Internal Communications Consultant

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles

Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance

Job Title: Internal Communications Consultant

Type of Contract: Consultant Level II

Division: TECC, Technology Division

Duty Station: Rome, Italy/HQ or Remote

Duration: 11 months

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. The WFP Technology Division (TEC) seeks to digitally enable the organization to deliver this mandate in an effective and efficient manner, with sufficient agility required for humanitarian operations.

Digital technology and data are rapidly reaching some of the most vulnerable people and places affected by crisis, while also expanding operational approach to those same crises. As one of the main humanitarian actors, WFP has the opportunity and obligation to leverage data and technology to better know and serve those in need by digitally transforming the way it works. Such ambition has led to developing a new WFP IT Strategy whose core elements inform the end-to-end business processes of the organization.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Reporting to the Head of Advocacy and Engagement, Technology Division (TEC) (Rome HQ), the Internal Communications Consultant will support WFP’s positioning, advocacy, and presence in relevant fora with the objective of improving visibility and awareness of technology and data and how they add value to WFP’s mission. As one of the main humanitarian actors, WFP has the opportunity and obligation to leverage data and technology to better know and serve those in need by digitally transforming the way it works. WFP is integrating and mainstreaming the core elements of an end-to-end digital business process. In this context, TEC is determined to be a flexible, customer-centric, digital leader and the TEC Communications (TECC) team will play a key role in developing strategic narratives, messages, content, and channels to support this business objective. This requires an experienced and creative expert with strong multi-media, design, and marketing skills who can work in a team to enhance internal communication.
 

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Advocacy and Engagement (TEC) and in close coordination with the Communications, Advocacy and Marketing Division (CAM), the Internal Communications Consultant will be responsible for the following key duties:

1. Develop, maintain, and update an appropriate work plan for internal communication, which aligns with the TEC communications strategy and WFP corporate communications strategy, to maintain and enhance the visibility and reputation of TEC in WFP.
2. Coordinate the development and maintenance of multi-channel content planning; working closely with TECC colleagues to reflect the entire TEC Division. Liaise with the Communications, Advocacy and Marketing Division (CAM) to develop complementary planning, tools, messaging, quality standards and measurements.
3. Research, draft and validate content to drive TEC’s internal communications supporting all aspects of digital transformation, emergency response, leadership, products, services, donors, and partnerships.
4. Create and edit content and collateral for multiple platforms, including websites, intranet, events, factsheets, presentations, and videos.
5. Provide advice and support to TEC branches and Regional IT Officers (RITOs) to design and implement communications activities, ensuring compliance with wider WFP IT Strategy and considering the specific contexts and audiences to develop appropriate, effective communications.
6. Plan, manage and evaluate internal communications campaigns that favorably impact the views of the WFP workforce, opinion leaders and donors to raise the profiles of technology and data in WFP.
7. Produce visibility content including, videos, photos, and audio for use across a range of integrated online platforms, including Yammer and WFP intranet, to support global and country fundraising activities, ensuring consistency with corporate messages.
8. Analyze media and tools to identify trends and/or issues and propose solutions and ideas to improve the effectiveness of communications activities.
9. Coordinate accurate and timely reporting on communications activities that enables informed decision-making, evaluation of objectives and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
10. Contribute to capacity building of WFP staff on all aspects of internal communication, providing advice, guidance, and training to ensure consistent, quality communications activities that deliver the desired impact across TEC and WFP at large.
11. Work in close collaboration with counterparts in WFP to align activities and ensure a coherent approach to communications within TEC.
12. Incorporate gender perspectives in all areas of work, to ensure equal participation of women and men.
13. Contribute to preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations and guidance and monitoring the management of communications specific risks.
14. Other as required.

DELIVERABLES:

• An internal TEC communications strategy and evolving plan answering the needs of TEC branches (Chiefs), the field (RITOs), and working across WFP to include all technology, data, and innovation perspectives in internal communication.
• Delivery of internal communications assets with end-to-end planning and content preparation. 
• A technology and data communications playbook for internal communication stakeholders for use by them and the wider Communications, Advocacy and Marketing Division (CAM) network.
• Production of TEC hybrid communications events and publications, including quarterly All Staff meetings and weekly/monthly news briefings to colleagues across the division.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• University degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or other relevant field.

Experience:

• At least 6 years of international, relevant, and progressively responsible experience in communications.

Technical Skills & Knowledge:

• Knowledge of digital/data project management, international development, partnerships, communications campaigns, and advocacy.
• Strong IT foundation, understanding the human element of digital change, as well as hands-on transformational experience within a complex organization.
• Native level English writing and copyediting skills.
• Strong video editing skills.
• Excellent understanding of developing and managing digital communications channels, and public information and news media systems.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills. Well organized and detail oriented.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning as integral part of a team.
• Ability to design clear and compelling information products and find innovative ways to communicate, including through new technologies.
• Understanding of the dynamics of internal communications within large international organizations

Language:

Fluency in oral and written English with an intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages) is desirable.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

WFP offers a competitive compensation package, which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP.

http://www.wfp.org Click on: "Our Work" and "Countries" to learn more about WFP's operations. 

Deadline for applications: 18 December 2022 at 11:59pm Rome time (CET/CEST)

Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

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.

Saving lives, changing lives