TERMS OF REFERENCE

Communication officer for South Asia

Location: New Delhi
Full-time permanent job
Expected starting date: June 2018

French Development Agency (AFD)

AFD is France’s inclusive public development bank. It commits financing and technical assistance to projects that
genuinely improve everyday life, both in developing and emerging countries and in the French overseas
provinces. In keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, AFD works in many sectors —
energy, healthcare, biodiversity, water, digital technology, professional training, among others — to assist with
transitions towards a safer, more equitable, and more sustainable world : a world in common.

Through its network of 85 field offices, AFD currently finances, monitors, and assists more than 2,500
development projects in 108 countries. In 2017, AFD earmarked EUR 10.34bn to finance projects in developing
countries and for overseas France.

AFD in South Asia

AFD has been operating in India from its New Delhi office since 2008. It focuses on three pillars: sustainable
urban development, energy transition, protection of biodiversity and natural resources. AFD has committed 1.5
Bn€ towards these three sectors, mainly through loans to the State and State-owned companies, as well as
through technical assistance programmes. AFD is also active in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. In these
countries, AFD’s mandate focuses on supporting green and inclusive growth.

Job description

The main goal of the communication officer will be to upscale AFD’s visibility and influence in South Asia.
The communication officer will support the offices in New Delhi, Colombo, Dhaka and Islamabad.

Her/his key responsibilities are:

• Update/establish AFD’s communication action plan for the targeted countries, and then ensure and
monitor its implementation
• Develop communications tools (PowerPoints, leaflets, press releases, press packs, etc.)
 • Update the local offices websites
• Contribute to AFD’s English Twitter account and AFD’s Facebook
• Identify flagship projects and build AFD’s narrative in the targeted countries – including by
working with photographers and/or filmmakers
• Establish a strong network with media (written press, radio and TV) present in the targeted
countries, either local, French or international, and organize frequent meetings between the
media and the directors of the local offices
• Ensure a good relationship with and the timely information of the « French team » (embassy
etc.) in the targeted countries
• Organize communication events - anniversaries, press conferences, ground-breaking
ceremonies etc.
• Promote AFD’s participation in local events where its actions/experience can be showcased
• Promote AFD’s research and publications
• Write speeches for the local offices’ Directors
• Disseminate a communication culture within the AFD team in New Delhi, Colombo, Dhaka and
Islamabad
• Ensure budget monitoring of communications actions.

The communication officer will be based in New Delhi. His/her activities will focus on India, Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh and Pakistan. The job therefore entails frequent travels in India and South Asia. He/she will report to
AFD’s communication department in Paris and work in very close relationship with the directors of the local
offices in South Asia. He/she will be supported by staff from the different AFD offices in the different countries.
The position will be a full time permanent contract.

Requirements
The appointee will be able to demonstrate:

• At least a bachelor degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field.

• Minimum five years of job-related experience.
• Excellent knowledge of English is required – strong written communication skills, ability to draft
a variety of communication materials.
• Good understanding of social media in India and the region.
• Experience in event management and in media relations.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in an international team.
• Initiative taker.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office package.
• Strong interest in sustainable development issues.

Knowledge of French is a strong added advantage.

Submission of applications
Interested candidates shall submit their application in English or in French (cover letter and CV) by email to
afdnewdelhi@afd.fr quoting “AFD Communication officer” in the subject before May 1, 2018 (18:00 hours).

Only short-listed candidates will be notified for an appointment.