Communications Specialist
2 days ago
London
JOB TITLE: Communications Specialist TYPE OF CONTRACT: Consultant, CST level II UNIT/DIVISION: Partnership and Innovation Division, London Global Office DUTY STATION (City, Country): London, UK DURATION: (11 months) BACKGROUND: 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. The London Office plays a key role in fostering strategic partnerships and engaging UK stakeholders, including the Government, parliament, media, private sector, academia, civil society and the public. London is a global communications hub. Many London-based media outlets are accessed across the world. As such, our engagement with the media in London is particularly important for WFP. We are looking for an experienced, dynamic Communications Specialist to lead WFP’s work with London-based media in raising awareness and support for our work. The consultant will develop strategy, manage media relations, create content tailored for UK and global audiences of UK media, as well as work closely with the UK Government communications team and public figures to build support for WFP’s mission. In addition, the consultant will ensure that all communications and media engagement activities are closely aligned with WFP’s global corporate communications and media objectives, maintaining consistency of messaging and upholding WFP’s brand values and strategic priorities across all platforms and outreach efforts. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT: To develop and lead the implementation of WFP’s media engagement strategy with UK media outlets. To build awareness and engagement with WFP’s work with UK based media outlets – for both UK public and global audiences. To create, curate and adapt content for UK-focused outreach. To develop advocacy, campaigns and events in the UK. To collaborate with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on creating opportunities and content which highlights the impact of UK aid funding to WFP (WFP’s third largest donor). To work with and expand WFP’s engagement with UK-based Goodwill Ambassadors (GWAs) and other high-profile supporters. ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the supervision of the Director of the London Office, but in consultation with Comms Division in HQ, the consultant will: Strategic Communications & Media Engagement Develop, lead and implement a UK communications strategy in line with WFP global priorities. Cultivate and expand relationships with UK-based journalists and media outlets. Monitor and analyse UK media landscape and identify trends, risks and opportunities for proactive and reactive engagement. Set up media interviews, press briefings, and journalist engagement activities – identifying risks and opportunities for WFP’s spokespeople. Draft press releases, media advisories, op-eds and talking points. Content Creation & Digital Communications Produce compelling storytelling assets that highlight WFP’s impact. Create and adapt content for use across digital platforms, in partnership with WFP’s global communications teams to ensure consistency and alignment. Government engagement Lead relations with FCDO’s communications team to amplify the visibility UK-funded WFP programmes. Develop content that demonstrates the impact of UK aid through WFP, including stories from the field, UK aid worker profiles and social media packages. Advise and collaborate with and support WFP Country Offices to gather and produce stories, testimonials, and multimedia assets that showcase the impact of UK-funded programmes. Create joint messaging and communication materials (e.g., press releases, op-eds, digital content) in consultation with the FCDO. Support to Goodwill Ambassadors and High-Profile Supporters Identify, cultivate and coordinate and support the involvement of WFP Goodwill Ambassadors (GWAs) and high-profile supporters based in the UK. Identify and pursue new opportunities to engage influential public figures and celebrities in support of WFP’s objectives. Work with WFP’s global Celebrity and Influencer Partnerships team to ensure alignment with broader campaigns. Monitoring, Analysis & Reporting Track and report on media coverage, engagement metrics and communications KPIs. Evaluate the impact of communications initiatives and recommend improvements. DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT A UK communications strategy and implementation plan. Increased awareness and recognition of WFP’s work in the UK and by UK based media houses with global reach. Expanded network of UK-based media contacts and an expanded social media presence. Strengthened relations with the FCDO Communications team and WFP Country Office communications colleagues. Daily media monitoring and analysis reports. Press releases, op-eds and media engagement outputs. Digital and print communications content tailored for UK audiences. Content packages or case studies highlighting the impact of UK aid (FCDO) funding to WFP, including multimedia and social content. An expanded group of UK-based Goodwill Ambassadors building awareness and support for WFP’s work. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Education: A first degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, or related field. An advanced university degree desirable but not essential. Experience: Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in media, communications, or public information. Experience working with or on humanitarian or development sector desirable. Excellent understanding of the UK media landscape and demonstrable experience in media relations and press engagement. Experience working with government stakeholders, including donor visibility work (desirable). Experience working with or coordinating celebrity, influencer, or high-profile supporter engagement (desirable). Experience working with or within the development / humanitarian system is an asset. Skills and Competencies: Well-established network within UK media. Excellent news judgment and ability to identify strategic opportunities for engagement. Excellent writing skills, including development of talking points, media messaging, press releases and op-eds. Comprehensive understanding of digital media, particularly the use of social platforms for news and advocacy. In-depth understanding of UK political dynamics, including ability to interpret political discourse to inform WFP’s positioning on global issues. Proficiency in leveraging celebrity partnerships to elevate humanitarian and development issues. Strong analytical, organisational and interpersonal skills. Languages: Full Fluency in English language. Please note that this is a local consultancy recruitment. Candidates must be residents of United Kingdom (UK) or have a legal work permit there. In addition, candidates must reside within commuting distance of the duty station (London, UK) at the time of application or, if not residing within commuting distance at the time of application, candidates must be willing to relocate to (London, UK) at their own cost before taking up the assignment. WFP shall not be responsible for any costs associated with such relocation nor shall WFP assist or otherwise be involved in obtaining residency status or legal work permits. Preference will be given to candidates who reside within commuting distance of (London, UK.)