Communications Officer

Washington, DC
Posted on  

Job Description

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
16 December 2024-23:59-GMT-08:00 Pacific Time (Los Angeles)
WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website:
https://www.wfp.org
WHY JOIN WFP?
  • WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
  • WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
  • WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
  • A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
  • We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The World Food Programme's Washington Office is responsible for managing US Government funding to WFP, which currently accountaccounts for nearly 50 percent of overall funding to WFP. This office works with a range of US Government partners, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It also manages WFP’s relations with the World Bank and WFPUSA. In addition to resource mobilization, the office also works to raise WFP’s visibility in the US through various communications and media activities.

Reporting to the Director of the Washington Office with functional guidance and supervision from HQ’s Communications and Media (COM) Office Deputy Director, the Communications Officer will serve as a senior US based spokesperson, plan and coordinate strategic communications and media engagements and leverage influential networks of key partners and stakeholders to position WFP priorities.
JOB PURPOSE
To develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies that align with the World Food Programme's objectives, with a strong focus on US activities.To define and implement effective external communications plans, working closely with country directors to ensure activities support their objectives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):
  • Build Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations: Establish and nurture effective partnerships with high-level stakeholders, including WFPUSA, USAID, U.S. government, and congressional contacts. Leverage relationships with Global and Multilateral Offices to position WFP favorably in key markets, especially the U.S., to support fundraising and advocacy objectives.
  • Develop and Implement Strategic Communications Plans: Lead the design and execution of regional and functional communications strategies in line with WFP’s corporate objectives. Enhance WFP’s visibility and reputation, supporting fundraising activities and ensuring all efforts align with WFP’s mission and strategic goals.
  • Provide Strategic Communications Guidance: Advise on and support the design and implementation of country-specific communications plans, ensuring alignment with WFP’s broader strategy and responsiveness to local context and audience needs.
  • Execute High-Impact Media Campaigns in Key Markets: Plan and execute strategic media campaigns targeting key markets, including the U.S., to raise WFP’s profile, influence public opinion, and support fundraising initiatives. Draw on in-depth knowledge of the U.S. political landscape, government structures, and media to maximize WFP’s visibility and support.
  • Serve as Media Spokesperson and Build Media Relations: Act as a media spokesperson as needed, cultivating relationships with a network of journalists and top-tier media outlets in the U.S. and globally. Ensure consistent, proactive media outreach and manage reputational risks to maintain WFP’s credibility and trust.
  • Strengthen Internal Communications: Plan and implement internal communication initiatives that foster employee engagement with WFP’s mission and goals. Ensure staff understand the strategic direction and how their roles contribute to WFP’s objectives.
  • Leverage Social Media for Strategic Engagement: Develop a social media plan that utilizes content, platforms, networks, and partners to extend WFP’s reach and influence, particularly in the U.S. market, ensuring alignment with WFP’s broader communications strategy.
  • Generate Donor-Focused Visibility Content: Oversee the creation of donor-specific visibility materials, including text, photos, videos, and audio, for use across digital platforms. Ensure consistency in WFP messaging to enhance donor engagement and support fundraising efforts.
  • Leverage Social Media for Strategic Engagement: Develop a social media plan that utilizes content, platforms, networks, and partners to extend WFP’s reach and influence, particularly in the U.S. market, ensuring alignment with WFP’s broader communications strategy.
  • Ensure Effective Design and Delivery of Communications Materials: Manage the production and distribution of communication products that effectively convey WFP’s messages to diverse audiences. Tailor materials to resonate with target groups, including donors, media, and partners.
  • Strengthen Internal Communications: Plan and implement internal communication initiatives that foster employee engagement with WFP’s mission and goals. Ensure staff understand the strategic direction and how their roles contribute to WFP’s objectives.
  • Consolidate Media Monitoring and Analysis: Collect and analyze media monitoring data, identifying trends and issues, and providing clear recommendations to leadership. Use insights to refine communication strategies and enhance outreach effectiveness.
  • Define Performance Metrics and Reporting: Establish and monitor key performance indicators for communications activities. Coordinate timely and accurate reporting that supports decision-making, evaluation of objectives, and consistency in stakeholder messaging.
  • Enhance Communications Capacity and Provide Expert Advice: Lead capacity-building initiatives for WFP staff in external relations and communications, ensuring targeted training and advising senior management to maintain high-quality, impactful communications.
  • Lead and Manage the Communications Team: Oversee a small team of Communications Officers, establishing objectives, work plans, and performance metrics. Provide guidance and development opportunities to ensure high performance and alignment with WFP’s strategic communications goals.
  • Drive Communication Effectiveness through Measurement: Utilize tools and processes from the Global Media Team to measure the impact of communications, ensuring messages effectively reach and engage target audiences.
  • Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Communications: Champion an equitable, inclusive, and diverse workplace in line with WFP’s framework, ensuring that all communications reflect and support these values.
  • Contribute to Preparedness and Risk Management: Provide technical recommendations on preparedness actions, including managing communications-specific risks and ensuring readiness to respond to emerging issues.
  • Other Duties as Required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Advanced University degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.
Experience:
  • A minimum of 8 years’ experience leading strategic communications planning and media relations, with a minimum of 5 years at a management level.
  • Served as media spokesperson in an international environment.
  • Extensive experience and successful track record in pitching to top-tier media organizations in the US.
  • Specialized knowledge and deep understanding of US political landscape, government structures in Washington DC and the US media landscape.
  • Excellent writing skills and fluency in English.
  • Successfully led media campaigns to position issues in the US.

Language: Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).

MORE ABOUT YOU:
  • Ability to collaborate with high-level stakeholders & WFPUSA; established network within USAID, US government and congressional circles.
  • Experience leveraging Global and/or Multilateral Offices to position WFP a large international organization in key markets to support fundraising initiatives.
  • Understanding of a Global Media Team’s processes, tools, & tactics.
  • Ability to measure effectiveness of communication efforts to ensure messages reach & engage intended audiences.
  • Proven experience working in a multi-cultural context with diverse team.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
  • This is an International Professional position and open to all nationalities.
  • Mobility is and continues to be, a core contractual requirement in WFP. The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed term as well as a rotational contract with a probationary period of one year. This position is open to both internal and external candidates.
  • WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel, visa and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. For more information, visit https://icsc.un.org/.
  • The selected candidate will be required to relocate to Washington, United States of America.
  • Please note that internally, these positions will be referred to as "Communication Officer P4"
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our recruitment process is inclusively crafted to welcome candidates of all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and ensuring a respectful environment for all. We aim for an accessible and fair recruitment journey. Should you need any reasonable accommodations or have accessibility concerns, please reach out to us confidentially at global.inclusion@wfp.org. Our DEI team is here to ensure your full participation in our recruitment process.
NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
  • We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
  • Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
  • Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
  • Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
  • Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
  • Please contact us at
    global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org
    in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be notified
All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

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