Communications Officer- Sao Paulo, Brazil

Job #:	122495
Title:	Communications Officer
Job Stream:	Communications
Location:	Sao Paulo, Brazil
Closing Date:	11/18/2012
Background / General description:
IFC’s Latin America and Caribbean department is looking for a Communications Officer for its Sao Paulo office to develop and implement a communications strategy for its work in Brazil. The position also requires communications support to IFC’s operations in Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina (Southern Cone). The communications Officer will be based in the IFC office in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Communications Officer's main accountability is to plan, develop, and implement an effective external and internal communications strategy for the IFC investment and advisory services operations in Brazil that address a range of activities including marketing efforts, promoting innovative and high impact projects, and managing sensitive or controversial projects. Similar support, but for selected projects, would be required for IFC operations in the Southern Cone. The Communications Officer will work as an integral part of the LAC communications practice group. He/she will have dual reporting lines to the IFC Manager in Brazil and the head of the LAC Communications team.
Duties and Accountabilities:
• Responsible for planning, designing, executing, and monitoring a communications strategy and activities for IFC’s operations in Brazil. • Use a variety of tools, techniques, and resources to support business development and to strengthen the IFC brand in Brazil, including press releases, media pitching, website development, promotional materials, co-sponsored business conferences. • Increase coverage and understanding of the IFC’s work in Brazil through developing media contacts and providing newsworthy information to local, regional, international publications and other media based in Brazil. • Support the IFC country manager in Brazil in his engagement with media and other stakeholders.  • Support the investment and advisory services team in developing specific strategies for high profile or potentially sensitive projects. Develop risk management and crisis management strategies and tactics for specific projects. • Work with clients to develop joint communications on projects supported by IFC and maximize its media exposure. • Coordinate with colleagues in the World Bank Group office in Brazil to leverage resources and increase awareness and understanding of IFC’s work in Brazil, including coordinating press outreach activities. • Create a Brazil page in Portuguese in the IFC LAC external website, contribute to internal communications initiatives and produce marketing materials. • Provide communications support to IFC’s operations in Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile and Argentina (Southern Cone) which would include supporting the teams there with press releases, coordination with teams and clients for press conferences, pitching stories, other events. Potential traveling to these countries for specific projects might be required.
Selection Criteria:
• Masters degree preferred, plus a minimum of 5 years work experience in public relations, media relations, journalism; previous experience with a multilateral, financial institution or private sector company would be helpful. • Self-motivated, creative, excellent organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks, and ability to work with both internal and external constituencies. • Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to work in a team environment.  • Excellent writing and editing skills in Portuguese (native Portuguese speaker preferred) and English. Fluency in Spanish, a plus.  • Exceptional ability to write, communicate, operate under pressure and tight deadlines with accuracy and professionalism. • Financial background or demonstrated aptitude for international financial issues preferred. IFC’s Recruitment and Employment Policies reflect its strong values for cultural, racial and gender diversity. Citizens of any Latin American and Caribbean countries are encouraged to apply. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment.  Details (vacancy #122495) are available in the World Bank Careers website: www.ifc.org, click on ‘Careers’ and then on ‘Current opportunities. Applications should be sent in English. All applications must be submitted through this website. 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.  Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Cover letter should clearly describe the relevant results the candidate has delivered in prior positions, rather than simply listing responsibilities. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The contract for this position has an initial duration of 2 years (renewable), with a one-year probation period and subject to be renewed. This is local hire (paid in local currency). The appointee will be stationed in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  Closing date is November 18th. 2012.