The Director, Communications (External Engagement & Planning) is one of two deputies to the Managing Director, Communications. They are responsible for external and strategic engagement, and have responsibility for a large team and delivery. The postholder is a member of the Bank’s Corporate Leadership Group.
The Director, Communications (External Engagement & Planning), contributes to the development of the Bank’s Communications strategy with responsibility for:
Communications Content strategy
Communications Planning and Commissioning
Measurement and Evaluation
Donor Visibility
Digital and Multimedia Production
The incumbent will have a highly visible role across the Bank. They will devise and deliver communications strategies and provide advice and counsel to the Bank’s most senior managers – the President, and members of Executive Committee and Senior Leadership Group.
The postholder will work closely with many teams, and build strong networks across relevant areas of the Bank (eg Advisors, MDs with relevant responsibilities).The postholder will take a broad approach to delivery.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
Lead and manage the Bank’s external communications through a variety of channels, ensuring adequate support and resources for successful team delivery.
Develop and implement relevant communications strategies, aligned to the Bank’s wider strategic goals, ensuring effective execution within the teams
Put in place detailed programme-level communication plans for the Bank’s business activities, as well as leading on campaign planning and commissioning;
Maintain relationships with key media contacts, helping to protect and enhance the Bank’s reputation.
Script key communications activities and be an effective advisor to key EBRD leadership – including the President
Oversee effective use measurement and evaluation of systems and implement actions arising from this work.
Innovate with new methods and style of communications, making use of emerging technologies and industry trends.
Drive to deliver communications in more efficient and effective ways by challenging processes and recommending new approaches
Ensure communications messages are consistent across all media
Advance and maintain strong working relationships with the Bank’s senior management and Members of the Board as required.
Lead the organisation of relevant events.
Actively lead relevant work streams and initiatives to advance departmental objectives.
Deputise in the Managing Director’s absence in order to ensure its continued delivery and smooth operation.
Assist the MD in the delivery of all the Department’s goals.
Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of staff including recruitment, compensation (as agreed with the Head of Department, if applicable), performance management, coaching and development.
Champion and role model the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times.
Work on any other area of department activity or relevant duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
Very good understanding of the EBRD, its mandate and the broad range of its operations as well as its interactions with its key partners.
Demonstrated success in aligning communications to support business strategy and embed the organisation’s values.
Strong experience of working with media, especially at international level, in a highly visible and challenging communications environment.
Experience of expertly managing communications in a challenging global environment.
Experience of advising senior leaders on communications issues.
Lengthy experience of applying different communications methods in a variety of different media – in particular, an awareness and understanding of developments in digital media will be expected.
Well established judgement skills at a leadership level and track record of strong solution-orientation and problem-solving.
Strong organising skills and management experience.
Demonstrable, strong analytical and decision making skills with a structured approach to delivery.
Strong leadership, partnership and influencing skills and the personal authority to effectively harness the cooperation of managers across departments with ability to work effectively at all levels of the organisation.
High political awareness and diplomatic skills, in order to influence a wide range of stakeholders.
Extensive management experience at a senior level.
Must be a team player and able to work with and manage through others in a matrix and collegiate style; strong coaching skills and ability to motivate individuals and teams from a variety of countries and cultures, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Excellent active listening skills and interpersonal and communication skills in English to communicate with a wide variety of people at all levels in the Bank, including the Board.
