The Office of the President is responsible for providing support & assisting the President in planning, supervising and managing the business of the Bank Group. Under the direct supervision of the Director of Cabinet, the Speechwriter/Editor will write and tailor clear, well-argued, well researched speeches and statements, opinion editorials and other materials, as required, for the President and his Senior Management, or his delegated representatives. The Speechwriter/Editor will be required to translate politically sensitive and complex economic material into clear, understandable language that is accessible to a broad audience and to authentically recreate the President’s voice and ideas.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the general supervision of the Director, Office of the President, the incumbent will perform the following duties and responsibilities:
- Write speeches and presentations for both internal and external audiences, and develop other communications products such as articles and op-eds for the President of the Bank; play an important, behind-the-scenes role in the Bank’s communications with its strategic audiences.
- Thoroughly research the subject matter to develop a sound understanding of the various issues, including ensuring that all data are properly and reliably sourced.
- Produce an outline of arguments for each speech/statement/article, as appropriate.
- Write and revise written products in consultation with colleagues from the Communications Unit, the Offices of the Vice-Presidents, the Chief Economist, and relevant Department Experts.
- Craft speeches and statements that are clear, concise, well-written, persuasive, and factually correct, and that fit with the speaker’s style of delivery.
- Build and maintain a network of contacts – within and outside AfDB – as a knowledge resource on various issues.
- Liaise closely with key AfDB staff in advance of relevant speaking engagements to obtain content and background, ensure good coordination and meeting of deadlines, and provide the opportunity for review of texts in draft.
- Work closely with the Bank’s other communications professionals, and with senior managers throughout the Bank, and will be expected to consult and collaborate closely with economists and other internal subject matter experts in developing key messages.
- Suggest topics for inclusion in speeches and articles, according to AfDB’s priorities, objectives and external opportunities.
- Provide personal communication and speech advice to senior managers.
- Performs any other duty pertinent to the work, assigned by the Director and the President.
SELECTION CRITERIA (including desirable skills, knowledge and experience)
- At least a Master’s or its equivalent in Communication, Languages and Linguistics, International Relations or related fields.
- Preferably a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant professional experience in high-level writing projects including speeches, editorials and internal and external publications. Prior experience of working in a multilateral organization is an advantage.
- Having a passion for the AfDB’s mission to promote inclusive economic growth and help improve living conditions for Africans and mobilize resources for the Continent’s economic and social development.
- Able to write fully-scripted speeches, spanning complex topics for a variety of audiences.
- Able to script PowerPoint presentations, creatively combining words and images.
- Self-motivated, persuasive team player, able to demonstrate the power to influence senior management.
- Ability to work under pressure in the dynamic setting of an international and multicultural setting.
- Handle speedily and efficiently internal and external requests.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, coordination and communication skills;
- Ability to work accurately, methodically and to meet deadlines;
- Ability to work independently or within teams; demonstrate mature sense of judgment;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and/or French, with a good command of the other language;
- Competence in the use of Bank standard software (word, Excel, Access and Power point).
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For submissions: apply via AFDB's career site here
Website: http://www.afdb.org/
READ NEXT:
