Press and Media Officer, P.4 (Fixed-term - 1 year)

International Civil Aviation Organization; Genf; Remote; CHF 71,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

World Meteorological Organization seeks a Press and Media Officer to translate complex climate science into engaging storytelling and global media coverage. You will shape the organization’s media strategy, nurture relationships with journalists, and produce press materials that illustrate WMO's scientific and policy priorities.

Responsibilities include supporting leadership with speeches, briefings, and social media, coordinating high‑profile media moments, and guiding internal teams on

Qualifications

• 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.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of other UN languages, particularly French or Spanish, is an asset.
• Familiarity with UN communications protocols and international development priorities is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead GLOBAL NEWS MEDIA STRATEGY and implement proactive engagement plans.
• Build and manage media relationships with international outlets and journalists.
• Craft high‑impact media materials: press releases, news items, and speeches.
• Support WMO leadership with speechwriting, briefing notes, and social media.
• Coordinate high‑profile media moments for flagship reports and global events.
• Monitor media coverage and advise senior leadership on reputational risks.
• Develop FAQs, messaging, and media plans for sensitive issues.
• Train WMO experts and Member States in media engagement and visibility.

Skills

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Writing & editing

Speechwriting

Crisis communications

Public speaking

Science storytelling

Digital media strategy

Education

Master's degree in journalism/communications

Bachelor's degree with relevant experience

Job description

ENGAGE THE WMO COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Are you a skilled communicator with a passion for science and global impact? 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.

Duties And Responsibilities

• LEAD GLOBAL NEWS MEDIA STRATEGY Develop and implement a proactive news media engagement strategy that positions WMO as a trusted source of science‑based information.
• BUILD AND MANAGE MEDIA RELATIONSHIPS Serve as the primary liaison to international media outlets, cultivating strong relationships with journalists, editors, and broadcasters.
• CRAFT HIGH‑IMPACT MEDIA MATERIALS Produce press releases, news items and media content that reflect WMO’s scientific and policy priorities.
• SUPPORT WMO LEADERSHIP Support WMO Secretary‑General and Executive Management on speechwriting, briefing notes and social media.
• COORDINATE HIGH‑PROFILE MEDIA MOMENTS Design and execute news media strategies for flagship reports, emergency responses, and global events—working closely with internal teams and external partners.
• MONITOR AND ADVISE ON MEDIA IMPACT Track media coverage, assess reputational risks, and provide strategic advice to senior leadership.
• SUPPORT CRISIS AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS Develop FAQs, messaging, and media plans for sensitive issues and high‑stakes moments.
• TRAIN AND EMPOWER PROFESSIONAL STAFF Provide media coaching and tools to WMO experts and Member States, strengthening visibility and global communication capacity.
• COLLABORATE WITH UN, SCIENTIFIC PARTNERS AND WMO MEMBERS Represent WMO in interagency communications platforms as spokesperson and joint campaigns that amplify our global partnerships and increase impact and outreach.

Why This Role Matters

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.

Required Skills And Experience

We’re Seeking a Media‑savvy Professional With

• 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 with internal and external audiences. 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.

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

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.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of other UN languages, particularly French or Spanish, is an asset.
• Familiarity with UN communications protocols and international development priorities is desirable.

Languages

Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of other UN languages, particularly French or Spanish, is an asset.

(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)

Competencies

• Communication & Influence
• Collaboration & Team Dynamics
• Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness
• Decision Making & Problem Solving
• Integrity & Accountability
• Innovation & Digital Agility
• Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement

Salary And Allowances

The position is funded from regular budget.

Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 86,027.

Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 69,080 (in addition to the net base salary)

Additional Information

WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age is 65. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation.

Probation

Possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and pending satisfactory performance after an initial probationary period of one year which can be extended up to a maximum of two years.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.