Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision is to create a future workforce that is diverse, skilled, and high-performing, working in an inclusive environment that reflects the values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to invest in the professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. The organization emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Zero Hunger.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer position is crucial for the WFP Country Office, reporting directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director. This role is integral to implementing the communications strategy, which involves a variety of activities such as social media management, content creation, media relations, and branding. The officer will play a key role in promoting WFP’s work both internally and externally, ensuring alignment with the goals outlined in WFP’s Country Strategic Plan for 2024-202

• The officer will be expected to proactively contribute to building partnerships, enhancing visibility, and ensuring effective communication of WFP’s mission and activities to various stakeholders. This position requires a dynamic individual who can manage multiple tasks and engage effectively with diverse audiences to support WFP’s objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Developing and maintaining a partnerships portfolio to identify, develop, and strengthen quality partnerships that support WFP’s strategic objectives.
• Conducting outreach activities to maximize resources and leverage policy and technical support for WFP’s work.
• Using data to present well-researched ideas to expand support from existing partners and identify new ones.
• Drafting quality briefs and highlighting strategic issues to senior staff to inform decision-making.
• Coordinating and delivering specialized communications processes and activities to support the execution of communications campaigns.
• Liaising with media and key constituents to ensure a regular flow of information regarding WFP’s activities.
• Planning and coordinating events, ensuring all necessary materials and services are available.
• Preparing content for traditional and social media platforms to enhance coverage of WFP’s activities.
• Supporting the development of partnerships and joint events with member states and civil society to advocate for the SDGs and Zero Hunger. 1
• Contributing to the preparation of the Annual Corporate Report in collaboration with various WFP functions. 1
• Providing technical recommendations and guidance to support preparedness actions and monitor defined risks. 1
• Ensuring adherence to standard procedures and templates for information management and performance reporting across WFP.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent writing skills in English, with a proven track record in communications, including experience in drafting press releases, human interest stories, and social media content. Strong organizational skills for visibility events and the ability to engage with local media are essential. Candidates should demonstrate problem-solving and analytical skills, the ability to work under pressure, and effective teamwork capabilities. Familiarity with the political, social, and economic context of Lesotho is highly desirable. Experience in coordinating multisectoral teams and ensuring timely submission of reports is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be accepted. Candidates should have a strong educational background that supports their ability to perform in a communications role effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of one year of postgraduate professional experience in communications-related fields is required. Additional years of relevant professional work experience are desirable, particularly in roles that involve media relations, content creation, and partnership development. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing communications campaigns and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with proficiency in Sesotho. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate with a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Maseru, Lesotho. The role involves working within a multicultural environment and may require occasional travel. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, and all employment decisions are made based on merit and organizational needs.