Communications Officer - SC8

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

5 October 2026-23:59-GMT+05:30 India Standard Time (Colombo)

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 and/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.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

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 & 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).

To implement the communications plan by supporting and delivering a range of communications activities, providing research and analysis, and prioritising effectively.

1. With close collaboration with PCR officer design execute and implement country-specific communication activities and work plans aimed at enhancing WFP's visibility, reputation, and resource mobilization efforts, ensuring alignment with established communication objectives.

2. Assist in conducting research and gathering information to support the preparation of communication materials, stories, briefing notes, reports, and other information products for internal and external audiences.

3. Maintain and update media contact databases and support the dissemination of information and communication materials to journalists and media outlets.

4. In collaboration with PCR officer, develop and publish content for social media platforms in accordance with approved communication plans and corporate branding guidelines.

5. In collaboration with the PCR officer create donor visibility materials, including success stories, photographs, videos, social media content, and other communication products to highlight WFP's activities and achievements.

6. Monitor traditional, online, and social media coverage and prepare summaries, media monitoring reports, and analytics to support communication planning and reporting.

7. Collect, organize, and maintain communication-related data, records, photographs, multimedia assets, and outreach information to support reporting and knowledge management.

8. Work with the PCR officer to prepare communication reports, presentations, briefing materials, and visibility updates for management, donors, and other stakeholders.

9. Provide logistical and coordination support for communication campaigns, media events, field visits, advocacy initiatives, donor missions, and public outreach activities.

10. Liaise with internal units, implementing partners, service providers, and external stakeholders on routine communication-related matters to facilitate information sharing and coordinated implementation of

activities.

11. Closely work with PCR officer to prepare and disseminate communication guidance, templates, and awareness materials to promote consistency and compliance with WFP communication standards.

12. Participate in emergency preparedness and response activities and support the delivery of communication products and visibility requirements during emergency operations as required.

13. Other as required.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

1. Has gained experience in utilizing specialist communications techniques to enhance functional outputs

2. Has provided direction and instruction to more junior staff members within area of expertise

STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Advanced University degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or other relevant field with one year postgraduate professional experience, or First University degree with additional 8 years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Language: Fluency in oral and written English. Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is desirable.

Position Title: Communications Officer

Contract Type: Service Contract (SC-8)

Contract Duration: 01 Year (with possible extension)

Duty Station: Colombo

Nationality: Sri Lankans only

Date of Publication: 22.09.2026

Deadline of Application: 06.10.2026

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

 

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

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

 

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:  [email protected]

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

 

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

 

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at [email protected]. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational 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.