Communications officer,GPE

Communications officer,GPE Job #: req33498 Organization: World Bank Sector: Communications Grade: EC2 Term Duration: 1 year 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Paris,France Required Language(s): English, French Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 6/30/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Are you a passionate advocate for education? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children? The Global Partnership for Education Secretariat (GPE) would like to hear from you.
Who We Are GPE is a shared commitment to end the world’s learning crisis. It is the only global partnership and fund dedicated entirely to helping children in lower-income countries get a quality education, so they can unlock their potential and contribute to building a better world. We bring together governments, teachers, civil society, donors, United Nations agencies, development banks, businesses and private foundations to transform education systems so that every girl and boy can have hope, opportunity and agency. 
What We Do GPE helps low- and lower-middle-income countries to build stronger education systems so that all children can get the education they need to thrive. We support 90 countries where the needs are greatest and focus on reaching the children who are the most vulnerable, including girls, children with disabilities and those affected by extreme poverty or conflict. Our unique approach works. Since 2002, 160 million more children in GPE partner countries have set foot in classrooms for the first time, more than half of them girls. GPE is also the largest provider of education grants in the global COVID-19 response, providing partner countries with vital resources to ensure that learning can safely continue. 
How We Work GPE is working to help governments transform their education systems to get the most vulnerable children in school, improve teaching and learning, and build equitable, inclusive and resilient education systems fit for the 21st century. Transforming education is about creating lasting changes and achieving impact at scale. GPE sets out to deliver this transformative change by convening partners, mobilizing funds and catalyzing reforms to help partner countries accelerate access, learning outcomes and gender equality. 
Governance and Organizational Arrangements The GPE Board of Directors includes ministerial-level members and alternates representing 20 constituencies that reflect the partnership’s breadth. The Board Chair is HE President Jakaya Kikwete and the Board Vice Chair is Ms. Christine Hogan. The Board of Directors, with its three standing committees, provides policy and strategic oversight and approves or delegates funding decisions.
The GPE Secretariat, with around 160 employees and hosted by the World Bank, is responsible for translating the policies and strategies set by the Board into practical support for partner countries, coordinating with diverse stakeholders and galvanizing global support for SDG 4. The Secretariat’s headquarters are in the World Bank’s offices in Washington, D.C., with a European office in Paris, an Africa office in Nairobi, a satellite office in Brussels, and a support office in Chennai.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The External Relations team (EXR) responsibilities include donor relations, communications, advocacy, civil society outreach, private sector and private foundation outreach and it has the primary responsibility for overseeing GPE's financing campaigns.
The Communications Team is part of EXR. The team is responsible for strategic external communications and brand management; media relations; maintenance of website, social media channels and informational materials; coordination and production of publications.
ABOUT THE JOB
This position will be based in Paris or Brussels.
DescriptionThe GPE Secretariat is seeking an experienced and savvy communicator, reporting to the Communications Lead. The Communications Officer will work on planning, developing, and implementing effective communications and outreach campaigns, with a particular focus on the activities related to the GPE 2030 replenishment campaign globally and in priority national markets, which will launch in the 3rd quarter of 2025. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, with a campaign communications orientation and strong day-to-day project management and interpersonal skills.
Duties And Accountabilities• Content: Collaborate with colleagues across the GPE Secretariat and with partner organizations—including web and social media specialists, video producers, photographers, and graphic designers—to develop compelling campaign content tailored to priority donor markets. This includes drafting and adapting web and social media copy, briefing materials, messaging, and multimedia products that speak to political, technical, and public audiences.•  Liaise with designers, video editors, and consultants to deliver visually engaging and timely content across channels; track production timelines and ensure assets are aligned with GPE’s tone, branding, and strategic objectives.•  Strategy: Collaborate with colleagues in the donor team to develop national level replenishment communications strategies in priority markets. Help localize the global campaign in key donor markets by supporting the coordination, development and delivery of campaign toolkits, localized messaging, translated visuals, and tailored communications assets for civil society and other partners.• Social Media and Digital Campaigns: In coordination with the Campaigns Lead and Social Media Associate, support the planning and creation of social-first content to promote the GPE financing campaign. This includes content linked to national and regional events, donor milestones, and co-created content with in-country champions, CSOs, or ministries.• Events: Support the communications components of key replenishment-related events—particularly in donor markets—including high-level meetings, ministerial engagements, media activations, and public events. Ensure alignment between digital outputs and in-person activities, and contribute to the preparation of speaking points, media briefs, and promotional content.• Website and Digital Publishing: Draft, update, and publish English and French content for the GPE website, including campaign blogs, donor and country stories, thematic pages, statements, and news releases—ensuring donor pages are regularly updated to reflect national campaign actions and major moments.• Strategic Campaign Support: Participate in internal team meetings and donor coordination calls to align on campaign objectives. Contribute to tracking visibility and comms efforts in donor countries and identify gaps or opportunities for deeper engagement through the campaign.• Innovation and Visibility: Monitor relevant media and political developments to identify creative opportunities for GPE campaign content—particularly those that increase visibility and resonance in donor markets.

Selection Criteria

EducationMaster's degree in relevant field of study.
Experience• 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.• Experience in digital communications developing campaign messaging and producing or overseeing branded content materials including short-form video and multiplatform content for outreach and advocacy campaigns.• Excellent writing skills and ability to capture stories and translate technical concepts into accessible and engaging content• Demonstrable knowledge of digital platforms and how creative content is effectively used for campaigning to both engage global audiences and national decision-makers• Ability to use metrics and measurement to derive insights for creating and delivering the most impactful content, and using analytics to continually improve delivery• Knowledge of web production (HTML, Drupal), design programs (Canva, Adobe, etc.) and social media content management and analytics tools (Hootsuite, Sprout)CompetenciesAccountability & Results Focus -  Engages in productive consultation without losing sight of responsibility for own decisions, deliverables and deadlines. Doesn’t let the pursuit of perfection prevent forward progress. Seeks clarity when needed to move work forward and takes initiative to remove obstacles. Takes ownership of own mistakes, failures or oversights, and seeks to correct them. Manages differences of opinion to productive resolution so as not to impede progress. Works to ensure group efforts produce clear actions and decisions and tasks conclude.
Adaptability -  Models flexibility - responds to changing circumstances by innovating and altering behavior to better fit different situations. Learns new skills and performs work in different ways. Remains calm in stressful situations and influences others do so. Professionally deals with personal discomfort in a changing work environment.
Collaboration & Teamwork -  Actively collaborates with others and models and open, helpful disposition. Acts as a teammate, proactively stepping in to support colleagues as needed. Recognizes and values the role of each team in delivering on GPE’s mission. Approaches challenges and obstacles as shared challenges to be overcome. Sincerely contributes to productive group dynamics and actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills -  Has experience & success working in multicultural environments. Speaks and writes clearly and effectively, adapting language, tone, style and message to diverse, multicultural audiences. Skilled at communicating complex information in succinct and digestible ways. Shares information and keeps people informed; Models transparency, in a way that builds trust in a culturally diverse environment. Maintains productive working relationships with colleagues and models this behavior for junior staff. Engages in active listening and two-way conversation. Asks questions for clarification and responds to others appropriately.  Learns from others’ ideas and expertise.
Planning & Organizing -  Works well independently and in teams. Plans and prioritizes work effectively, making adjustments as needed to accommodate changes. Sets and meets individual and team deadlines. Works well under pressure and against tight timelines, and still delivers high-quality work. Foresees risks and identifies mitigation strategies and contingencies.
Conceptual and Analytical Skills  -  Strong research skills. Ability to quickly analyze and synthesize information from technical reports and other sources and summarize it into key messages for political influencing. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and extensive experience applying them in carrying out operational tasks. Ability to think strategically and tactically.
Digital Content -  Strong editorial skills and able to oversee production of diverse content, including blogs, results stories, and photo stories in both English and French.  Experience in managing editorial calendars, coordinating translations, and ensuring content aligns with the organization's strategic objectives and brand impact. Strong experience managing and maintaining external web platforms, with knowledge of HTML and CSS, and capable of conceptualizing and implementing website improvements and upgrades. Experience using content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress and Drupal.  
External Relations -  Knowledge of communications and external relations strategy, tactics, tools, and products, and experience using them to achieve corporate objectives. Knowledge of the fundamentals of working in various media formats – print, audio, video, web, etc. and the best vehicles to deploy in various scenarios. Proven experience producing complex communications products, including video production. Able to write and edit complex communications products for purposeful structure, clarity of ideas, and logical, persuasive presentation, in an accessible way to different audiences. Strong knowledge of graphic design principles. Knowledge of graphic design for digital media purposes and creation of infographics and presentations (e.g. Photoshop, Canva, PSD, AI or similar). Intermediate or advanced knowledge of Adobe Suite or other editing programs.
Relationship Management -  For assigned stakeholder group (e.g. donors, private sector & foundations, civil society, or other), knowledge of stakeholder organizations, their unique characteristics, and key players. Understanding of, and sensitivity to, stakeholder perspectives, interests and needs and their intersection with GPE’s goals and interests. Effective at forging and managing relationships with stakeholders. Skilled at getting alignment behind a common goal and building trust and support for proposed courses of action or solutions. Possesses strong political judgment, diplomatic sense, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. 
Representation Skills -  Well-rounded with a broad base of knowledge about GPE, its partners, its work, its challenges and its impact (not expected for external candidates). Ability to think and respond quickly and extemporaneously with tact and diplomacy, and to present a credible and convincing presence. Ability to represent GPE and specific activities and products to external stakeholders. Understanding of the political landscape within which GPE and its partner countries operate.
BENEFITS FOR THIS POSITION 
ETT/ETC appointments include medical benefits, paid holidays, and comprehensive leave policy (24 days/annum).
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Poverty has no borders. Neither does excellence. This is why we continually search for qualified individuals with a diverse set of backgrounds from around the globe. 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, creed, race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability. PE has a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. Every GPE staff member is expected to abide by the GPE Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) policy and play an active role in identifying, reporting, and working to prevent SEAH at GPE. Not doing so will constitute a violation of their employment contract and will be grounds for dismissal.  Individuals with disabilities may be provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions of the role and support in receiving other workplace accommodations. Please contact the DAF-Disability Accommodation Fund at disabilityfund@worldbank.org for further information and support

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

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. 

Note: The selected candidate will be offered a one-year appointment, renewable at the discretion of the World Bank Group, and subject to a lifetime maximum ET appointment of three years. If an ET appointment ends before a full year, it is considered as a full year toward the lifetime maximum. Former and current ET staff who have completed all or any portion of their third-year ET appointment are not eligible for future ET appointments.