Chief Communications Specialist (PCSC) at African Development Bank - AfDB

The Position

• We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-driven speechwriter with exceptional writing, research, and analytical skills.
• The specialist is expected to have meticulous attention to detail, work well under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• The specialist’s responsibilities include drafting executive-level speeches suited to diverse audiences and platforms, completing revisions according to client feedback, and meeting all deadlines.
• Furthermore, the specialist will work with other Bank staff in and outside of the Cabinet to support the management of external and internal communications needs directly related to the Presidency.

Key Functions
Under the general guidance of the Director-General of Cabinet, the incumbent will be assigned the following duties, including but not limited to:

• Working with the President, Cabinet and other senior Bank staff to determine key points, themes, positions, and core messages for speeches and public statements;
• Flesh out well-structured draft speech/statements reflecting the President’s message;
• Creating, editing and revising various forms of communication products, including but not limited to correspondence and technical documentation such as speeches, factsheets, talking points, opinions, prefaces, forewords, web articles and social media texts in a consistent and coherent manner across various communication platforms;
• Conducting research, including material produced by the African Development Bank Group and other relevant organizations, in consultation with substantive units and relevant staff in the President's Cabinet t and relevant Vice-Presidential Complexes;
• Ensuring all written work is authentic, original and appropriately cited and/or referenced;
• Editing and proofreading documents including spell checks, acronyms and abbreviations, etc.
• Providing advisories on strategic communications opportunities;
• Developing outlines with compelling narratives, including relevant examples of African Development Bank activities and results;
• Researching, verifying content, and transforming complex concepts into clear, meaningful and effective communication;
• Collaborating with the Bank’s Communications Department on all aspects of communication and supporting an enhanced understanding of strategic communication activities;
• Reviewing the content of major communication strategies and materials specific to the work of the President, for the purpose of ensuring consistency with corporate policies, messaging and initiatives; and
• Performing other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping, as required.

Competencies (Qualifications, Experience & Skills):
Functional:

• At least a Master’s Degree in Journalism, Communication or Communication-related disciplines, International Relations, the Social Sciences or related disciplines;
• Demonstrable experience working with senior leaders of at least seven (years), preferably as a speechwriter, communications specialist, storyteller, narrative development, or a similar role;
• Exceptional rigor and ability to understand/research data, facts, trends, examples, stories;
• Excellent writing skills, including experience in creating, editing and proofreading within a professional organization;
• Strong research capabilities to gather relevant data and information for speeches and communications materials;
• Adept at translating complex ideas into accessible language for various audiences with sensitivity the cultural contexts;
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality;
• Knowledge of current events, industry trends, and public policy issues;
• Familiarity with the role of development finance institutions in facilitating socioeconomic reform and addressing poverty reduction in developing countries, a plus; and
• Competence in the use of standard software applications.

Personal:

• Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural skills and related sensitivity and adaptability;
• Quick learner with high energy, continuous curiosity and an ability to think clearly and articulate precisely; and
• Collaborative style with the ability to work as part of a team in a high-pressure environment.