Press and Media Officer in Genf

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

The role involves developing media strategies, managing media relationships, producing media content, supporting leadership communication, and coordinating high-profile media moments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a proactive news media engagement strategy that positions WMO as a trusted source of science-based information.
• 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 that reflect WMO’s scientific and policy priorities.
• Support WMO Secretary-General and Executive Management on speechwriting, briefing notes and social media.
• Design and execute news media strategies for flagship reports, emergency responses, and global events—working closely with internal teams and external partners.
• Track media coverage, assess reputational risks, and provide strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Develop FAQs, messaging, and media plans for sensitive issues and high-stakes moments.
• Provide media coaching and tools to WMO experts and Member States, strengthening visibility and global communication capacity.
• Represent WMO in interagency communications platforms as spokesperson and joint campaigns that amplify global partnerships and increase impact and outreach.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Familiarity with UN communications protocols and international development priorities is desirable.

Skills

• Press Relations
• Media Management
• Scientific Communication
• Policy Communications
• Writing and Editing
• Verbal Communication
• News Media Relations
• Media Engagement
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Networking
• Reputational Risk Management
• Media Strategy Development
• Content Creation
• Leadership Communication Support
• Deadline Management
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Political Sensitivity
• UN Communications Protocols
• Languages
• English, French, Spanish
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