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Home > Jobs > Employment Opportuni... > Professional/Technical

The Human Development Network (HDN ) of the World Bank devises promising new policy approaches in the fields of education, health, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, population, and social safety nets to better invest in people’s human welfare  in low, and middle-income countries. 
The Network also manages the Bank’s relationship with global partnerships and alliances in the human development arena; serves as the Bank’s global and national coordinator for H1N1 and other pandemic-flu-related work;  supervises the majority of Bank impact evaluations of HD projects and programs; and is also home to the largest concentration of donor Trust Funds within the Bank. In addition, HDN houses the Secretariat for the Education For All: Fast Track Initiative.
In this context, HDN is seeking a Communications Officer, Level GF, to join the HDN Communications Team currently comprised of two senior communications staff.

Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 3 year renewable term appointment.

Duties and Accountabilities

The Communications Officer’s overall responsibilities will be to work with the HDN Communications team to raise the profile of the Network’s contribution to achieving better human development results, in keeping with the transformational promise of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals, and the Bank’s middle-income country agenda.  

Specific duties may include the following:
•	Within the HDN communications strategy framework and overall objectives, planning, designing, executing, and monitoring and evaluating the impact of complex communications strategies, activities, and campaigns about the Network’s work.
•	Determines the types of information and communications activities that are best suited to addressing issues or problems and identifies relevant information sources.   
•	Writes and/or oversees the preparation, production, and dissemination of both routine and complex outreach products (e.g.,  briefing notes,  backgrounders, news releases, op-eds/articles, presentations,  Q&As, websites, speeches, etc.) that promote the strategic and timely flow of information and key messages about HDN and the Bank, their policies and operations to key internal and external audiences.
•	Initiates and sustains effective relationships with key internal and/or external constituencies (especially including policymakers in client governments, donor countries, parliamentarians, civil society and private sector groups in both North and South, global and national media, etc.).  
•	Identifies opportunities for and forges strategic partnerships both inside and outside the Bank to improve dialogue and outreach and to strengthen the overall effectiveness and image of the Network and the Bank.
•	Monitors and analyzes current events and public and press opinion with a view to risk management.  Advises HDN staff on emerging trends or new issues in the development media or external constituencies that may affect the operating environment of the Network or the wider Bank. Also helps to determine appropriate strategic responses. 
•	Frequently contacts internal and external target audiences on Network and Bank policies and positions that are sometimes complex and/or sensitive, via media briefings, conferences, etc.  Routinely gives presentations and/or represents the Network and the Bank at external events of small-to-medium-sized target groups.
•	Oversees planning, coordination, scheduling and logistics, often across multiple teams, for press briefings, major conferences and seminars, public or broadcast appearances, and other communications-related activities sponsored by the Network or the Bank. May assign work and provide guidance to others charged with developing various communications products for specific campaigns.

Selection Criteria

•	Thorough knowledge of and practical experience in a full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning, executing, and monitoring communications strategies – e.g., campaign management, media operations, social marketing, opinion research, audience outreach, message targeting, and so on.  Ability to plan and successfully implement a comprehensive communications program in support of defined objectives.
•	Proven planning and organizational skills.  Strong conceptual and research/analytical skills, with the ability to think strategically and rapidly respond with authoritative recommendations.
•	Excellent oral, and written communications, and presentational skills.  Spoken and written fluency required in English.  Proficiency in another language a plus.
•	Strong computer skills; ability to use standard Bank technology, e.g., Word, Lotus Notes, PowerPoint, Internet, Excel, etc. Experience writing, editing, and producing for the Web (basic knowledge of HTML and other multimedia abilities) desirable.
•	Effective interpersonal skills; demonstrated political awareness and diplomacy in managing sensitive issues with key audiences and the ability to work effectively with internal/external partners in a multicultural environment.
•	Adroit understanding of the Human Development Network and the issues inherent in its work, its policies and operations; up-to-date knowledge of current development topics and issues, and ability to identify communications-related risks and opportunities in an international environment
•	Minimum Education: MA/MS (Communications, International Relations/Public Affairs, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science, or other related field.)
•	Minimum Years of Relevant Experience: MA degree and a minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in one or more professional disciplines, or a Bachelors degree in a relevant field and 10 years of relevant experience.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background.  Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.  All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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