Online Communications Officer (cgap.org Editor)

Background/General Description (include Sector/Anchor Context)

CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor) is an independent policy and research center dedicated to advancing financial access for the world's poor. It is supported by over 30 development agencies and private foundations who share a common mission to alleviate poverty. Housed at the World Bank, CGAP provides market intelligence, promotes standards, develops innovative solutions, and offers advisory services to governments, microfinance providers, donors, and investors.

Access to financial services is a fundamental tool for improving a family’s well-being and productive capacity. Access to financial services empowers the poor by reducing their vulnerability, and offering them opportunities to improve their lives.

CGAP works toward a world in which poor people are considered valued clients of their country’s financial system. We aim to help build efficient and equitable local financial markets that serve all poor people with convenient and affordable financial services.

About the Position/Background:

CGAP has played a pivotal role in advancing the sector: developing a common language for the microfinance industry, encouraging institutions of all types to adopt good practices, informing the media and general public, and building consensus and standards among the industry’s many and varied stakeholders. Our commitment to the development of knowledge and information in the field of access to finance is considerable, and we see our investment in communications as central to our success as a thought leader and knowledge center for the industry.

Over the past few years, the communications function at CGAP has been integrated throughout the whole organization. As we have strengthened the processes and structures supporting the way we generate information and turn it into shareable knowledge for the microfinance industry, we have expanded our outreach and engagement strategy. Building on a reputation for high-quality microfinance publications, today we use the full range of communications tools encompassing new media (blogs, RSS, multimedia, social networking) to maximize the impact of our work with financial institutions, other market actors, policy makers, and funders.

Our corporate Web site, cgap.org, is currently undergoing a redesign to improve the navigation, functionality, and usability of the site. We are implementing a new site and migrating to a new platform, using the Drupal Content management system, within the next year. The whole organization is committed to improving cgap.org, and sees it as a top priority for showcasing our work and engaging our audiences.

We are looking for the right person to help build CGAP’s online presence by acting as Managing Editor for cgap.org, and actively contributing to CGAP’s comprehensive Web communications and digital strategy. The ideal candidate will be an experienced Web editor with a strong background in driving content strategy, working with technical specialists. Strong writing skills, Web site content management experience, the ability to work independently, and a strong track record in running effective Web marketing campaigns are requirements for this position.

The selected candidate will be a strategic thinker, who can help think through our Web strategy, define the goals for the site, develop and manage a project plan, and communicate clearly throughout the organization. The selected candidate will be capable of setting priorities and running an editorial calendar, pulling on a range of internal and external resources.

Excellent diplomatic skills, and the ability to listen well and work effectively with a range of people from microfinance specialists to IT specialists, developers, information architects, and designers to effectively translate the organization’s ideas into our Web site priorities, are all needed for this rewarding position. The selected candidate must be able to prioritize, manage time well, and work effectively with others. Fresh thinking, sound judgment, and a calm, confident demeanor will also be necessary.

If you love writing and editing, have a wealth of ideas to contribute, and sharp editorial judgment, this could be a fantastic opportunity to drive content for CGAP.

Those who applied to job 120130 need not apply again as their applications will be considered.

The Online Communications Editor plays a strong content coordination and project management role in the day-to-day operation of cgap.org and is a core member of CGAP’s Web and Communications Team. Among the principal responsibilities of the position are:

• Developing and implementing an online content strategy with cgap.org at its hub and integrating new blog strategy on the new site;

• Preparing and maintaining a web editorial calendar in coordination communications colleagues and CGAP staff.

• Applying editorial processes and approval workflows in CGAP’s web content management system, as well as reviewing, editing and writing content for publication.

• Writing original Web content based on existing technical materials, and working with CGAP staff in conceptualizing and writing content.

• Overseeing and providing direction to the CGAP web team and others engaged in web publishing, co-ordinating closely with colleagues who run the Microfinance Gateway.

• Reviewing and monitoring site content for quality and timeliness, as well as for compliance with Bank information management procedures and practices.

• In collaboration with CGAP’s Marketing Manager and Web team, conceptualizing and implementing the development of a “social layer” throughout the site by integrating blogs, comments, and other social media elements into the new site implementation.

• Planning and integrating the use of social media and other audience engagement tools as part of CGAP’s strategy, and advising or leading others in their use to ensure maximum effectiveness in collaboration with CGAP’s Marketing Manager.

• Working with Marketing Manager to implement online campaigns (content marketing) to target key audiences.

• Reviewing web metrics reports in collaboration with other communications staff.

• Applying user research to content strategy based on audience needs.

• Working closely with CGAP’s Web Project Manager on migration and implementation of new site.

• Establishing style guide and content resources (tip sheets, procedures, best practice) for cgap.org content, coaching staff and co-ordinating with Microfinance Gateway editor.

• Acting as an advocate and voice within and across CGAP for the Web site and our online strategy.

The Online Communications Editor supports the Communications Adviser in raising the visibility and improving the structure of CGAP’s online communications by:

• Translating CGAP’s strategic objectives into an online communication action plan, including detailed editorial calendars.

• Implementing the plan using social media, multimedia, and other tools where relevant

• Identifying opportunities for CGAP to use existing and emerging online tools; providing support and one-to-one training for current and emerging online communication channels.

• Participating in related World Bank web governance groups to represent CGAP, sharing knowledge, and ensuring good practices.

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Communications, International Relations/Public Affairs, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science or other related disciplines, with a minimum of 5 years (with master’s) or 10 years (with bachelor’s) of relevant experience.

• A minimum of five years’ experience in writing and/or editing for the web.

• Proven writing and editing skills, with a strong command of English and an ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, direct, and lively style.

• Full knowledge and applied work experience of social media principles and Web 2.0 technologies.

• Ability to initiate and manage a continuing editorial process and to conceptualize and execute the online packaging of content. Attention to detail.

• Strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and team skills; demonstrated client orientation; sensitized in working in a diverse and multicultural environment.

• An in-depth understanding and problem-solving approach to project management as it relates to complex, multifunctional projects.

• Ability to leverage online communication tools and methodologies (such as online monitoring, web analytics, or other online measurement tools) and to lead research efforts that identify and map project stakeholders or intended audiences, and to develop and analyze online communications performance indicators.

• Knowledge and applied work experience in social media principles and Web 2.0 technologies sufficient to execute, lead or advise others in assuring that upcoming online communication and audience engagement tools and channels are fully leveraged.

• Ability to prioritize, work well under pressure and capably handle/juggle multiple tasks within tight deadlines. Experience working with cross-functional teams.

• Strong listening skills and the ability to translate information gathered into clear priorities for the Web site.

• In-depth knowledge of international trends and political/economic issues related to development.

• Experience producing for the web and a basic working knowledge of software packages for page formatting, image management, videos, and content preparation (HTML, Photoshop, and similar software preferred).

• Experience in search engine optimization and online marketing

• Experience in full site content migration.

Reporting:

The Web Manager reports to the Head of Knowledge Products and Communications.

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.

Online Communications Officer (cgap.org Editor)