| Description Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. Please visit www.worldbank.org.
External and Corporate Relations Vice-Presidency (ECR)
The mission of External and Corporate Relations (ECR) is to help deliver financial and political support for the World Bank Group, strengthen the Bank Group’s role as a global thought leader in development by enhancing and safeguarding its reputation, and supporting operational teams to achieve country outcomes. ECR manages corporate communications and global engagement with key stakeholders, including media, civil society, foundations, private sector, donor countries, and international organizations, as well as employee engagement. ECR also manages strategic communications for the World Bank’s Regions and Global Practices and leads the management of reputation risk.
ECR Communication & Content (ECRCM)
Communications and Marketing at the World Bank Group is a unified, strategic organization representing all areas of the institution. Its mission is to deliver world-class communications and marketing leadership—driving clarity, creativity, innovation, and impact across every audience and channel. Through compelling storytelling, global brand stewardship, and data-driven engagement, the team advances the Bank Group’s vision of creating a world free of poverty on a livable planet. Together, we shape the institution’s voice, strengthen trust and reputation, and connect the World Bank Group’s work to people and partners around the world. The External Communications Manager leads external communications strategy to protect and enhance the World Bank Group’s public profile. Overseeing Media Relations and External Communications, Crisis and Issue Management, Media Partnerships, Influencer/Creator Relations and Social Media, and Media Hubs, this role ensures consistent messaging across channels and swift, strategic response to public issues. The Manager serves as a spokesperson and reputational guardian, aligning external communication efforts with the World Bank Group’s mission and values.
Key Responsibilities:
• Media Relations and External Communications: Oversee media relations globally, cultivating relationships with key journalists and outlets, proactively pitching stories, and responding to media inquiries in a timely, professional manner. Work across teams to identify newsworthy stories and promotion opportunities that highlight the Bank Group’s impact. Oversee the preparation and distribution of press releases, media kits, and official statements. Coach spokespeople and subject matter experts for media interviews to ensure they deliver messages effectively.
• Crisis and Issue Management: Serve as the point lead for crisis communications and reputational risk issues. Develop crisis communication plans and protocols in advance and lead the response in consultation with the ECR Risk team when issues arise (e.g., controversies, operational crises). Draft holding statements, Q&As, and coordinate with legal/leadership teams to ensure swift issue escalation and consistent, transparent communication to maintain public trust.
• Media Partnerships: Identify and manage strategic media partnerships or content collaborations that can amplify One World Bank Group messaging (e.g., sponsored content with prominent publications, co-hosted events/webinars with media organizations). Leverage partnerships to extend the Bank’s reach into target audiences and geographies.
• Influencer/Creator Relations: Define and execute an influencer strategy aligned to organizational priorities; identify, vet, and onboard creators; craft briefs and content calendars; and manage end‑to‑end campaigns across platforms while ensuring message alignment and brand integrity. Build and maintain relationships with key creators and talent managers, negotiate contracts, ensure compliance with disclosure, brand, and platform policies, and coordinate closely with legal and regional/country communications teams.
• Social Media: Oversee the social media team strategy, ensuring corporate social channels engage audiences and echo key messages. Guide the creation of shareable content (graphics, videos, posts) that aligns with World Bank Group thematic priorities and campaigns. Implement a creator/influencer engagement program to expand reach among digital communities, while maintaining brand voice and standards. Review social media metrics and adjust strategies to improve engagement.
• Regional Media Hubs Coordination: Supervise a team of regional communications officers representing World Bank Group “media hubs” around the globe. Align priorities, share content, and uphold standards so engagements reinforce the global narrative while fitting local contexts.
• Monitoring & Insights: Continuously monitor public sentiment, media trends, and the external issues landscape. Use media monitoring tools and analytics to measure the impact of communications efforts (press hits, sentiment, share of voice). Provide regular feedback to leadership on reputational issues and advise on external opportunities or emerging risks.
Selection Criteria An advanced degree in communications, journalism, political science, international relations, public affairs, or other related fields, and 12 to 15 years of substantial professional experience in positions of increasing complexity and responsibility. • Proven ability to manage media relationships and secure favorable coverage. Strong network of media contacts or the skills to build one. Experience crafting press releases and media pitches that get results. Comfortable acting as and coaching a spokesperson in high-pressure situations. • Demonstrated experience handling communications during crises or sensitive issues. Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment under pressure. Knowledge of crisis communication best practices and issues management strategies. • Broad understanding of how to shape public narratives and align messaging with organizational strategy. Skillful in messaging diverse audiences (from government partners to the general public) and managing multi-channel campaigns. Capable of defining key performance indicators for communication efforts and evaluating success. • Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams and coordinating cross department initiatives. Able to guide and mentor staff in media, PR, and social media roles. Excellent project management–able to prioritize tasks in fast-moving environments and coordinate responses across time zones when needed. • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Adept at writing press materials, op-eds, talking points, and speeches. A persuasive storyteller who can boil down complex issues into clear, impactful messages. • Solid understanding of social media platforms and how to use them for reputation management. Familiarity with influencer marketing and content creation trends. Able to interpret social media analytics and adjust tactics accordingly. • High degree of professionalism and ethical standards in dealing with sensitive information. Diplomatic and culturally aware; capable of representing the World Bank Group appropriately in diverse global media environments. WBG Managerial Competencies
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results. The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. |
