Role And Responsibilities

• The External Term Consultant will be based in Lagos, Nigeria, and report to the Central Africa Communications Lead also based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Advice And Strategic Communications

The External Term Consultant, Nigeria, will be responsible for:

• Serve as a trusted advisor on communications to IFC management and staff leading IFC’s operations in Nigeria and Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa.
• Provide recommendations on internal and external communications, partnerships opportunities, and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinate with other regional Communications colleagues to design and execute a coherent communications strategy in Nigeria that elevates IFC’s brand in the region.
• Follow up on communications activities and track impact of engagement.

Messaging And Products

• Develop, under Communications Lead’s guidance, communication products (e.g., feature stories, news releases, talking points, speeches, op-eds, blog posts, speeches, presentations, briefing notes, online and social media content, etc.) and thought leadership pieces.

Networks

• Initiate effective professional relationships with key external and internal constituencies (e.g., the media, civil society, academia, businesses, government agencies, influencers, creative industries players, tech ecosystems, World Bank Group colleagues, etc.), in accordance with priorities defined by the operational teams and Communications Management.

Events

• Oversee communications aspects for IFC-organized conferences and seminars, executive missions and speaking engagements, public or broadcast appearances, press briefings involving external and/or internal audiences.

Risk Management

• In collaboration with the African communications team, reputational issues and risk management team and industry communications team:
• Support risk identification and mitigation activities in the context of regional and operational communication interventions.
• Contribute to political economy analysis Nigeria. Focus includes current events, public opinion, social or political issues, and other external or internal developments.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree in communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with 8+ years’ experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, political science, or other related fields.
• Solid background in communications
• Strong knowledge and experience working across in markets in Africa, especially in Nigeria or Central Africa, and in the private sector is a plus.
• Networks or experience in key sectors (creative industries, tech ecosystems) is a plus.
• Expertise in social media content development and project management tools is a plus (cf. knowledge of Canvas, Hootsuite’s, Asana, etc.)
• Proven ability to capture trends, case studies and innovations in communications products in a compelling, easy-to-understand manner.
• Proven ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze diverse information from varied sources and an ability to learn, adapt, and to be innovative as new communications challenges arise.
• Self-motivated, creative, excellent organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to work in a team environment.
• Excellent English and French, including writing and editing skills.
• Understanding of multilateral development institutions, including the World Bank Group policies and operations; understanding of current development topics and issues.
• WBG Core competencies: client orientation; drive for results; teamwork of collaboration and inclusion; knowledge, learning and communication; business judgement and analytical decision-making.