PLEASE NOTE: We only accept applications that include an application letter (statement of interest) and a CV. CVs WITHOUT a statement of interest will NOT be considered.

In its efforts to strengthen its communications and information services in Haiti, the World Bank is hiring a Communications specialist with experience in media relations, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, web editing and outreach activities. The Communications Consultant will report to the Latin America and the Caribbean Region’s External Affairs Manager (alternatively the Senior Communications Officer in charge of Haiti) on all communications matters while also having a report line to the Special Envoy to Haiti, and will be based in Port Au Prince working closely with the Haiti team in both Haiti and in Washington D.C.

The Communications Consultant is responsible for designing and carrying out a communications strategy to build broad support for the Bank’s engagement in Haiti both locally and internationally, and to highlight the results of the Bank’s support for Haiti.

The communication consultant:
• Assesses the types of information and communications activities that are best suited to addressing issues or problems and identifies relevant information sources. Accordingly, writes and/or oversees the preparation, production and dissemination of both routine and complex outreach products (e.g., backgrounders, media packets, news releases, op-eds/articles, radio/TV broadcasts, power point presentations, brochures, Q&As, websites, speeches, briefing notes, etc.) that promote the strategic and timely flow of information and key messages about the Bank’s work in Haiti, its policies and operations to key internal and external audiences.

• Initiates and sustains effective professional relationships with key internal and/or external constituencies in Haiti. Identifies opportunities and forges strategic partnerships both inside and outside the Bank to improve dialogue and outreach and to strengthen the Bank's overall effectiveness and image in the country.

• Monitors and analyzes current events and public and press opinion with a view to risk management.

• Advises the External Affairs manager, Special Representative and other key Bank staff and clients on trends, news developments, or changing/unexpected circumstances in Haiti that may impact the Bank and its work, and helps to determine appropriate strategic responses to address them.

• Addresses key audiences on Bank policies forging key alliances with the media (including relevant international media, correspondents and editors, government, parliament, private sector, donor community among others.

• Is responsible for the Haiti country website (including producing content and ensuring accuracy and timeliness of information) including multi-media packages.

• Regularly contributes and provides support to regional and corporate activities (e.g. media monitoring, publication launches and country visits by senior managers, among others).

• Oversees planning, coordination, scheduling and logistics, often across multiple teams, for press briefings, major conferences and seminars, public or broadcast appearances, and other communications-related activities and events sponsored by the country office.

• Liaises closely with the communications staff of the Haiti Reconstruction Fund.

• Coordinates all these activities with the DC staff from LCREA working on Haiti and the Caribbean region.

• Participates in all relevant meetings/conference calls with the regional LCREA team.

Thorough knowledge of and practical experience in full range of communications approaches, tools and methodologies essential to planning, executing, and monitoring communications strategies – e.g., campaign management, media operations, social marketing, opinion research, audience outreach, message targeting, and so on. Ability to plan and successfully implement a comprehensive communications program in support of defined objectives.
• In-depth knowledge of Haiti’s social, political and development issues with strong current knowledge of key constituencies, their operations, policies, practices and priorities, particularly as they relate to and work with the Bank;

• Good understanding of the Bank, its policies and operations; up-to-date knowledge of current development topics and issues, and ability to identify communications-related risks and opportunities in an international environment.

• Proven planning and organizational skills. Strong conceptual and research/analytical skills, with the ability to think strategically and rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources into conclusions and recommendations.

• Exceptional ability to write and edit for a wide range of communication products as well as for the web, with experience conveying complex ideas in a clear, direct and lively, (non-academic) style.

• Effective interpersonal skills; proven experience in working as both a leader and a member of team.

• Demonstrated political awareness and ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and to otherwise cultivate effective, productive client relationships/partnerships and ability to work effectively with internal/external partners in a multicultural environment.

• Minimum Years of Relevant Experience: MA degree (Communications, International Relations/Public Affairs, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science, or other related field.) and a minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in one or more professional disciplines, or a bachelor's and 10 years of experience.

• Strong computer skills; ability to use standard Bank technology packages, e.g., Word, Lotus Notes, PowerPoint, Internet, Excel, etc.

• Excellent oral and written communication and presentational skills. Spoken and written fluency required in English and French. Knowledge of Creole and Spanish is considered a plus.

We only accept applications that include an application letter (statement of interest) and a CV. CVs WITHOUT a statement of interest will NOT be considered.