Job Description

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.

We are currently searching for a Communications Adviser to work in the office of IFC’s Regional Director, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa and support IFC’s regional and country management team to implement IFC communications strategy and initiatives in Nigeria.

The Communications Adviser will articulate compelling narratives on the development impact of IFC’s operations in Nigeria, by working closely with IFC investment and advisory teams, regional strategists and economists, as well as with clients in the private and public sector. Under the supervision of the Regional Director, the Communications Adviser will engage with country officers and investment and advisory teams, and other operational staff/management to conceptualize, write and/or commission high-quality internal and external communications initiatives.

The Communications Adviser will be a 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. The Regional Communications Unit coordinates the communications network across the regions where IFC operates. The network’s objectives include supporting IFC’s operations, strengthening IFC’s brand and communicating its development impact to internal and external clients to demonstrate that IFC is the premier development institution focused on the private sector. It promotes IFC’s thought leadership and a better understanding of the key role of private sector in development, as well as managing reputational risks around IFC’s investments and policies.

The position will be based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The Communications Adviser will work to implement the communications strategy for IFC in Nigeria. The successful candidate will have a solid background in communications and will help to devise and implement strategies that position IFC as the leading international development finance organization for the private sector.

His/her accountability is to be the main focal point for communications work in Nigeria. He/she has overall responsibility for creating high-quality communications campaigns in Nigeria to grow the IFC

brand and awareness of IFC work in the country.

Specific responsibilities include, among others:

• Develop a communication strategy to support IFC’s operational targets in Nigeria and coordinate with other regional communications colleagues to design and execute a coherent communications strategy that elevates IFC’s brand in the region.

• Provide strategic communications advice and support to IFC management and staff implementing IFC’s operations strategy in Nigeria.

• Provides guidance on internal and external communications, reputational risk management, and stakeholder engagement in Nigeria.

• Conceptualize and supervise the preparation, production, and dissemination of communication products in Nigeria including op-eds, blogs, feature stories, profiles, speeches, online and social media content, press releases, briefing notes, thought leadership pieces and other materials for internal and external publication.

• 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 to support IFC Nigeria’s strategy.

• Identify Nigeria-focused stories and projects that support corporate campaigns and develop high-quality editorial and multimedia content.

• Develop and implement online and social media campaigns to target key audiences in Nigeria, and measure success in achieving them, including integrating social media and other audience engagement tools where relevant.

• Support risk identification and mitigation activities of operational communication interventions in Nigeria in collaboration with the wider communications team, reputational issues and risk management team and industry communications team.

• Build IFC’s brand in Nigeria through strong communications engagements.

• Increase IFC’s presence in Nigerian media and foster a better understanding of IFC’s work in Nigeria by developing media contacts and promoting newsworthy content and narratives in local, regional, international publications and digital platforms.

• Contribute to the broader effort to boost and strengthen the quality of IFC editorial content.

Selection Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree (required) and Master’s degree (desirable) in relevant fields such as Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance. Working experience in investments and/or development finance valued.

• Minimum of 10 years’ professional experience (required) in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs or other related field.

• State-of-the art knowledge in the field of strategic communications, and ability to address a range of issues related to a business group, including taking the lead on highly visible and sensitive assignments.

• 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.

• Highly developed verbal and written communications skills, ability to convey complex messages succinctly and diplomatically.

• Has a demonstrated and effective network of key contacts with the Nigerian print and online media.

• Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of target audiences, highly effective writing style, and expertise in high-impact messaging to global audiences.

• Crafts strategic, high-level company positioning in the market, and has a strong understanding of reputational risk and branding.

• Has excellent working knowledge of digital media including social media platforms and processes – particularly Facebook and Twitter – with experience in creating and sharing digital content.

• Shows sensitivity when delivering politically sensitive communication to large group/public forums and/or strategic parties.

• Effectively counsels /coaches team members, senior management in their delivery of messages to a variety of constituents, even on challenging topics.

• Anticipates problems and opportunities; with potential problems, surfaces contributing factors and resolves them before there is negative impact.

• Coaches others in selecting and using appropriate problem-solving methods.

• Can proactively advise management on the implications and risks for IFC operations when choosing between certain communication strategies. Creates highly effective strategic vision and has sound judgement.

• Takes initiative.

• Experience in working closely with senior leaders on communications and in dealing with media.

• Proven ability to operate effectively in a multicultural environment.

• Operational experience in Africa and knowledge of private sector development a prerequisite.

• Excellent English language proficiency is required.

• WBG Core Competencies for all staff: Client orientation; Drive for results; Teamwork of collaboration and inclusion; Knowledge, Learning and communication; and Business judgment and analytical decision-making

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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.

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