Public Information Assistant

Job # : 091569
Job Title : Public Information Assistant
Location : Jakarta
Closing Date : 20 Sept 2009


This local recruitment shall be for an initial period of a Two-year Term appointment with the possibility of extension subject to performance.

If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 1 year renewable term appointment.

If you wish to apply, please click "Apply" button on the upper right of this web page. Direct applications through email, post service and phone queries are not acceptable.

You are kindly requested to attach your latest resume, write cover letter and provide references which consists of minimum three names with full contact details.

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Background

The World Bank is a “knowledge bank” which produces or sponsors an large amount of research and analysis on Indonesia’s development. The WBOJ is keen to develop new and effective approaches to sharing this development research with a broad range of stakeholders and constituencies. Moreover, WBOJ is keen not only to “share” such development research, but to help facilitate and stimulate a broader and more informed development discourse in Indonesia. WBOJ now seeks new and innovative ways to engage audiences ranging from village-level local administrators to urban university students to national opinion makers and policymakers in a dynamic development discourse and dialogue. Therefore, the most effective methods of sharing knowledge becomes a crucial component of the World Bank’s outreach strategy. An equally important component is the need to stimulate the flow of development knowledge into the World Bank itself. To this end, meaningful development dialogue should ideally occur across a much wider cross section of stakeholders (including students, civil society, government, and media) in a variety of fora (including seminars, workshops, consultations and media talkshows)

Creating effective multiple channels and platforms for knowledge sharing and development dialogue is a complex communications challenge which requires:
• A deep understanding of development topics, their respective audiences and their related issues.
• Proven experience in utilizing traditional channels/platforms/tools of communication and knowledge sharing, coupled with a strong awareness and understanding of new media tools/channels.
• Strategic thinking in terms of how best to utilize existing channels to effectively get World Bank messages and information across to targetted audiences, as well as increase public awareness and understanding of the World Bank in general.

As part of its information disclosure policy, the World Bank Office in Jakarta (WBOJ) presently coordinates a large network of integrated public information centers – known as “Indonesia Development Information Services” (IDIS) – spread nation-wide across 16 university campuses, two World Bank sub-offices, as well as through a newly implemented on-line service anchored from the Jakarta office. The IDIS network is essentially a network of physical and virtual libraries which offer a wide range of knowledge and learning products, and hosts periodic events which aim to deepen development dialogue in Indonesia. The latter addition of an on-line service marks a newer, faster and environmentally friendlier approach to sharing knowledge in an increasingly internet-savvy country like Indonesia. WBOJ is keen to revisit the efficacy of the existing IDIS network and the Public Information Specialist will play a central role in determining how such exiting networks can be made more effective in support of the World Bank’s overall interest in more informed development discourse and knowledge sharing in Indonesia.


Note: A potential candidate has been identified and intends to apply for this position. However, this remains a competitive process and interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 2 year renewable term appointment.

Goals and Objectives

In its management of public information services, WBOJ is committed to seeking new ways of sharing World Bank knowledge and learning products. The underlying aim is to provide information that is available at the right time, at the right place, in the right form, for the right people. The methods for doing so are multiple and must be continuously updated to reflect the times. While the traditional channels of dialogue and print/broadcast media will always be utilized, an emphasis on digital media channels –websites, social media, blogs, E-Library – is ever increasing.

To help us seek new and innovative ways of sharing knowledge beyond the World Bank’s traditional means, and in turn help us reach out to a larger audience, we are looking for a creative and dynamic public information specialist to become an integral part of the central communications team for the World Bank in Indonesia who is capable of:
a) Evaluating the performance of the existing IDIS network and designing a new information outreach strategy that promotes knowledge sharing and development dialogue through multiple channels/platforms/tools.
b) Forging strategic new partnerships with organizations (civil society groups, media, academia, etc.) committed to deepening development dialogue in Indonesia.
c) Managing the physical collection of all World Bank knowledge and learning products; and acting as a focal point for both external and internal queries
d) Contributing to the full spectrum of tasks and functions performed by the WBOJ Communications Team, beyond the realm of public information.

This position requires excellent bilingual and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong understanding of communications theory and practices. The successful candidate will interact intensively with the communications/web team, World Bank sub-offices, IDIS network members, the World Bank InfoShop; Country Director, Regional Management both operational and External Affairs, counterpart public information staff in other countries; depository and regional libraries, World Bank distributors, World Bank Office of the Publisher; local media, academia, NGOs, private sector, government and other segments of civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement the Country Office plan to revitalize the existing IDIS network through an active outreach program that fosters knowledge sharing and development dialogue through the right mix of traditional and new digital media channels.
• Scrutinizing the performance of individual members of the IDIS network with the intention of upgrading strong performers and revoking the membership on non-performers, under the guidance of the Communications Officer. This requires making field visits, analyzing the monthly reports on activities conducted by IDIS network members, as well as forging ties with new alternative organizations in non-performing cities.
• Acquire, maintain, control and distribute the physical collection of all released documents including World Bank and Governmental publications; answer queries, and proactively provide access to information in a manner the requester’s can understand. As ther point of entry to the World Bank for many external clients, provide courteous, accurate and timely information. Refer complex questions to appropriate World Bank staff or to the Officer. Respond to routine inquiries (via telephone, email, correspondence, or in-person) about the World Bank.
• Develop and maintain the IDIS web page and provide inputs both for the Country web sites in Bahasa Indonesia and English, the events calender for IDIS and eventual online collections of IDIS network members.
• Routinely gather basic information from inside and outside sources about the World Bank and its work to monitor and stay abreast of current events, activities, and thinking on World Bank-related issues. Maintain current knowledge of all lending operations and country work, ensure all relevant documentation is available in a timely manner, and enforce the translation of all World Bank documents and publications into Bahasa Indonesia.
• Under guidance of the Communications Team, draft, edit, produce, and distribute routine outreach materials (e.g. brochures, posters, etc.) related to IDIS services and World Bank’s work in country.
• Coordinatie logistics and speakers for World Bank-sponsored events and other outreach activities (e.g. press briefings, conferences and seminars, consultations, etc.) to foster dissemination and two-way dialogue o strategic topics pertaining to the World Bank at the center in Jakarta and through the IDIS network.
• Provide expert advice on internal and externla audiences on the implementation of the Disclosure Policy,
• Maintain contact databases to facilitate and expand the World Bank;s relations with key constituencies. Maintain effective two-way communications and dialogue with academiics, businesses, agents working on projects, government agencies, depository and regional libraries and local distributors of World Bank Publications.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum Education: BA/BS (Communications, Journalism, Marketing, International Relations/Public Affairs, Political Science, or other related field.)

• Minimum Years of Relevant Experience: Some relevant practical experience

• Good understanding of current development topics and issues. Knowledge of social, political and development issues in the region and country. Keenness to understand the programs, policies and operations of the World Bank.

• Experience in handling, or relevant experience which demonstrates ability to learn, document/book distribution and in the design and delivery of other information dissemination activities. Willingness and ability to develop an good understanding of the Bank’s Information Disclosure Policy.

• Solid knowledge and understanding of information management and library processes, procedures and practices, including the relevant databases and cutting-edge informaiton technology.

• Excellent oral and written communications capabilities iin Bahasa Indonesia and English; strong organizational, research/analytical and presentation skills.

• Strong computer skills; proven ability to use standard and customized Bank technology packages, e.g., Inernet, Word, Lotus Notes, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. Basic knowledge of web editing. Keenness to apply cutting-edge information technology to the position and to enchance the World Bank’s communication and information sharing in Indonesia.

• High degree of self motivation and proven ability to work under minimum supervision and as part of a team; Strong track record of innovation, entreprenuerialism, and in creative and effective approaches to communications and information sharing.

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