The Communications and Outreach Department is responsible for managing IFC’s communications and outreach strategy with a focus on the Corporation’s business priorities, including cross cutting themes. The department has five integrated units that facilitate strategic engagement with both internal and external stakeholders. The units include Corporate Communications, Regional Communications, Global Industry and Thematic Communications, Creative Productions, and Public Affairs & Risk management.
Role and Responsibilities:
The Principal Communications Officer, Internal Communications (Head of Internal Communications) will report to the Manager, Corporate Communications (Head of Corporate Communications), and work closely and seamlessly with other members of IFC’s Corporate Support Vice Presidency to support the organization’s overall communications efforts.
This role is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders within the organization, including senior leadership, HR, and other business units. The Head of Internal Communications will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive internal communications plan, including tactics such as town hall meetings, email communications, and other internal channels.
The ideal candidate for this position will have experience leading internal communications at a large, global organization. They should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as a demonstrated track record of capability to develop and execute a communications strategy.
The Principal Communications Officer’s main accountability is to plan, develop and implement a high-impact global internal engagement strategy for IFC. This involves developing and implementing a proactive approach to internal engagement, including setting standards for how IFC leaders communicate and engage with staff across IFC’s divisions. The Principal Communications Officer will coordinate with other relevant units within IFC, especially HR, as well as with the World Bank’s internal engagement team.
This role will conduct additional oversight activities as needed for the corporate communications department.
Other duties and responsibilities:
Develop and implement a comprehensive internal communications strategy
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders within the organization
Manage the development and distribution of internal communications materials, including newsletters, announcements, and other communications channels.
Plan and execute internal events, such as town hall meetings and all-hands meetings
Work closely with HR to ensure consistent and effective communication of IFC’s policies and procedures.
Collaborate with other business units to ensure that internal communications align with overall business objectives.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of internal communications programs and initiatives.
Manage a team of internal communications professionals, inclusive of HR and DEI communications; support their development and growth.
Stay up to date on industry best practices and trends in internal communications and incorporate them into the organization's internal communications strategy; regularly share industry good practice with colleagues.
Act as a back-up to the Corporate Communications Manager, taking on oversight and management activities as needed.
Selection Criteria:
Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with 12 or more years’ experience in internal communications/corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, political science, or another related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. In addition, a degree in Business Administration and/or experience in the financial sector will be valued.
Big-picture thinker with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills while effectively maintaining a pulse on details.
Excellent writing, editing, and research skills and an ability to quickly produce quality, engaging, and crisp documents and presentations.
Strong knowledge of and practical experience in a range of internal communications planning and implementation approaches for town hall meetings, email communications, and other internal channels.
Demonstrated experience presenting to and interacting with a range of internal stakeholders, including senior leadership and staff groups.
Solid conceptual, research and analytical skills, with an ability to think strategically and rapidly synthesize information from varied sources into concise conclusions and recommendations.
Familiarity with online writing techniques including writing/editing for online platforms.
Ability to work under stress and to juggle multiple tasks on tight deadlines.
Demonstrated willingness to assist others and perform whatever tasks are necessary to help the team achieve its goals.
Strong interpersonal skills and excellent team player; able to influence across teams.
Ability to deal sensitively in a multi-cultural environment and to build effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.
Demonstrated ability to supervise, motivate, and lead complex and diverse teams across different time zones and cultures.
High levels of initiative, judgment, and decisiveness in accomplishing tasks; proven ability to work independently; good time-management skills and an eye for detail; ability to work effectively under stress and to juggle multiple tasks within tight deadlines.
Experience working on cross-functional teams.
Strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
