Communication Consultant
International Finance Corporation - World Bank Group, Pakistan

1. BACKGROUND

IFC—a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work with more than 2,000 businesses worldwide, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in the toughest areas of the world. In fiscal year 2018, we delivered more than $23 billion in long-term financing for developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

2. OBJECTIVES/ PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT

IFC is seeking to recruit a Communication Consultant – with the position requiring a highly motivated and multi-skilled person with the ability to work well independently and as part of a team to promote IFC’s work in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The position, based in Islamabad, Pakistan, requires a highly motivated, multi-skilled, lateral thinking person who is able to work well independently, as well as part of a team. IFC is looking for someone with communications/journalism experience, with a proven track record of producing high-quality communications materials. Since IFC’s work with the private sector is about delivering development impact, IFC is seeking a communications consultant who’s interested in development and the role the private sector can play in meeting countries’ development challenges.

3. Role and Responsibilities:

Strategies: Plan, design and execute a communications strategy and activities to promote effective communications with external and internal audiences focused on IFC’s role and impact in Pakistan, as well as Afghanistan. A specific focus will be to identify and work out a plan of communication of high impact projects/stories and engagements across the two countries - Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Relationships: Build and manage effective professional relationships with key industry, government, development and civil society groups.

Position IFC’s Country manager and project team leads as spokespersons and thought leaders in the private sector development space across the country.

Responds to routine and non-routine inquiries about the IFC operations in a timely manner.

Business Development: Use a variety of tools, techniques, and resources to support business development and to strengthen IFC’s brand, including press releases, media pitching, website development, social media, promotional materials and business conferences.

Engage with IFC’s experts and, aided by research, create compelling proprietary content which can appear on the corporation’s own website, LinkedIn, Facebook, and as Op-Ed articles in newspapers and digital media outlets. The aim is to make good use of digital media, including social, to disseminate IFC’s work, strategy, and key messages.

Risk Management: Work closely with project teams and IFC clients to identify and mitigate reputational risks, enhance stakeholder engagement efforts, and clearly communicate the long- term development impact and IFC’s value-add in high profile projects.

Media Relations: Cultivate relationships with key journalists and secure press coverage for IFC initiatives in local as well as international media.

Products: Write, produce and disseminate of both routine and complex communication products (e.g., media packets, news releases, op-eds, brochures, Q&As, presentations, briefing notes, online and social media content, speeches, etc.) about IFC operations in the region.

Events: Coordinate scheduling and briefings for communications activities and events across the region (e.g. executive missions and speeches, press conferences, seminars, etc.) involving external and/or internal audiences.

Technical and advisory support: Advise IFC teams on trends, news developments, or changing/unexpected circumstances that may impact IFC and its work and help determine strategic responses. Provide communication support to IFC teams and clients.

Resource management: Handling simple and complex procurement tasks and/or issues.

The position involves working closely with communications staff based in Bangladesh as well as the head of communications for low income and fragile and conflict affected states for Asia and the Pacific. The communications consultant will report to the head of communications for South Asia. He/she will be required to work closely with the IFC leadership team and staff in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Selection Criteria

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English

Strong understanding of communications approaches, tools and methodologies related to planning, executing, and monitoring external communications strategies

Excellent working knowledge of social media platforms and processes – particularly Facebook and Twitter – with experience in creating and sharing social media content an advantage

Good knowledge of social, political, economic and business development issues

Ability to work to tight deadlines and juggle multiple tasks

Strong organizational, research and analytical skills

Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to work effectively with people at various levels

Ability to develop solid relationships with key stakeholders and to build partnerships

Ability to liaise with and manage external multi-media contractors to produce high-quality multi-media products

Some understanding of IFC and its work would be an advantage

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with internal/external partners

Ability to work effectively under stress

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Excellent computer skills

4. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, political science, international relations, public relations/affairs, marketing, journalism or any other related field, plus a minimum of two years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, such a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of proven practical experience in communications/journalism

Salary will be discussed during interview.

Job Rewards and Benefits