DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS14 December 2025-23:59-GMT United Kingdom Time (London)
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 worldโs 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.
At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.
To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.
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 & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs 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 (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).
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 worldโs 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 WFPโs 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 WFPโs mission.
In addition, the consultant will ensure that all communications and media engagement activities are closely aligned with WFPโs global corporate communications and media objectives, maintaining consistency of messaging and upholding WFPโs brand values and strategic priorities across all platforms and outreach efforts.
PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
- To develop and lead the implementation of WFPโs media engagement strategy with UK media outlets
- To build awareness and engagement with WFPโs work with UK based media outlets โ 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 UKโs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on creating opportunities and content which highlights the impact of UK aid funding to WFP (WFPโs third largest donor).
- To work with and expand WFPโs 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 โ identifying risks and opportunities for WFPโs spokespeople.
- Draft press releases, media advisories, op-eds and talking points.
Content Creation & Digital Communications
- Produce compelling storytelling assets that highlight WFPโs impact.
- Create and adapt content for use across digital platforms, in partnership with WFPโs global communications teams to ensure consistency and alignment.
Government engagement
- Lead relations with FCDOโs 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 WFPโs objectives.
- Work with WFPโs 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 WFPโs 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 WFPโs 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 WFPโs 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.
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK
WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.
Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org
NO FEE DISCLAIMER
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your 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 in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified
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.