Press and Media Officer

wmo; Genf; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The World Meteorological Organization seeks a seasoned Press and Media Officer to lead media engagement and storytelling, translating complex climate science into compelling narratives for global audiences. You will collaborate with leadership, journalists, and international partners to elevate WMO visibility across media platforms.

You will develop proactive engagement plans, craft press material, coach experts, and provide strategic media guidance during emergencies, ensuring accurate, timely

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in press relations or media management.
• Experience communicating complex scientific or policy topics to broad audiences.
• Familiarity with UN communications protocols and international development priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a proactive news media engagement strategy.
• Serve as liaison to international media outlets and build journalist relationships.
• Produce press releases, news items, and media content.
• Support leadership with speeches, briefing notes, and social media.
• Design and execute media strategies for flagship reports, emergencies, and events.
• Monitor coverage, assess risks, and advise on reputation management.
• Create messaging, FAQs and media plans for sensitive issues.
• Provide media coaching to WMO experts and Member States.
• Represent WMO in interagency communications platforms as spokesperson.

Skills

Media relations

Press strategy

Speechwriting

Crisis communications

Stakeholder engagement

Digital storytelling

UN communications

Education

Master's degree in journalism/communications

Job description

Organizational context: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is seeking a dynamic Press and Media Officer to lead our media engagement and storytelling efforts—translating complex scientific insights into compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.

Job purpose: This role is central to how WMO connects with the public, policymakers, and international partners. As Press and Media Officer, you will elevate WMO’s visibility and credibility across global media platforms, ensuring our voice is heard on critical issues like climate science, early warning systems, extreme weather events and disaster risk reduction.

Responsibilities: Develop and implement a proactive news media engagement strategy; serve as the primary liaison to international media outlets, cultivating strong relationships with journalists, editors, and broadcasters; produce press releases, news items and media content; support WMO leadership on speechwriting, briefing notes and social media; design and execute news media strategies for flagship reports, emergency responses, and global events; monitor media coverage, assess reputational risks, and provide strategic advice; develop FAQs, messaging, and media plans for sensitive issues; provide media coaching and tools to WMO experts and Member States; represent WMO in interagency communications platforms as spokesperson and joint campaigns.

Education: Master's degree or equivalent in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field. A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.

Work experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in press relations or media management, preferably in an international or scientific context. Demonstrated success in positioning complex scientific or policy issues for media consumption. Familiarity with UN communications protocols and international development priorities is desirable.

Skills: Communication & Influence, Collaboration & Team Dynamics, Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness, Decision Making & Problem Solving, Integrity & Accountability, Innovation & Digital Agility, Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement. Demonstrated in-depth understanding of news media relations, including state-of-the-art methodologies and tools. Strong news sense and active following of global news. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and networking skills. Agility in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments. Experience in reputational risk mitigation and management. Cultural and political sensitivity and sound judgement. Results orientation and teamwork. Strong writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate scientific and technical content into accessible stories, press releases and speeches. A deep understanding of global media dynamics and reputational risk management. Experience working in or with international organizations, ideally within the UN system.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: French, Spanish