Senior Communications Officer (Middle East and North Africa)

Work for the IMF. Work for the World. The Communications Department (COM) is the International Monetary Fund's strategic center for communication. It develops and coordinates the IMF's external and internal communications strategy, shapes the IMF’s key messages, advises IMF management and staff on how best to convey key messages, and monitors and responds to what people outside the IMF say about the institution and its activity. The Media and Social Outreach Division (COMMS) leads the IMF’s strategic engagement with global media, digital audiences, and key external stakeholders to strengthen the institution’s reputation, credibility, and public impact. The division shapes and amplifies institutional narratives and policy priorities to advance understanding of Fund policies and practices worldwide. Through proactive media relations, high-level communications strategy, and targeted social outreach, COMMS cultivates relationships with journalists, influencers, and opinion leaders; develops messaging and communications products—including memos, briefing materials, Talking Points, and digital content; and orchestrates media opportunities and high-profile events for management and staff. The division also plays a critical role in identifying emerging communications risks and opportunities, helping position the IMF effectively in a rapidly evolving global information environment. Under the general supervision of the Division Chief and Deputy Division Chiefs, the Senior Communications Officer will play a key role in advancing the IMF’s strategic communications objectives - particularly focused on the Middle East and North Africa region - through integrated media engagement, digital storytelling, and audience outreach. Core responsibilities include: • Driving impactful media relations and digital engagement strategies - particularly across the Middle East and North Africa - strengthening understanding of the IMF’s mission, policies, and global impact. • Building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists, editors, content creators, and social media influencers covering global economic and financial issues across international, regional, and national markets. • Designing and executing integrated communications campaigns across traditional and digital platforms, including targeted and paid social media strategies. • Developing high-quality communications products for senior IMF leadership, including press lines, news releases, talking points, briefing materials, and strategic messaging. • Creating, editing, and publishing compelling digital content and social media assets in coordination with relevant departments to maximize reach, engagement, and message consistency. • Monitoring and analyzing media coverage, digital conversations, and audience sentiment to identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities, and to inform strategic communications planning. • Supporting communications around high-profile institutional moments—including Management travel, flagship publications, global conferences, and major policy announcements—through real-time media and social media engagement and impact analysis. • Providing strategic advice on communications positioning, reputation management, and digital engagement in a rapidly evolving media landscape. • Collaborating across COM matrix teams and with departments across the institution to deliver coordinated, audience-focused communications initiatives involving diverse internal and external stakeholders. Requirements • Advanced university degree (or equivalent) in communications, journalism, political science, economics, finance, international relations, or a related field, together with at least eight (8) years of relevant professional experience; or a university degree (or equivalent) with at least fourteen (14) years of relevant professional experience. • Significant professional experience working in and/or covering the Middle East and North Africa, including demonstrated understanding of economic and political environment, key policy figures and ongoing developments in the region, and extensive knowledge of, and relations with, key media outlets and figures. • Demonstrated success in building and sustaining trusted relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including media, policymakers, and digital influencers. • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic, with the ability to craft clear, compelling, and audience-focused messaging across traditional and digital platforms. • Strong strategic communications experience, including the development and execution of outreach strategies in fast-paced, high-profile environments. • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams and functions to deliver coordinated communications outcomes aligned with institutional priorities. • Sound judgment, political acuity, and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, advise, and communicate persuasively with senior stakeholders and diverse audiences. • Experience monitoring and interpreting media, social media, and geopolitical developments to inform communications strategy and reputation management efforts. • Understanding of the IMF’s mission, operations, and the broader global political and economic landscape would be a strong advantage. • Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and consensus-building skills, combined with a highly collaborative and solutions-oriented working style. This is a one-year contractual appointment. Contractual appointments at the IMF are renewable for up to four years of cumulative contractual service, pending incumbent's performance, budget availability, and continuous business need. Department: COMMS Communications Department Media and Social Outreach Division Hiring For: A13, A14 The IMF is guided by the principle that the employment, classification, promotion, and assignment of staff shall be made without discrimination against any person. We welcome requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process. Information on how to request accommodations will be provided during the application process.