Senior External Relations Officer (Internal and Executive Communications Unit)

Job #:
req37684

Organization:
World Bank

Sector:
External Affairs & Corporate Relations

Grade:
GG

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 Senior External Relations Officer supports the development and execution of executive communications, institutional messaging, and thought leadership across the World Bank Group. Working closely with Senior Leadership Team communications leads and communications colleagues across the Bank Group, the role helps ensure a coherent One WBG narrative, strengthens the visibility and positioning of senior leadership, and advances communications priorities in support of the WBG's strategic objectives. The role reports to the Manager, Internal and Executive Communications, with a dotted line to the Director of Communications and Marketing.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Communications Coordination and Team Leadership
• Coordinate the work of Senior Leadership Team communications leads across the WBG, promoting consistency, quality, and alignment in executive communications.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and day-to-day leadership support to SLT communications leads and contribute to talent development across the broader CERCM team.
• Support the development of common standards, processes, and best practices, and serve as a key point of coordination between CER and Managing Director offices.

Institutional Messaging and Thought Leadership
• Lead the development and evolution of the World Bank Group's Senior Leadership Team messaging framework and thought leadership agenda.
• Ensure senior leadership communications reflect institutional priorities and a coherent One WBG narrative.
• Oversee the development of speeches, op-eds, briefing materials, and other flagship content in partnership with communications colleagues, subject matter experts, and senior leadership offices.

Senior Leadership Positioning and Visibility
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen the visibility and influence of WBG senior leadership across media, global forums, partnerships, and other high-impact platforms.
• Partner with the Marketing, Brand, and Experiential team to identify and activate opportunities for senior leaders to show up in unexpected or non-traditional venues and formats that expand reach and relevance with priority audiences.
• Identify opportunities that advance WBG priorities and support senior leaders in engaging key external audiences.

Communications Integration and Strategic Support
• Promote alignment across executive, external, and internal communications, working closely with communications colleagues to translate WBG priorities into compelling narratives and coordinated communications approaches.
• Support communications planning and execution during high-profile or reputationally sensitive situations.

Selection Criteria
• Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Public Affairs, Economics, or a related field, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in executive communications, strategic communications, thought leadership, or public affairs, ideally within a complex global organization.
• Proven ability to develop messaging strategies and translate institutional priorities into clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences.
• Excellent writing and editorial skills, including experience drafting speeches, op-eds, briefing materials, talking points, and other executive communications products.
• Experience advising and supporting senior leaders on high-profile communications initiatives, public engagements, and stakeholder outreach.
• Strong understanding of the global media landscape and experience supporting leadership visibility through media, events, and external engagement opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively across functions, teams, and organizational boundaries.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive issues in fast-paced and high-profile environments.
• Experience in a multilateral organization, international financial institution, government, or other international organization is highly desirable.

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.