Communications Specialist

Join to apply for the Communications Specialist role at World Food Programme. Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 14 December 2025 23:59 GMT, United Kingdom Time (London). Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability. About WFP The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation 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. 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 and professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship and other programmes 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. Job Details Job Title: Communications Specialist Type of Contract: Consultant, CST level II Unit/Division: Partnership and Innovation Division, London Global Office Duty Station: London, UK Duration: 11 months 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 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 of 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 judgement 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. Reminders Before You Submit Your Application We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes 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 if you face any challenges with submitting your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Additional Information All employment decisions are made on the basis of organisational 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 and any kind of harassment. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org. We do not charge any fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you receive a solicitation for a fee, please disregard it. Contact For additional information or assistance regarding this vacancy, please contact: global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. #J-18808-Ljbffr