Location: Washington, D.C.
OBJECTIVES:
The Office of External Relations manages all strategic communications for the Bank, including corporate communications and positioning, branding, message development, stakeholder and media relations, risk/crisis management communications, and development communications, as well as communications in support of partnership-building, cultural affairs and the IDB's social responsibility platform.
EXR is taking steps to reinforce the Communications division by expanding the roster of communications specialists with strong writing skills and solid knowledge of the international media environment.
BACKGROUND:
The role of the communications associate is to inform key audiences of the critical role played by the Bank in providing not only financial resources for development in Latin America and the Caribbean but also value-added services in the form of technical expertise and knowledge. Greater comprehension by external audiences of IDB operations will ensure more support by the broader community of IDB projects and initiatives. This requires an important degree of engagement with external audiences, including the media, academics, the private sector and other stakeholders. It also involves using the Bank's web tools to reach the broadest possible audience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Handle media queries, including requests for information and interviews.
• Proactively reach out to media to advance the Bank's agenda, for dissemination of studies, promotion of key events and initiatives, and arrangement of interviews.
• Draft and edit press releases, announcements, web-stories, social media outputs, talking points, speeches, op-eds and other materials that illustrate the scope, importance, results and impact of the Bank's activities.
• Work with Bank's departments to help craft communications strategies for the most effective dissemination of key priorities and messages
• Provide media support for Bank events at Headquarters and in the field when necessary.
• Monitor regional and international media and development publications to remain current on relevant issues and trends and to make sure the Bank takes advantage of all opportunities to be present and active in the debate over international development issues.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to more junior staff.
• Provide communications expertise that enables the Bank to convey a full picture of its activities and results to internal and external audiences.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education: A Master's degree or equivalent in journalism, communications, Public/Social Policy or related field.
Experience: At least five years experience as a journalist, editor and/or press officer, preferably in the region.
Skills: Should be able to write and speak effectively, conveying information that is tailored appropriately to specific audiences; communicate complex and technical issues in simple terms; look beyond routine and rote tasks to take creative approaches to analysis, outreach and message formulation; produce excellent work under intense deadline pressure; maintain interpersonal relationships in the context of a highly-skilled, interdisciplinary and multi-cultural staff. Superior story-telling skills are essential; experience creating, editing and disseminating content via the Internet and social media channels is highly desirable.
Knowledge: Deep understanding of the region's economic, social and political context and of its development challenges. Sophisticated understanding of the Latin American and Caribbean regional media and of international media outside the region. Professional knowledge of the role of multilateral institutions is strongly preferred.
Results Orientation: Highly-motivated, pro-active self-starter who is capable of collaborative teamwork and shows motivation to produce quality work and achieve results.
Languages: Excellent command of both English and Spanish, written and oral. Knowledge in one of the other two official languages (Portuguese and French) would be an asset.
SUPERVISION: Supervision will be carried out by the Chief of Global Media Relations
CORE COMPETENCIES
Client Focus & Management: Focuses efforts on achieving business results through understanding and meeting internal and external client and stakeholders' needs. Values the importance of providing high-quality customer service, while balancing the interests of the client and the IDB.
Innovation & Creativity: Generates innovative and creative solutions to problems that contribute to organizational effectiveness. Tries different and novel ways of approaching work to create added value in the services/products provided.
Knowledge Sharing: Actively develops and shares knowledge within and outside own business area. Leverages expertise to improve organizational effectiveness and add value within sphere of influence.
Collaboration & Influence: Encourage teamwork and cooperates with others to achieve mutually beneficial results. Gains the support of others for own ideas and initiatives, regardless of formal authority and organizational boundaries.
Critical Thinking & Judgment: Uses data, experience, and good judgment to make sound decisions and devise effective solutions to problems. Assesses and manages risk in own work.
The IDB offers a competitive benefits and compensation package, including relocation expenses.
The IDB is committed to gender equality and encourages women to apply.
We seek diversity also in terms of nationality, ethnicity, race and educational background.
Persons living with disability or HIV/AIDS are equally encouraged to apply.
Deadline: August 27th, 2012.
Please apply through www.iadb.org/careers. MENTION GORKANA WHEN APPLYING!