Chief Speechwriter to the President at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

African Development Bank Group (AfDB) – Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 80 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries). The Banks development agenda is delivering the financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chief Speechwriter to the President

Reference: ADB/19/023
Location: Cote d’Ivoire
Grade: PL3
Position N°: 50071287

The Complex

The President, plans, supervises and manages the business of the Bank Group. Under the direction of the Boards of Directors, the President conducts the business of the Bank and the African Development Fund and manages operations and activities in accordance with the Agreements establishing the African Development Bank and the African Development Fund.
The President supervises several Departments and Units including Office of the President; Independent Development Evaluation Department; Integrity and Anti-Corruption Department; Compliance Review and Mediation Unit; Secretariat to the Sanctions Appeals Board; Administrative Tribunal; Office of the Auditor General; Group Risk Management Directorate; General Counsel and Legal Services Department; Communication and External Relations Department; Staff Integrity and Ethics Office and Office of the Secretary General and General Secretariat.

The Hiring Department/Divison

The purpose of the Department is to plan, prepare and implement public relations and institutional communication programs designed to make the Bank better known by its various audiences so as to promote social and economic development in Africa, and to establish and maintain the Bank’s credibility and good reputation as Africa’s leading development finance institution.
The Department is also responsible for enabling the Bank to understand better, how the institution is perceived both internally and externally.

The Position

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Director Communication and External Relations, the main purpose of the Chief Speechwriter to the President is to take the lead in preparing, drafting, editing and revising speeches, articles, and other communication and documents that articulate, extend, and enhance the vision, ideas, messages, reputation and profile of the President of the African Development Bank, and to engage in and drive such internal activities and initiatives as are necessary to support this purpose.
The objectives are to establish and assure an exceptionally high quality of speeches, articles, and other communication documents emanating from the Office of the President.

Duties and responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the President of the Bank, with affiliated reporting relationships to the Chief of Staff, and the Director of Communication and External Relations, the Chief Speechwriter to the President has the following responsibilities:

Set medium and long-term plans to accomplish successful communication goals for the President’s office, both with senior management of the Bank, and key external stakeholders.
Draft, edit, proofread, speeches, articles, and other communication and documents for the President; gathering and analysing facts, statistics, statements and all communication to and from the President; preparing and /or reviewing official statements for the Office of the President in cooperation with the technical team and Vice-Presidents;
Proactively identify issues, themes and narratives and target audiences for whom the President should make public statements inside and outside the Bank;
Liaise and work strategically, effectively and closely with the Bank’s Director of Communication, and the Communication team on all communication and written media assignments related to the President.
Work closely with the Bank’s Language Services unit to ensure excellent quality statements and translated documents;
Assemble, review and summarize key messages in various publications, including policy reports, newspapers, magazine articles, the annual report, and other periodicals ;
Contribute periodic written reports to the President’s office; follow up policy aspects and commitments made through speeches and statements in line with the President’s mandate and consistent with progress in reputation management and thought leadership development;
Respond to requests for information and material relating to the President by groups, interests and organizations within and outside the Bank;

Selection Criteria
Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

Hold at least a Master’s or its equivalent in Communication, Marketing or Public Relations, History, Politics, Economics, Development Economics, or any other discipline that is relevant to the operations of the Bank;
Have a minimum of 7 years of relevant and progressive experience
A strong knowledge of socio-economic and political development issues and policies of African countries.
Experience in a similar environment (International Financial Institution, Multilateral Development Bank, or the private sector);
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (written and oral) in English or French; and adapt language and appropriate styles to suit the requirements of specific audiences and stakeholders.
Strong writing skills and hands-on experience in research, print media, or academia; and an outstanding record of publications and or high quality written communication;
Excellent interpersonal and teamworking skills that maximise effectiveness and contribute to a positive work environment.
Must have sound judgement and a high level of integrity
Must have strong organizational, analytical and communication skills;
Must be able to work independently and as a part of a group.
Must be able to think clearly, manage time well, work effectively under pressure, handle competing priorities, pay attention to details, while producing quality results;
Innovation and Creativity – A proven ability to provide innovative approaches that enhance performance and create added benefits for the Bank and its clients.
Problem Solving – Apply business knowledge to the resolution of problems and identify solutions to the benefit of the client (internal and external) and the organization.
Client Orientation – Ensure that the client is of primary importance in all transactions and interactions. Strive to understand, and when appropriate anticipate client needs, and ensure that the client receives the best possible service from the Bank.
An Understanding of and experience with various media software tools. Competence in the use of standard Microsoft software (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).