Senior Communication Officer & Writer - African Development Bank

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Established in 1964, the African Development Bank (AfDB) is the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 80 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries).  The Bank’s development agenda is delivering the financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth. In order to sharply focus the objectives of the Ten Year Strategy (2013 – 2022) and ensure greater developmental impact, five major areas (High 5s), all of which will accelerate our delivery for Africa, have been identified for scaling up, namely; energy, agro-business, industrialization, integration and improving the quality of life for the people of Africa.

THE COMPLEX:

The President, plans, supervises and manages the business of the Bank Group. Under the direction of the Boards of Directors, the President conducts the business of the Bank and the African Development Fund and manages operations and activities in accordance with the Agreements establishing the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund. The President supervises several Departments and Units including Office of the President; Independent Development Evaluation Department; Integrity and Anti-Corruption Department; Compliance Review and Mediation Unit; Secretariat to the Sanctions Appeals Board; Administrative Tribunal; Office of the Auditor General; Group Risk Management Directorate; General Counsel and Legal Services Department; Communication and External Relations Department; Staff Integrity and Ethics Office and Office of the Secretary General and General Secretariat.

THE HIRING DEPARTMENT/DIVISON:

The purpose of the Communication and External Department is to plan, prepare and implement public relations and institutional communication programs designed to make the Bank better known by its various audiences so as to promote social and economic development in Africa, and to establish and maintain the Bank’s credibility and good reputation as Africa’s leading development finance institution. The Department is also responsible for enabling the Bank to understand better, how the institution is perceived both internally and externally.

THE POSITION:

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Division Manager, Communication and External Relations – PCER.1, the incumbent will implement editing guidelines within PCER.1, as well as define an editorial policy for the Bank

Duties and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Division Manager, Communication and External Relations – PCER.1, the Communication Officer & Writer has the following responsibilities:

Writing skills

• Researching, writing, and editing content for online and external publication that reflects current African Development Bank practice and is of the quality and scope that meets the objectives of the Bank’s external and internal stakeholders
• Ensure that all information from organizational units is reviewed, edited and posted onto the Internet web platform and other designated channels.
• Proactively seeks to create content and information on the organization in various formats.
• Draft press releases, media-style briefs, web content, talking points, event notices and briefs in keeping with Bank style.
•  Provide editorial and media coverage of high-level events, projects, programmes, initiatives and success stories for posting on the external website.
• Act as a news desk officer, researching and writing news and feature stories

Media relations

• Respond to requests from the media and solicit press interest in a range of Bank projects, products and issues.
• Maintain and update media contact lists/databases,

Other communications and external relations duties as needed.

Selection Criteria

1. A Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications or a related subject
2. Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in print (news agency or publication), with at least 3 years as a news writer with strong media relations skills.
3. At least 2 years’ experience in multilateral organizations
4. Outstanding written and verbal skills, particularly the ability to synthesize complex messages and tailor them into simple, clear and non-academic language for different audiences.
5. Excellent command of English or French; ability to write strong copy and produce well-written press releases, feature articles, and publications.
6. Experience in the fields of finance, economics, agriculture or human development is welcome.
7. Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to work in a multicultural, multilingual environment.
8. Ability to undertake relevant research and analysis and work in a fast-paced environment newsroom environment
9. Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, with a working knowledge of the other. Proficiency in both languages is an asset.

THIS POSITION IS CLASSIFIED INTERNATIONAL STATUS AND ATTRACTS INTERNATIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT.

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