External Affairs Officer

Job #:
req37681

Organization:
World Bank

Sector:
External Affairs & Corporate Relations

Grade:
GF

Term Duration:
4 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:
7/29/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

The External Affairs Officer leads content coordination and production for the World Bank Group's Senior Leadership Team (SLT), championing creative ways to elevate their voice and visibility across social media and digital platforms. The role drives day-to-day social media management, multimedia content development, and cross-institutional coordination to ensure SLT communications are timely, strategic, and aligned with World Bank Group priorities. Success requires exceptional storytelling skills, editorial judgment, and a strong understanding of the global development landscape.

Key Responsibilities
• Social Media Strategy & Management: Under the supervision of the Manager, External Affairs, manage SLT social media accounts daily, including drafting, clearing, scheduling, and posting content. Provide strategic counsel on positioning SLT members as leading voices in international development; ensure accounts are consistently populated, current, and aligned with corporate priorities. Produce and maintain an integrated editorial calendar reflecting SLT strategic goals, major moments, and institutional priorities. Champion innovative and new storytelling approaches across platforms.
• Content Production & Multimedia: Plan and produce compelling content-social posts, blogs, videos, graphics, and other multimedia-tailored to high-level internal and external audiences. Lead rapid-response digital content for fast-moving events, as well as planned content for long-term priorities and thematic campaigns. Support video production from concept to final edit; capture and edit photos, short-form videos, and audio products as needed.
• Cross-Institution Collaboration: Coordinate with corporate, regional, and Global Practice teams to amplify SLT content across relevant channels. Work closely with online producers and communicators across the World Bank Group to maximize reach and impact. Ensure timely dissemination and promotion of SLT speeches, mission travel, blogs, and other communications products.
• Performance Insights & Optimization: In partnership with the ECR Business Intelligence team, establish KPIs and regularly review performance metrics. Use analytics to refine strategy, identify growth opportunities, and issue monthly insights and recommendations. Monitor peer and comparator accounts to identify trends, innovations, and leading practices.

Selection Criteria
• Master's degree in communications, journalism, political science, international affairs, public relations, marketing, or related field plus 5+ years of experience; or Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in social media strategy, digital marketing, multimedia content production, and website content management; strong video production and editing skills are a significant asset.
• Proven ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines; strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working in cross-functional, global, or matrixed teams; ability to build strong networks and collaborate effectively across regions and time zones.
• Strong interpersonal, diplomatic, and teamwork skills; commitment to working in a multicultural environment.

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.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.