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 knowledge, helps to increase understanding of the key role of private sector in development, and manages reputational risks around IFC’s investments and policies.
The position will be based in New Delhi, India and reports to the Head of Asia and Pacific Communications, based in Singapore.
Roles and Responsibilities:
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced communications professional to implement the communications strategy and activities for IFC in South Asia. The successful candidate will have a solid background in communications, preferably with experience in South Asia and/or the broader Asia and Pacific region, and will help to devise and implement strategies that position IFC as the leading international development finance organization for the private sector.
Specific work areas include the following:
Products: Conceptualizes and supervises the preparation, production, and dissemination of communication products (e.g., news releases, multimedia content, briefing notes, digital content) for the department. Writes and/or oversees preparation of high-profile speeches, talking points, op-eds, and presentations, as well as client-facing collateral and internal staff engagement content.
Networks: Initiates effective professional relationships with key external and/or internal partners (e.g., media, civil society, academia, businesses, government agencies, influencers, World Bank Group colleagues).
Events: Oversees planning, coordination, and logistics, often across multiple teams, for IFC-organized conferences and seminars, executive visits and speeches, public or broadcast appearances, press briefings, and other communications-related activities involving external and/or internal audiences.
Risk management: Supports risk identification and mitigation activities in the context of regional and operational communication interventions; advises specific internal and external stakeholders; and provides political economy analysis for relevant countries. Focus includes current events, public opinion, social or political issues, and other external or internal developments related to South Asia.
Supervisory oversight: Leads and supports others charged with developing and monitoring high visibility communications plans and activities. For specific deliverables, responsible for assigning tasks, monitoring quality, reviewing output and ensuring that staff and consultants in the unit are effectively trained to successfully deliver the work.
Selection Criteria:
Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with 8 or more years’ experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, political science, or other related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. In addition, a degree in Business Administration and/or working experience in Investment Operations will be valued.
Strong knowledge and experience working across markets in Asia and the private sector is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to lead and manage relationships with senior industry colleagues and content experts and contribute to strategy development.
Proven ability to capture trends, case studies, and innovations in communications products in a compelling, easy-to-understand manner.
Proven ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze diverse information from varied sources and an ability to learn, adapt, and to be innovative as new communications challenges arise.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to work in a team environment.
Excellent English skills including writing and editing skills.
Understanding of multilateral development institutions, including the World Bank Group, its policies and operations; understanding of current development topics and issues.
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.
