Communications Officer, P4

Position description

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;
• 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;
• 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.

Application instructions

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