Overview
The Communications and External Affairs Officer supports the design and delivery of stakeholder engagement, communications, advocacy, and reputational risk management activities for the World Bank Group in Ghana.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and sustain trusted relationships with government counterparts, development partners, private sector, media, academia, youth, and civil society.
- Spearhead strategic partnerships that drive impact.
- Map and maintain an active network of influencers and validators.
- Advise the Country Director and operational teams on stakeholder engagement approaches.
- Support proactive two-way communications by gathering insights from the ground.
- Lead or contribute to outreach programs and dialogues.
- Manage media relations and broaden outreach opportunities.
- Showcase the WBG’s integrated offer.
- Develop and implement communication strategies that highlight results.
- Position the CMU country program as part of a broader regional story.
- Identify and promote success stories, case studies, and thought leadership products.
- Develop and disseminate results stories and visuals.
- Contribute to regional and global advocacy efforts by localizing messages.
- Lead or support the rollout of country-specific campaigns.
- Design and deliver communications plans for major project or knowledge launches.
- Draft and edit communications materials, including press releases, speeches, talking points, and social media content.
- Work with technical teams to simplify complex concepts.
- Monitor political, social, and media developments to identify potential risks and opportunities.
- Provide timely analysis and recommendations on sensitive issues, reputational risks, political developments, and emerging narratives.
- Support the development of proactive communication and mitigation strategies for high-profile or sensitive projects.
- Coordinate with regional and corporate colleagues to ensure a unified and timely institutional response.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and operational teams.
- Serve as an integral member of the regional communications network.
- Ensure close collaboration with IFC and MIGA counterparts.
- Champion innovative, data-driven communication approaches.
- Serve as an integrated member of the WBG-wide Communication Network.
Required Experience
- Master’s degree with 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant discipline (communication, journalism, public affairs, international affairs, or other related fields).
- Experience working in an international environment and in-depth knowledge of international trends and political/economic issues related to development.
- Knowledge of, and experience working with the CMU government and/or public institutions, ideally national and subnational, private sector, business associations, CSOs, think tanks and other key actors in CMU.
- An understanding of WBG operations; up-to-date knowledge of current development topics and issues, and ability to identify communications and reputation-related risks and opportunities in an international environment.
- Demonstrated political awareness and ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations.
- Experience working with senior executives including experience of managing reputational risks and issues, messaging, stakeholder engagement, and media engagement.
- Demonstrated ability and the necessary personal organization skills to multitask, take initiative, personal ownership, and accountability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, and achieve agreed-upon results.
- Teamwork orientation with strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills, and sensitivity to working in a multicultural environment.
