CONSULTANCY - Speechwriter -SSA/2026/SGO 1

International Civil Aviation Organization; Kansas; Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) seeks an experienced speechwriter to develop speeches, talking points and briefing materials for the Secretary-General. You will translate complex scientific content into accessible messages for diverse international audiences.

The consultant will draft, edit and verify content, prepare presentations, and liaise with the Office of the Secretary-General’s Chief of Staff and the Global Communications Office to ensure coordinated communications efforts.

Qualifications

• University degree in communications, international relations or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications is required.
• Excellent knowledge and fluency in English (oral and written) is required; knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Research, draft, edit and finalize speeches, video scripts, and briefing materials for external engagements.
• Verify content and translate complex scientific concepts into clear, impactful communications.
• Prepare presentations and visual materials to support key speeches.
• Prepare talking points with impactful messages for the Secretary-General.
• Coordinate with the Office of the Chief of Staff and the Global Communications Office to ensure aligned activities.

Skills

Speechwriting

Communications

Public speaking

Editing

Education

University degree in communications, international relations or related field

Job description

Background

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and an authoritative international body for weather, climate, water and related environmental services. It supports global efforts to protect lives, livelihoods and ecosystems through international cooperation, scientific expertise and technical leadership. WMO brings together its Members, scientific institutions, operational agencies and international partners to advance shared priorities and translate science into practical action.

Job Description

Background The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and an authoritative international body for weather, climate, water and related environmental services. It supports global efforts to protect lives, livelihoods and ecosystems through international cooperation, scientific expertise and technical leadership. WMO brings together its Members, scientific institutions, operational agencies and international partners to advance shared priorities and translate science into practical action.

The WMO Secretary-General, as the principal representative of WMO’s mandate, engages regularly with government leaders, ministers, heads of international organizations, scientists, news media representatives and stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

The Secretary-General requires high-quality speeches, talking points, and speaking materials that effectively communicate complex scientific and technical information to diverse audiences. These communications must advance the Organization’s strategic priorities, reflect United Nations values and messaging, and promote WMO’s leadership role. WMO seeks the services of an experienced speechwriter capable of developing compelling, accurate and audience-focused speeches, statements, talking points for a host of speaking engagements.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Research, draft, edit and finalize speeches, video scripts, and briefing materials, in support of the WMO Secretary-General’s external engagement with a range of stakeholders and delivery of WMO’s strategic plan;
• Verify content, and transform complex scientific concepts into simple, clear and impactful communications;
• Prepare presentations and other visual material, as appropriate, to support key speeches;
• Prepare talking points for the Secretary-General with impactful messages;
• Liaise closely with the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Secretary-General and the Global Communications Office to ensure coordinated and relevant communications activities.

Required Skills And Experience

Education: University degree in communications, international relations or a related field is required.

Experience: A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications is required.

Other Requirements

• The consultant must be on stand-by for the duration of the contract and have full-time availability for key events such as COP 31 and others.

Ultimate Result of Service

Improved visibility of WMO strategic priorities, results and support to members.

Submission of outputs

The outputs will be submitted electronically through email and file sharing. They will be evaluated for quality and consistency by WMO’s Chief of Staff.

Additional Information

• Experience working with high-level UN officials is an advantage.
• Experience working with scientific and technical material.

Languages

Excellent knowledge and fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position. Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.

Salary

Daily rate of CHF 600

Contract Duration

This consultancy period lasts 2 months, with the possibility of extension. The consultant is expected to work for 3 days a week, starting as soon as possible.

Travel

Not Applicable.

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.