Communications Officer
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, color, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status, physical or mental disability.
Job Title: Communications Officer
Type of Contract: Consultant
Division: EME – Emergency Preparedness and Response Division
Duty Station (City, Country): Rome HQ, Italy
Duration: 11 months
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
The Emergency Operations Division (EME) is seeking to strengthen its profile both internally and externally and requires an enhanced communications capacity within the Front Office. The Communications Officer will lead the Division’s communications strategy and product development that raise EME’s visibility externally, mainstream communications withing the Division internally and promote field emergency operations priorities in corporate messaging and reporting.
The incumbent will proactively identify EME’s communication needs, advise senior management on appropriate ways to address them and facilitate a wide range of communication activities that positively reflect on the work of the Division.. Communications Officer will report to the Special Assistant and work closely with Communications, Advocacy and Marketing Division as needed.
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Define and implement Emergency Operations Division’s external communications strategy that positively reflects on the work of the Division and enhances the visibility of its programme of work.
- Plan and execute communications campaigns around critical EME initiatives, achievements and innovations ensuring high visibility within and outside WFP when required.
- Ensure effective design and delivery of communications products that effectively convey the desired message to targeted audience(s).
- Ensure a regular flow of news/information about EME work is distributed to the media, and reputational risks are identified and managed.
- Define a social media plan for the assigned area which leverages social media content, platforms, networks and partners to enhance coverage and support of EME’s activities.
- Lead the development of visibility content including multimedia items, articles, profiles, reports, newsletters, factsheets, presentations and videos for use across a range of integrated online platforms, in order to support EME activities, ensuring consistency with corporate messages.
- Plan and deliver internal communications so employees understand EME’s strategy and their contribution towards meeting Division’s objectives.
- Leverage internal WFP communication platforms and channels to facilitate effective knowledge management and smooth flow of Division-specific information across EME units.
- Generate and/or facilitate the production of content for internal communication channels, ensure it is relevant, informative, and easy to access
- Lead and manage a team of Communications Officers and Graphic Designers, develop work plans, set objectives, monitor performance, and ensure appropriate development to enable high performance.
- Define performance indicators, and coordinate accurate and timely reporting, contributing to EME communications activities that enables informed decision-making, evaluation of objectives and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
- Lead capacity building of EME staff on all aspects of external and internal communications, ensuring appropriate training is delivered to staff, and provide advice up the senior management level in order to ensure consistent, quality communications that deliver the desired impact.
- Build effective collaborations and partnerships internally and externally to align activities and ensure a coherent approach to communications.
- Consolidate and analyze communication monitoring data, identifying trends and issues, presenting clear recommendations, and influencing management to improve effectiveness of communications strategies.
- Other as required
DELIVERABLES:
EME’s external visibility is strengthened, internal communications withing the Division mainstreamed, and field emergency operations priorities adequately reflected in corporate messaging and reporting.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education:
University degree in social sciences, international relations, communications, journalism or related field.
Experience:
At least 8 years of professional experience in an international context, in the field of communications.
Experience working with the United Nations or similar multilateral organization is highly desirable.
Knowledge and Skills:
Ability to meet the deadlines and work under pressure as part of a team; strong written and visual communication skills; excellent analytical skills; ability to learn quickly; experience with MS Office and Adobe Creative Suites.
Strong knowledge of social media platforms, including analytics. Ability to keep abreast of latest trends in communication methods.
Knowledge of WFP’s and wider UN’s communication methods.
Ability to work independently and in a team.
Languages:
Written/spoken fluency in English. Knowledge of other UN 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: 20 Nov 2022
Ref.: VA No. 178117
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.
