This week on Comms Spotlight, we meet a professional who is constantly embracing daunting career opportunities and challenges Grace Kiire is the Communications Officer – Media Relations at the International Finance Corporation. Grace has had a truly inspiring career journey so far. In her interview with us, she shares about her decision to work internationally and how it has impacted her career.
How did you begin your career in Communications?
Like a lot of people, I fell into it! During my undergraduate degree, I started doing work experience. My feet first got wet in the industry in fashion PR, working both at agencies and in-house, including at Giorgio Armani. I found the sector fascinating but decided to pivot to global corporate communications after graduation due to the broader career prospects.
Perhaps it’s my diasporic upbringing but working for a UK-only company never appealed to me and I’ve been very blessed that my work has been international from the very start. This global outlook has fostered my open-mindedness and eagerness to embrace diverse career experiences.
As the Communications Officer – Media Relations, at the International Finance Corporation, what does your role entail?
Engaging with the media is a key component of IFC’s overall communications strategy. In my role, I lead on ensuring a strong public understanding of IFC’s work at a global level and highlighting IFC as a leader in private sector investment in emerging markets.
My general tasks encompass a front-facing role with top-tier international media, executive leadership positioning, regional media outreach support, communicating around highly sensitive topics and mitigating potential reputational risk.
Can you share some highlights from your career journey with us?
With pleasure! I’ll go chronologically…
Working London Fashion Week as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed young adult was an exhilarating mix of glamour and hard work. I vividly remember dashing between Giorgio Armani and publications like Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and GQ, delivering clothing samples for fashion round-ups. One unforgettable moment was couriering a dress worth tens of thousands of GBP across London to hand-deliver it to a celebrity for an event, ensuring we secured valuable PR coverage.
When I transitioned to the Corporate Communications world, one of my major clients was ExxonMobil. I found the oil and gas sector fascinating, especially working on Communications around the motor oil used in Formula 1 racing. This role took me to iconic racing locations worldwide, including Abu Dhabi and Silverstone. Getting paid to have such experiences was a true blessing.
However, Africa always had my heart. Early in my career, I pivoted to the African market and never looked back. This region has been a gift that keeps on giving. Working in and for Africa presents challenges, but the rewards, particularly for my career, are long-lasting.
My career took on a new trajectory when I was seconded from my London office at africapractice to the Nairobi office. What was meant to be a six-month stint turned into three years and changed my life forever. It was my first experience working directly in Africa, and I had to learn, localise, adapt, and fit in quickly—with colleagues and clients. Fortunately, I found my footing and went from strength to strength.
I then transitioned to in-house Communications at the African Development Bank Group, where I honed my expertise as a Communications professional. At this stage of my career, as the workload and expectations increased, so did the opportunities. Highlights included extensive travel, communicating across diverse topics and borders, shaping narratives impacting the entire continent, and engaging with key decision-makers in Africa.
It was also here that I sharpened my Crisis Communications skills, essential for organisations where the stakes are high. A career highlight that I’ll never forget was at COP27 when I moderated a panel awarding youths across Africa who had innovative ideas on climate adaptation. On the panel was Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB, Patrick Verkoijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation and Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development of Norway.
Now, I work at the IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, with a global focus. Standout moments include being part of the buzz of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund’s Spring and Annual Meetings, where major global decisions are made.
From a Communications perspective, there’s always a story to tell. Whether it’s announcing a new transaction in Indonesia, working on a press conference for a new report in Africa, staffing a high-profile media interview in DC, or engaging with the world’s most prominent Journalists daily, every experience enriches my career. I’ve not been there long, but a personal win so far has been placing an op-ed for a senior Executive in the Financial Times.
You’ve worked with quite a few organisations in different countries. How have you been able to navigate the different cultures, contexts and professional settings that your career has led you through over the years?
Navigating different cultures and professional settings has been an incredibly rewarding part of my career. Without question, it’s important to do your best to understand local customs and social norms, which helps build trust and respect. Being adaptable is key—I adjust my communication style and work habits to fit the environment I’m in. For me, it was essential that I understood different work styles and reframed my London/British thinking when and where I could.
I’ve also built diverse networks, leaning on local experts, and working with cross-cultural teams to broaden my perspective. By respecting differences and leading with empathy, I’ve fostered strong collaborations – some of which, I believe (and hope!) will last my lifetime.
Continuous learning—whether through colleagues, cultural exposure, or embracing life in each new country—has been crucial. Customising my approach and being receptive to feedback has not only helped me settle into new environments but also enabled me to achieve goals faster and connect with people across diverse settings.
What are some of the career lessons that have shaped you into the professional you are?
The biggest lesson has been being open to saying ‘yes’. That one word has moved me from London to Nairobi, to Abidjan to Washington D.C. Being receptive to daunting opportunities can change your life. Trust me, it has changed mine.
Embracing continuous learning has been so important, as staying updated on the latest trends and technologies keeps me adaptable, innovative, and hirable. Skill development through training, workshops, courses, and certifications ensures I remain competitive and effective in my field.
Cultural sensitivity in the workplace has also been vital; understanding and respecting cultural differences has helped me build strong international relationships. Gaining local insights before executing strategies has made outreach relevant, effective and ultimately better.
Networking has been another significant lesson, as building a diverse network of contacts worldwide has opened doors in terms of support, points of view, and opportunities.
Looking back on your career, what advice would you give to professionals aspiring to pursue a similar path?
If possible, seek opportunities that expose you to international markets and diverse cultures. This experience can broaden your understanding and enhance your ability to communicate effectively on a global scale.
Seek out or identify a supporting and inspiring manager. This relationship can significantly influence your career growth. When I look back at my career, a lot of the doors opened for me came from fantastic managers and I am forever grateful.
And finally, loving what you do makes challenges more manageable and work more fulfilling. Identify and pursue what you are passionate about.
