Communications Specialist

World Food Programme; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading humanitarian organization is seeking a Communications Specialist to engage with UK media and develop a strategic communications approach. This role involves cultivating media relationships, producing impactful content, and monitoring media coverage. Candidates must have a solid background in media communications with a minimum of 5 years of experience, excellent writing skills, and an established network within UK media. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful humanitarian efforts in a dynamic working environment.

Benefits

Attractive compensation package

Professional development programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in media communications or public information.
• Excellent understanding of the UK media landscape.
• Proven experience in media relations and press engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a UK communications strategy in line with WFP global priorities.
• Cultivate relationships with UK-based journalists and media outlets.
• Produce compelling storytelling assets that highlight WFP’s impact.

Skills

Well-established network within UK media

Excellent writing skills

Strong analytical skills

Knowledge of digital media

Interpersonal skills

Education

First degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field

Job description

Deadline for Applications

14 Dec 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 or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status, or disability.

About WFP

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.

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 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

London, UK

Duration

11 months

Background

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 effortsp>

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 the Comms Division in HQ the consultant will lead the following activities:

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 the 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 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.

Eligibility and Residency Requirements

This is a local consultancy recruitment. Candidates must be residents of the United Kingdom (UK) or have a legal work permit. 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, 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 will 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.

Leadership Framework

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behaviour that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

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 …

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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 … if you face any challenges with submitting your application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

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, 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.