Communications and External Relations Officer

About the Role and Organization

The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global partnership of five institutions focused on ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the WBG invests in projects and uses research and technology to address critical global challenges.

The Communications and External Relations (CER) department supports the WBG's mission by managing corporate communications, engaging stakeholders, enhancing the Bank's reputation, and supporting operational teams across its regions and divisions, including IBRD, IDA, IFC, and MIGA.

Position Overview

This role is part of the Latin America and Caribbean CER team, located in Kingston, Jamaica, reporting to the Senior Communications and External Affairs Officer for the Caribbean. The officer will drive stakeholder engagement, communications, advocacy, and reputation risk management in support of WBG priorities within Caribbean countries.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture trusted relationships with a broad spectrum of stakeholders including government, development partners, private sector, media, academia, youth, and civil society to advance understanding of the WBG.
• Lead partnership initiatives that enhance the impact of WBG's work and maintain an active network of influencers to communicate key messages.
• Advise operational teams on transparent and participatory engagement strategies and support two-way communication channels to integrate grassroots insights into planning.
• Manage media relations within the Caribbean CMU and expand outreach opportunities.
• Design and implement communication strategies that connect public policy reforms, private sector mobilization, and knowledge services to showcase WBG's integrated offerings.
• Promote regional narratives highlighting resilience, private sector growth, and integration, through compelling success stories and thought leadership content, utilizing digital platforms for distribution.
• Contribute to advocacy campaigns, tailoring global and regional messaging for local contexts, managing campaign rollouts, and crafting high-quality communications materials such as press releases and social media content.
• Monitor socio-political and media landscapes to identify and manage reputational risks and opportunities, providing strategic advice and coordinating unified institutional responses when necessary.
• Engage as a core member of the regional communications network, collaborating with IFC and MIGA to present unified messaging and champion innovative, data-driven communication techniques including digital storytelling and influencer engagement.

Qualifications and Selection Criteria

• Master's degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination in fields such as communications, journalism, public affairs, or international relations.
• Experience in international environments with knowledge of development-related political and economic issues.
• Familiarity with Caribbean governments, public institutions, private sectors, and civil society organizations.
• Awareness of WBG operations and current development topics, with ability to assess communications and reputational risks.
• Strong political acumen with demonstrated ability to manage sensitive stakeholder relationships and reputational issues at senior levels.
• Excellent English communication skills, adept at producing clear, structured, and persuasive content for diverse audiences; French proficiency is advantageous.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks, take initiative, and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to multicultural work environments.

Work Culture Attributes

• Sense of urgency to promptly address stakeholder needs.
• Encouraged thoughtful risk-taking to challenge the status quo.
• Empowerment and accountability to inspire action and results.

Benefits and Equal Opportunity

The WBG provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, medical, life, and disability insurance, paid leave including parental leave, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization supports diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate based on gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.