CONSULTANT – STC ZIMBABWE 142 views

VACANCY

About the World Bank Group and Eastern & Southern Africa Region

The World Bank Group is a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. In Eastern and Southern Africa, the Bank manages a portfolio of 301 projects totaling around $51.9 billion, supporting job creation, gender equality, poverty reduction, and improved lives.

Zimbabwe Context

Zimbabwe is classified as a lower-middle-income country and a fragile state by the World Bank. With a population of 15.1 million, it has a highly educated workforce and abundant natural resources. The World Bank’s direct lending to Zimbabwe was suspended in 2000 due to arrears, but the Bank remains engaged through analytics, technical assistance, and regional engagements.

About ECRAE (External and Corporate Relations Africa East)

ECRAE manages strategic communications for the World Bank in Eastern and Southern Africa. Its mission is to connect and engage with diverse stakeholders, promote informed debate about development, and enhance the Bank’s reputation as a development partner. Key audiences include government officials, think tanks, business leaders, civil society, development partners, journalists, and internal Bank decision makers.

Role Overview

The External Affairs Consultant will strengthen the country communications program for Zimbabwe, providing communications support to complex development projects, supporting dissemination of World Bank publications, executive visits, and major meetings.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications and Political Economy Update

• • Design and implement strategies for effective communication on Bank-financed operations and research.

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the Country Manager on stakeholder engagement, partnerships, reputational risk, and advocacy.

  • Support outreach to key stakeholders and development partners.

  • Prepare leadership for media engagements.

  • Finalize and implement the ZISET Communication strategy, update it as needed, and manage related communication assets.

  • Draft talking points, manage development of a new external website, write reports, impact stories, blogs, and social media messages.

  • Monitor perceptions, track opinion shifts, and advise on political economy, especially during election years.

Stakeholder Engagement, Advocacy, and Campaigns

• • Identify and engage opinion leaders and organizations.

  • Convene partner groups for consultations and dialogues.

  • Coordinate events such as press conferences and town halls.

  • Represent the Bank at external and internal events.

Narrative Development, Positioning, and Media

• • Plan and deliver written products (press releases, Op-Eds, web features, Q&As, speeches).

  • Update internal and external websites.

  • Support development of communication assets for ZISET and other Bank initiatives.

Selection Criteria & Competencies:

• Master’s degree in communications, public policy, international development, or related field, with at least 10 years of experience.

• Excellent English writing and speaking skills.

• Knowledge of visual communications and design software.

• Experience with digital content and social media analytics.

• Strong writing and editing skills.

• Project management knowledge.

• Experience in international organizations and sustainable development.

• Strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinking about world affairs and Bank priorities.

• Advocacy and relationship management.

• Complexity management and reputational risk awareness.

• Trusted advisor to leadership.