Terms of Reference – STC, Communications, Bangladesh

Description:
IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. 

IFC’s Asia and Pacific Regional Communications team is looking for a Communications Consultant (STC) to help cover external and internal communications in Bangladesh. IFC fosters sustainable economic growth by financing private sector investment, mobilizing capital, and advising businesses and governments on projects that generate returns for investors and provide lasting benefits to communities.

The Regional Communications Unit objectives include supporting IFC’s operations, strengthening IFC’s brand and communicating its development impact to internal and external clients to demonstrate that IFC is the premier development institution focused on the private sector. It promotes IFC’s thought leadership and a better understanding of the key role of private sector in development, as well as managing reputational risks around IFC’s investments and policies.

The Consultant will work closely with the Communications Officer for Bangladesh and Senior Communications Officer for South Asia to enable IFC’s work across Bangladesh. The position requires close collaboration with IFC’s regional communications team and with operational teams in Bangladesh.

Duties and Accountabilities:

• Strategy: Help execute the Bangladesh communications strategy and activities to promote effective communications with external and internal audiences focused on IFC’s role and impact in Bangladesh.
• Business Development: Use a variety of tools, techniques, and resources to support business development and to strengthen IFC’s brand, including press releases, media pitches and partnerships, website, multimedia and social media content, promotional materials and thought leadership.
• Risk Management: Work closely with the Communications Officer for Bangladesh and country operational teams to identify and mitigate reputational risks, enhance stakeholder engagement efforts, and clearly communicate the long-term development impact and IFC’s value-add in high profile projects.  
• Civil Society Engagement: Work closely with country management, sector specialists and communications counterparts to build relationships with civil society organizations, community collectives, think-tanks, public intellectuals, and young people in areas of mutual interest.
• Media Relations: Cultivate relationships with key journalists and secure press coverage for IFC initiatives in local and digital media platforms.
• Products: Write and help disseminate both routine and complex communication products (e.g. impact stories, web features, news releases, op-eds, talking points, briefing materials, online and social media content, speeches) about IFC operations and support campaigns and storytelling work, as well as internal engagement in close collaboration with regional and global communications counterparts
• Vendor management: Identify, engage, and manage external communications vendors for timely delivery of quality communications products in line with program requirements.
• Technical and Advisory Support: Monitor trends, news, or changing/unexpected circumstances that may impact IFC and its work and help determine strategic responses.
• Other communications support as needed.

Selection Criteria:

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business/Finance with 5 or more years’ experience in corporate communications, international relations, public affairs, political science, or other related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. In addition, a degree in Business Administration and/or working experience in investment operations will be valued.
• Proven ability to implement communications strategies, campaigns, or programs.
• Knowledge of national and international trends, demonstrated political awareness, and ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences.
• Knowledge of design tools (Adobe InDesign, Photo Shop, Canva), website design, content management, and media and social media monitoring tools (Hootsuite, Talkwalker) is a distinct plus.
• 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 English and Bengali writing and editing skills.
• Exceptional ability to write, communicate, operate under pressure and tight deadlines with accuracy and professionalism.

Management and Reporting:
The Consultant will be based in IFC’s office in Bangladesh. He/she will report to the Communications Officer for Bangladesh.

Length of Assignment:
90 days (with possibility to extend up to 150 days until June 30, 2024)

Please submit your CV by email to Jesmine Ara at jara@ifc.org on or before September 2, 2023.