Communications Officer

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

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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.

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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).

JOB TITLE: Communications Officer

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Consultancy Level II

UNIT/DIVISION: COM Washington

DUTY STATION (City, Country): Washington, USA

DURATION: 11 months

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The Communications Officer, a consultant position in Washington, DC, will assist the senior spokesperson and head of WFP North America communications implement the agency’s communications strategy for increasing WFP’s visibility, advocacy and fundraising objectives in the United States and Canada. The Communications Officer will report directly to the Senior Spokesperson in Washington, in close coordination with the Communications and Media Office (COM) in Rome, Italy.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Communications Officer will be responsible for:

• Securing interviews and speaking opportunities for WFP officials to promote WFP's work among US and Canadian audiences.
• Liaising with news media, pitching WFP stories, providing information and ensuring WFP's interests are appropriately promoted in news coverage.
• Contributing to and executing communication and advocacy strategies and planning around government and donor partners as well as strategic moments throughout the year.
• Providing communications support for senior WFP leadership during US visits, including gathering content and creating social media posts, and identifying other social media opportunities to engage and raise awareness.
• Leveraging and facilitating WFP’s global Goodwill Ambassadors, Advocates and High-Level Supporters program to drive greater attention to global hunger.
• Developing communications and advocacy materials to raise WFP's profile among specific, targeted audiences.
• Working closely with our key communications ally in the US, the World Food Program USA, and other major allies, such as the UN Foundation on initiatives.
• Maintaining a willingness to assume work-related missions outside of DC, including in other countries as needed.
• Performing other duties as required.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

The contract-holder will have made significant contributions to securing news and alternative media interviews, organizing events, building new communications partnerships, and facilitating WFP's advocacy activities in the US to raise awareness and increase visibility of the organization’s work.

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: At least 6 years of professional experience in media relations, public information, journalism, strategic communications.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Demonstrated interest in international development or humanitarian affairs
• Ability to work independently but also to collaborate well with a global team across multiple time-zones
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and problem-solve
• Experience pitching stories to journalists
• A keen understanding of, and previous experience working with US media and the Associated Press editorial style
• Working knowledge of MS Office, including the ability to design materials in Microsoft Publisher and PowerPoint
• Fluency with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms
• Ability to work harmoniously with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of the workings of the U.S. government, WFP and the UN system is desirable

Languages: Written and oral proficiency in English. 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) an advantage.

Working Arrangements: This position is based in WFP’s Washington, DC office

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

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

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

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.