IDB3317 – Senior Communications Specialist

Job Purpose:

To provide advanced level professional and technical expertise in promoting and protecting the IsDB brand through the delivery of an effective PR and communications strategy, both internally and externally.

Key Accountabilities:

• Support the Manager, Outreach Communications in preparing the PR and communications strategy for IsDB, to raise awareness about the organisation, internally and externally, and engage key stakeholders.
• Support the creation of consistently high-quality content for IsDB’s communications programs, both internal and external, adapting, and localising central messaging.
• Liaise closely with IsDB’s Internal Communications Division to conceptualise and tailor communication contents appropriate to the specific region.
• As an expert, collaborate with colleagues within IsDB to proactively identify stories to share with the internal and external audiences.
• Raise awareness about IsDB’s presence in Regional and Member Countries media.
• Provide support with press conferences and other on-the-ground activity as required, for example around visits by the President and IsDB leadership.
• Help to build IsDB editorial relationships with influential regional and international media.
• Provide reactive support such as managing incoming enquiries and arranging interviews with IsDB spokespeople in regional markets, which may include issues and crisis communications.
• Securing extensive on-message coverage, by supporting external tours, placing opinion pieces, news stories and feature articles around IsDB’s key activities in regional markets.
• Share knowledge on the latest trends in PR and Communications management with colleagues in the Outreach Communications Division, IsDB and wider community.
• Keep abreast with the latest and best practices in the areas of PR and Communications management and implement the same in IsDB.
• Support the Manager, Outreach Communications in leading the newly formed marketing team, fostering a high-performing team culture to enable achieving the Division’s objectives.
• Design and implement robust social media campaigns to increase the visibility of IsDB projects.
• Write stories about success stories and edit content for IsDB website.
• Generate content from the operations and regional hubs on IsDB interventions for dissemination on IsDB channels and on digital and traditional media platforms.
• Represent the department and handle relevant assignments assigned by the Division Manager.

Academic and professional qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in Journalism, Communications, or any relevant field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in communications role within a global organization, with demonstrated success.
• Extensive experience of working on communications campaigns, with demonstrated measurable success.
• Experience of working in multiple regions on communications campaigns, including development of regional toolkits and templates.

Skills & Necessary Knowledge:

• Good understanding of communications landscape, locally and internationally.
• Ability to work remotely to manage and co-ordinate regional activities.
• Outstanding communications skills and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent writing and editorial skills, with an ability to put messages clearly and effectively.
• Awareness of the regional landscapes and news agenda including issues and sensitivities in various territories.
• Ability to measure and track performance based on agreed metrices.
• Advanced MS Office skills.

Languages:

• English – Mandatory
• Arabic – Preferred
• French – Preferred