Senior Knowledge Management and Communication Officer Job #: req35327 Organization: World Bank Sector: Communications Grade: GG Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 2/2/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
The Global Environment Facility is a funding mechanism that provides concessional funds to recipient countries for projects and activities to protect the global environment. The governance structure of the GEF includes an Assembly, a Council, a Secretariat, a Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel and an Independent Evaluation Office (IEO). Projects financed by the GEF are managed by 18 GEF Agencies. The IEO is functionally independent of, but administratively supported by, the World Bank. It is independent from the CEO of the GEF and reports directly to the GEF Council. The GEF Council decides on evaluation policies, discusses four-year rolling work plans, approves annual budgets and receives all evaluation reports.
The IEO has the central role of ensuring the independent evaluation function within the GEF; of setting minimum requirements for evaluation; of ensuring oversight of the quality of evaluation systems on program and project level and of sharing evaluative evidence within the GEF. A consultative process with relevant GEF partners is in place to ensure the quality of the work undertaken and to prevent overlap and duplication.
The IEO has the responsibility for undertaking independent evaluations which involve a set of projects from more than one GEF Agency. These evaluations are typically on a strategic level, or on focal areas, or on cross-cutting themes. Evaluations may be highly complex when undertaken jointly with other evaluation offices of Agencies in the GEF.
The GEF IEO is based in Washington, DC. All positions in the Office are World Bank Group appointments. More information about the IEO can be found at Office’s website: https://www.gefieo.org/en/home
Duties and Accountabilities
• The Senior Communications Officer will provide high-level strategic leadership for the GEF IEO’s communications, knowledge dissemination, and outreach efforts. Working under the supervision of the Director IEO, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks.
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of the IEO Communications and Outreach Strategy for the GEF-9 cycle and beyond, ensuring alignment with the Office’s strategic objectives and the broader GEF Partnership.
• Advise IEO management on visibility and strategic positioning of the IEO within the GEF architecture, and the global environmental community.
Communication & Knowledge Products
• Oversee the conceptualization, production, and dissemination of high-quality communication products—including strategic briefs, evaluation summaries, talking points, speeches, blogs, infographics, and multimedia.
• Lead the development of EvalVision videos for major evaluations; responsible for conducting scriptwriting, storyboarding, filming, animation, remote/in-person interviews, editing, soundtrack, narration, colorization and final production.
• Lead development of high-impact presentations for the GEF Council, Assemblies, international events, and evaluation dissemination, ensuring clear communication of evaluation findings. Key Tasks include Content design, slide development, visual enhancements, review, and delivery.
• Ensure quality control, messaging coherence, and consistency of voice across all IEO publications and dissemination channels.
Digital Strategy & Outreach
• Oversee the digital engagement strategy, including management of the IEO website, social media platforms, webinars, and virtual events. Responsible for weekly social media post generation, including visual elements, and coordinating with website technical teams.
• Use analytics and performance metrics to assess outreach effectiveness and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Ensure innovative digital approaches for disseminating evaluative evidence, including production of new formats (e.g., podcasts, interactive dashboards, short-form video).
• Design and launch an eReader version for all evaluation reports to enhance accessibility, usability, and stakeholder engagement across devices. Key Tasks include content adaptation, design, development, testing, deployment.
• Generate quarterly Newsletter issues with evaluation updates and upcoming events, using engaging visuals and interactive content. Key Tasks include Content creation, design, distribution, audience engagement, promotion.
• Lead re-development of the environmental training module using interactive and immersive platforms, in partnership with internal teams and technical consultants, to strengthen learning and engagement. Key Tasks include content updates, platform development, testing, integration, rollout.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
• Strengthen communication and knowledge-sharing partnerships with GEF Agencies, the GEF Secretariat, STAP, Council members, civil society, and evaluation offices of multilateral and bilateral organizations.
• Represent the IEO in high-level events, consultations, and knowledge-exchange platforms, ensuring the visibility and strategic use of IEO evaluation insights.
Internal Coordination & Management
• Lead knowledge management and communication unit in IEO. Provide technical leadership to communication staff and consultants, ensuring clear work plans, quality standards, and timely delivery.
• Manage budgets and procurement processes related to communications, multimedia, and events.
• Support internal knowledge management and contribute to cross-office initiatives to strengthen evaluation uptake, working closely with evaluation professionals.
Selection Criteria
• Advanced Degree Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Public Policy, or a related field also considered (Master’s level or higher).
• At least eight years of relevant professional experience, preferably in an international organization, with a proven track record of leading strategic communications at senior level.
• Demonstrated experience in communicating findings in environmental or development evaluation, sustainable development, climate change, or global environmental issues is highly desirable.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a proven ability to synthesize complex evaluative evidence into clear, compelling narratives for senior decision-makers.
• Exceptional presentation skills, with a proven ability to speak publicly at high-level events to ensure effective dissemination of IEO evaluation insights.
• Demonstrated experience in audiovisual production, digital storytelling, and leading multimedia communication campaigns.
• Proficient in production software, including: Final Cut Pro, After Effects, InDesign, Photoshop, Adobe Express, Vyond, 360 video, MailChimp.
• Proficient in generative AI tools, including: ChatGPT, elevenlabs.io, Firefly.
• Proven ability to design and implement comprehensive communication strategies, including risk management and reputation-sensitive messaging.
• Strong understanding of project management, procurement, vendor oversight, and quality assurance.
• Ability to lead a team, work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality products within tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and engage diplomatically with senior officials, technical experts, and external partners.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in French, Spanish, and/or Portuguese is a strong asset.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.