E T Consultant

E T Consultant

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group (WBG) 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 WBG consists of five specialized institutions: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA), which together make up the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). 

Country Context: 

The Republic of South Sudan became independent on July 9, 2011. However, outbreaks of civil war in 2013 and 2016, persistent subnational violence, and political contestation have undermined post-independence development gains and intensified existing humanitarian needs. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in September 2018 and the formation of a Transitional Government of National Unity in February 2020 have contributed to stability. The transitional period was extended to February 2027, giving more time for the government to implement provisions in the R-ARCSS and prepare the country for elections. Despite positive steps, the peace process faces challenges, such as unification of armed forces and drafting of a permanent constitution. For information, visit: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/southsudan.

Country Management Unit (CMU) and External and Corporate Relations (ECR) Context 

The WBG is a leading development partner in Eastern and Southern Africa. In South Sudan, the WBG’s IDA-financed portfolio has grown significantly with operations focused on basic service delivery, resilience to shocks (including floods), energy access, human capital, and institution-building, delivered in a challenging FCV context alongside government and development partners. This role will combine support for CMU strategy and portfolio oversight with serving as the lead on external communications with the guidance and support of the External and Corporate Relations unit in Africa East region (ECREA).  The position will build on ECR capabilities to integrate strategic communications and operational delivery in South Sudan.

Duties and Accountabilities

A. Strategic Communications and External Affairs (50%)

•Develop and execute a country communications strategy and annual plan aligned with CMU priorities and ECRAE guidance, with clear audiences, messages, channels, Key Performance Indicators, and Monitoring and Evaluation.

•Digital: Manage country and specific CMU web presence and social media; plan content calendars; apply analytics to optimize performance

•Campaigns: Design and run multi-channel campaigns for key moments (e.g., Country Partnership Framework, major operations, flagships) with clear objectives, targeting, and outcome metrics.

•Advocacy: Build coalitions with government, CSOs, media, private sector, and development partners to advance understanding of program objectives.

•Messaging: Maintain and align message frameworks, FAQs/Q&As; draft speeches, press releases, talking points, and op-eds.

•Internal Communications: Provide as requested by the CMU updates, staff briefings, and knowledge; prepare internal newsletters/notes and briefs for management.

•Build and maintain media relations; organize briefings and interviews; prepare spokespeople; monitor and report on media/social sentiment; address mis/disinformation.

•Ensure compliance with the Access to Information (ATI) policy and WBG brand/visual identity standards.

•Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships: Conduct stakeholder mapping and implement inclusive engagement plans (consultations, roundtables, field visits); develop partnerships to amplify reach and impact.

•Issues and Reputation Management: Monitor for and maintain an issues/risk register; provide early warnings and mitigation options; coordinate responses and escalation with CMU and ECRAE leadership.

•Support project preparation and implementation to embed communications, stakeholder engagement in design and delivery.

•Review and advise on documents including Project Appraisal Documents, Stakeholder Engagement Plans, and documents disclosure plans for clarity, accessibility, and ATI alignment; coordinate with implementing agencies on project-level communication plans.

•Citizen Engagement: Design and facilitate inclusive consultations; advise on citizen engagement indicators and feedback loops.

•Carry out, and collaborate with WBG teams to ensure, reporting on results from WBG-financed activities that is effective in the country context; capture results stories and beneficiary voices; ensure ethical storytelling and data privacy; prepare briefs for missions and portfolio reviews.

•Track media coverage to provide inputs on the political economy and operating context; provide concise analytic notes on implications for operations and communications; advise on conflict-sensitive language and ensuring WBG activities adhere to do-no-harm principles.

•External Coordination on Communications: Align with UN agencies, bilaterals, regional bodies, and implementing partners on joint communications/engagement for co-financed or complementary programs.

B. Operation Support to CMU (50%)

Pipeline Management

•Coordinate with operational teams to review implementation readiness of projects under preparation, including advice on corporate commitments, results, monitoring and evaluation and risk management. 

•Monitor key pipeline milestones and coordinate with task teams to keep them up to date.

Portfolio Management

•Under guidance from the CMU monitor project portfolio and operational performance, quality and trends,.

•Analyze portfolio data from corporate systems and provide inputs for CMU deliverables, including routine/ad hoc reports, management briefs, and event/high-level visit briefs and flag issues requiring resolution. 

•Contribute to the review of operational documents for compliance with relevant Bank operational policies, procedures and templates. 

•Support the conduct of portfolio reviews; prepare reports and keep track and follow up on portfolio issues.

•Follow up with task teams on agreed portfolio actions and timelines.

Selection Criteria

•Master’s degree  and/or 8+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s degree and/or 10+ years of relevant experience in communications, journalism, international development, economics, public policy, political science, business administration, or related field.

•Demonstrated ability to translate complex development topics into clear, compelling content for diverse audiences.

•Strong track record in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and digital communications; FCV experience is a strong asset.

•Experience supporting development operations (project preparation/implementation, citizen engagement, and/or ESF-related stakeholder engagement) preferred.

•Excellent writing, editing, and speaking skills in English; knowledge of local languages in South Sudan is preferred.

•Solid understanding of South Sudan’s socio-political landscape and stakeholder ecosystem (government, civil society, media, private sector, development partners).

•Proven ability to handle sensitive/confidential information with sound judgment.

•Ability to manage multiple parallel tasks under tight deadlines; strong teamwork and relationship management.

•Data-driven approach to communications with experience tracking and reporting performance metrics.

Core Competencies

•Communication in International Development

•Social Media, Information Channels, and Communication Tools Awareness

•Access to Information Policy

•Content Development and Content/Style Editing

•Communication Strategy, Planning, and Execution

•Relationship Management and Political Awareness

•Client Orientation

•Knowledge, Learning and Communication

•Demonstrated knowledge and experience in country-level cross cutting and/or macroeconomic issues relevant to the work of the WBG. 

•Proven ability to: undertake data collection and background analysis related to WBG programming. 

Reporting and Accountability

•Administrative supervision: Senior Operations Officer (South Sudan CMU).

•Technical guidance and quality assurance: Senior External Affairs Officer (ECRAE).

•Close collaboration with TTLs, Program Leaders, GP focal points, and ECRAE colleagues.

Expected Travel

•Primarily within South Sudan to support operational engagements, field missions, and stakeholder activities; occasional regional travel may be required, subject to WBG security protocols.

Terms and Conditions

•Duty station: Juba, South Sudan.

•Appointment: Extended Term Consultant (ETC) locally recruited; full-time; 3-year term with annual renewals based on performance and budget.

•Compliance with WBG security guidance for FCV contexts and mandatory trainings.

•Use of WBG systems/policies (Access to Information; brand/visual identity; records management).

•Applicants must have valid authorization to work in South Sudan at the time of appointment.

Application Instructions

Please submit your CV and a one-page cover letter highlighting relevant experience in:

•Digital communications and multi-channel campaigns

•Stakeholder engagement and advocacy in FCV settings

•Operational support to development projects (including citizen engagement/GRM)

•Media relations and issues/reputation management

•Include up to three links or attachments to writing samples or campaign portfolios (e.g., press releases, op-eds, social media campaigns, or communication plans).

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

As per WBG policy, an Extended Term (ET) appointment is subject to a lifetime maximum of three (3) years. Former and current ET staff who have completed or are in the process of completing their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.

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.

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