Senior communications officer

Background / General description

The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) is a partnership of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) system to support the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). The HFA is the primary international agreement for disaster reduction, adopted by one hundred sixty-eight (168) governments and multilateral organizations, including the World Bank. The principal strategic goal of the HFA is to effectively integrate, in a coherent manner, disaster risk considerations into sustainable development policies, planning, programming, and financing at all levels of government.

The GFDRR is managed by the World Bank on behalf of the participating donor partners and other partnering stakeholders. The work of the GFDRR is divided into three tracks.

Track I is designed to enhance global and regional advocacy, partnerships, and knowledge management for mainstreaming disaster reduction.

Track II is directed at mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in country development processes to ensure that risk assessment s, risk mitigation, risk transfer, and emergency preparedness are incorporated into in all strategic plans and programs. This track is designed to provide ex ante support, primarily through technical assistance to enhance investments in risk reduction and risk transfer mechanisms, as well as disaster management planning to low- and middle-income country governments.

Track III supports primarily low-income countries for accelerated disaster recovery and risk reduction in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

Through Track II, the GFDRR has funded more than 130 disaster risk reduction and inter-related climate risk management programs in more than 54 disaster-prone low and middle-income countries. Its portfolio has grown to over $ 200 million since the establishment of the Facility in September 2006. Under the overall guidance of a high level Consultative Group (CG) of donors, UN and World Bank, co-chaired by World Bank Sustainable Development Vice President and the Government of Netherlands, GFDRR Secretariat at the World Bank headquarters manages the global operations of this partnership under the ISDR system.

To achieve increased impact, GFDRR now focuses on a select group of priority countries. GFDRR’s Track II prioritizes operations in 20 core countries. The countries were selected due to their high vulnerability to natural hazards and low economic resilience to cope with disaster impacts including anticipated climate change and variability. These 20 core countries will receive 80 percent of available funds while 20 percent will be made available for flexible, innovative, high impact grants, such as those that catalyze increased investment programs and integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in development in any disaster prone country. GFDRR will also systemize and deepen its engagement in 11 single donor trust fund countries.

To develop a strategic and integrated vision, GFDRR has prepared comprehensive programs for disaster risk management and climate change adaptation for the next three to five years in each of the priority and donor earmarked countries. Communication plays a key role in planning, implementing, and sustaining GFDRR’s long-term development initiatives, facilitating knowledge sharing, and promoting the active participation of all stakeholders.

Duties and Accountabilities

GFDRR is seeking a Senior Communications Officer to oversee and implement GFDRR’s strategic communications and partnership efforts. Working under the overall guidance of the GFDRR Program Manager, and in close coordination with the GFDRR Track Team Leaders, Regional DRM Coordinators and the Communications Adviser for the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Network, the Senior Communications Officer will:

• Design, develop and execute communication strategy for the GFDRR and ensure the strategy is aligned with corporate priorities, demonstrate Bank/GFDRR impact and anticipate reputational risk issues.
• Draft and edit articles for the internal and external website, newsletters, and other communications products including key publications.
• Advise Program Manager and prepare management briefings on trends, news developments, public opinion, or changing/unexpected circumstances that may impact the Bank and its work in DRM. Leverage multiple communications platforms including social media channels and help determine appropriate and best-practice strategic responses to address them.
• Provide leadership and innovation in the planning, design, execution, and evaluation of advocacy campaigns related to DRM and GFDRR.
Initiate and sustain effective professional relationships with key internal and/or external constituencies (including the media, civil society, CSOs, academia, businesses, donor partners, government agencies, parliamentarians, etc.) interested in DRM.
• Carry out and/or oversee the preparation, production and dissemination of outreach materials incl Annual Reports to key internal and external audiences (news releases, op-eds/articles, radio/TV broadcasts, PowerPoint presentations, brochures, Q&As, web content, speeches, briefing notes) that promote the strategic and timely flow of information and key messages related to GFDRR.
• Secure and manage a communications budget.
• Oversee compliance with branding guidelines.

Selection Criteria

The ideal candidate would have:

• An MA/MS in communications, international relations , public affairs, journalism, or a related field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience or a BA/BS and 13 years of relevant experience.
• A thorough knowledge and practical experience in applying a full range of communication approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning, executing, and monitoring communication strategies
• A proven track record in using new media to stimulate conversations with internal stakeholders and create behavioral change. Comfort with and continuous curiosity for the latest technologies
• A demonstrated knowledge of Disaster Risk Management communication efforts as well as a good understanding of sustainable development issues at the global, regional and country levels.
• Proven ability to plan and successfully implement a comprehensive outcome-oriented communications program in support of defined objectives.
• Proven ability in team-work in a multi-cultural environment. Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to nurture and maintain stakeholder communications and client relationships.
• Demonstrated outstanding practical experience in oral and written communication skills; spoken and written fluency in English is required, fluency in any other UN language a plus.
• A demonstrated political awareness and ability to handle sensitive situations with target audiences
• Good understanding of the Bank, its policies and operations and ability to identify communications-related risks and opportunities in an international environment
• Strong computer skills; ability to use standard Bank technology packages
• Training in knowledge management a plus.

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.