Reporting and Communications Officer NOA - Barbados

 In 2018, WFP re-established its presence in the Caribbean with an office in Barbados. The WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO) supports 22 countries and territories across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. WFP Caribbean’s capacity strengthening programme focuses on vulnerability analysis and mapping; end-to-end supply chain management; shock-responsive social protection; food systems strengthening; and climate risk financing.  In times of crisis, WFP works with partners to provide direct assistance when events surpass national and regional capacities by delivering food, cash or voucher assistance, or through emergency logistics or emergency telecommunications service provision.

To support all Operational Information Management and Performance Reporting (OIM & PR) activities and contribute to the establishment and presentation of standard operating picture of WFP programme portfolio and associated results that facilitate informed and timely decision-making at all levels throughout the organisation. The role also supervises the Communications Associate to implement the communications plan.

The position is based at the Country Office in and reports to the Head of the Communications, Marketing and Advocacy/Partnerships Unit. The Unit plays a critical role in highlighting the WFP’s work, both internally and externally, in alignment with the goals and objectives in WFP’s Country Strategic Plan (2022-27).

To contribute to the implementation of the communications strategy by supporting and delivering a range of communications activities including social media management, content creation, media relations and branding.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

• Contribute to the implementation of country communications strategy and project communication work plans designed to maintain and enhance the visibility and reputation of WFP, as well as support fund raising activities in alignment with overall WFP’s corporate strategies.

• Develop high quality information products for both print and electronic platforms including newsletters, briefs and fact sheets which describe and promote the work of WFP to targeted audiences.

• Collect audio visual content (photos and video footage) and write human interest stories to showcase WFP’s work to both internal (WFP country, regional and global offices) and external audiences.

• Provide substantive, specialised support, co-ordination and recommendations to ensure efficient production of video, photo and radio products.

• Generate donor specific visibility content including, text, photos, videos and audio for use across a range of online platforms.

• Prepare initial drafts of press releases, speeches, and key messages, and support the review process to ensure accuracy and alignment with organizational guidelines.

• Contribute to the organization of visibility events (including handover ceremonies, agreement signing events) in collaboration with external stakeholders (donors, Government, development partners).

• Liaise with local and international media outlets—including print, TV, radio, online, and digital—to support outreach efforts. Help maintain a network of media professionals and journalists to enhance WFP’s visibility and reputation.

• Develop engaging social media content and assist in managing the WFP Twitter account.

• Monitor and analyse traditional and social media to inform the development and/or evaluation of communication activities and strategies.

• Support capacity building of WFP staff on all aspects of communication and provide guidance within area and level of expertise in order to ensure that all activities meet desired standards of consistency, quality and impact. 

• Contribute to the implementation of corporate branding and marking plans to ensure consistency in the portrayal of WFP’s visual identity (in publications, signages, etc)

• Follow standard emergency preparedness practices to support WFP to quickly respond and deploy food and needed resources to affected areas at the onset of a crisis.

• Other as required.

WFP provides emergency response support to the 22 English and Dutch-speaking countries in the Caribbean as needed. In this role, the incumbent may be required to:

•            Support the Unit's emergency response activities.

•            Deploy to affected countries to assist with Unit operations as required.

•             Work beyond regular working hours to support emergency response efforts

Education: Advanced University degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Experience: One year of postgraduate professional experience is the minimum requirement. Additional years of relevant professional work experience in communications related fields is desirable.

• Excellent writing skills in English with proven track record of writing capability for communications (examples include press releases, human interest stories, social media content).

• Ability to organise visibility events.

• Ability to engage with local media houses and journalists.

• Communications skills and techniques in media, social media, campaigns, content production, etc.

• Problem solving and analytical skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and as a part of a team.

• Knowledge and familiarity with the political, social and economic context of the Country.

Language: Fluency (level C) in English language and the duty station’s language, if different.

• Videography

• Graphics design capability

• This position is open to nationals of Barbados and CARICOM member states and associate members. CARICOM Nationals applying for National position outside of their home country bear sole responsibility for required actions or expenses related to relocation, accommodation, repatriation and any other living expenses,etc. A CARICOM Skilled National Certificate is a pre-requisite of employment for successful candidates who are not from the country for which the position is advertised.

• Type of position: Fixed Term, Full Time
• Type of Contact: Fixed Term
• Duration on Contract: 12 months. This contract is eligible for extension. Extension of contracts will be based on satisfactory performance and operational requirements.
• Duty Station: Bridgetown, Barbados
• Travel Requirements: The WFP Caribbean Office cover the 22 English and Dutch speaking Caribbean countries. The selected candidate may be required to travel from time to time, both regionally and internationally, to support missions, emergency responses, training etc. As such full medical clearance will be required.

• Competitive Salary
• Up to 30 Days of Annual Leave
• Pension Contribution
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Health, Life and Disability Insurance
• Sick Leave and Compassionate Leave

• Parental Leave (birth and non-birth parents)
• Remuneration: The salary related to the position can be found in the  https://onehr.un.org/salary-survey/#/salary_scale [link removed] . (FixedTerm)