialogue with IFC's operational teams to ensure that communications activities always support business development.
2. Messaging, products, and events:
   - Conceptualize and supervise the preparation, production, and dissemination of communication products (stories of impact, news releases, op-eds, blog posts, speeches, presentations, briefing notes, online and social media content, thought leadership pieces, issue briefs, talking points, presentations, Q&As, and reactive messaging/holding statements) for both internal and external use, as well as client-facing collaterals and internal staff engagement content.
   - Oversee communication activities around IFC-organized events and other public engagement opportunities.
3. Coordination and harmonization:
   - Control the quality of communications deliverables, per IFC's and WBG's standards.
   - Lead and manage an agile team of communications professionals to ensure effective delivery of a robust work program across the cluster.
   - Within the countries covered by the role, implement and leverage relevant Communications tools and work processes designed for the Communications and Outreach Department.

In collaboration with other Communications Units in IFC's Communications and Outreach Department, the Senior Communications Officer will also be responsible for:

1. Risk monitoring and mitigation:
   - Follow up, in close coordination with relevant World Bank Group colleagues, on economic and social trends issues affecting the business climate in the region. Provide insights to regional and communications management.
   - Support risk identification and mitigation activities.
   - Coordinate proactive and reactive effective stakeholder engagement and provide timely responses to questions and concerns.
   - Advise specific internal and external stakeholders on managing responses in challenging circumstances.
2. Corporate contributions:
   - Contribute to the successful implementation of IFC's overall Communications and Outreach strategy, ensuring that key themes of climate, gender, and private capital mobilization are reflected in EAP's communications efforts.
   - Actively support any mission or activity involving IFC's Managing Director.
   - Coordinate with IFC's Corporate Communications Unit on messaging, branding, and positioning.
   - Actively explore joint communications opportunities with World Bank Group counterparts and support the Joint Country Representation initiative.
3. Content coordination, with Industry Communications Unit:
   - Reflect relevant content from other units when appropriate in regional narratives and ensure that regional content is understood and well reflected in corporate and/or industry messaging.
   - Disseminate relevant content developed by other units when appropriate, especially papers and research pieces led by the global industry and cross-cutting themes communications unit; coordinate the dissemination of regional research pieces.

Selection Criteria
• Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with 10-12 years of experience in corporate communications, international relations, government relations, public affairs, political science, or another related field.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills as a fluent speaker in English. Other languages a plus.
• Strong understanding of main regional business trends and previous experience in the region.
• Strategic-thinking and ability to design and execute ambitious campaigns positively impacting stakeholders' perceptions.
• Ability to identify critical issues and turn them into concise messages for a variety of audiences.
• Understanding of IFC's business model and private sector development issues and clear vision of how effective communications can support operational delivery. Understanding of WBG's vision.
• Demonstrated media management experience and ability to quickly activate or develop personal networks of contacts (including media, influencers, opinion leaders, and corporate communications executives) if selected for the role.
• Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Strong team and project management skills; ability to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment to create a common purpose to help team members deliver at their best.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills to operate with tact and discretion when appropriate and successfully manage relations with senior management.
• WBG Core competencies: client orientation; drive for results; teamwork of collaboration and inclusion; knowledge, learning and communication; business judgement and analytical decision-making.

Note: This is a Development Assignment based in Singapore for an initial duration of 6 MONTHS. Only Term/Open Appointment Staffs are eligible to apply for this DAIS position.

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.