Climate and Health Communications Manager, P3

Position description

Under the overall guidance of the Senior Director of the Services Department (SD/S), and the direct supervision of the Head of the WHO-WMO Climate and Health Joint Office, the tasks of the Climate and Health Communications Officer will support the WHO-WMO Joint Office for Climate and Health and WMO subsidiary bodies who are responsible for the communication aims and goals of the WHO-WMO Implementation Plan for Integrated Climate Science and Services.

This mid-level technical position will lead the communications activities of the WHO-WMO Joint Office for Climate and Health and the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) helping to develop the field of climate services for health and to address extreme heat risks. They will be responsible for the communications strategy and media-related partnerships, day-to-day management of websites and other communication channels, and delivery of communication projects including technical science to policy toolkits, multi-media publications and events. Reporting to the communications manager are fulltime contractors for web and social media management and web development.

Tasks focus on leading external communications activities in close collaboration with the web manager, consultants and contractors, and the WHO and WMO communications teams as appropriate.

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

• STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT:
  • Lead the evolution and implementation of communication strategies for the Joint Office and Global Heat Health Information Network, and affiliated projects;
  • Design communication plans for specific initiatives, reports, and campaigns on climate, heat and health issues;
  • Day-to-day project and contract management of communication related commercial contracts;
  • Ensure technical and institutional quality control and consistency throughout communications.
• MEDIA RELATIONS, OUTREACH AND EVENTS:
  • Build and maintain relationships with international media outlets, journalists, and key stakeholders to ensure accurate, impactful coverage of Joint Office and GHHIN activities;
  • Proactively pitch stories and secure media placements to raise awareness of agreed communication goals and targets;
  • Working closely with the WMO and WHO press teams, act as the primary contact for the Joint Office, handling media inquiries and organizing press briefings, interviews, and media events;
  • Provide communication advice to leadership and subject matter experts;
  • Represent the Joint Office at global forums, conferences, and workshops to promote its work and thought leadership on climate and health.
• CRISIS AND ISSUE COMMUNICATION:
  • Develop and execute risk and crisis communication strategies during urgent climate and health events (including heatwaves), ensuring accurate, timely, and coherent messaging;
  • Prepare talking points, and briefing materials for leadership during media engagements and high-stakes communications scenarios.
• MESSAGE DEVELOPMENT AND STORYTELLING:
  • Proactively stay informed on all Joint Office activities in order to craft timely, clear, compelling messaging to communicate our work to diverse audiences. This requires participation in regular team meetings and coordination with the GHHIN Technical Support Unit, WMO and WHO teams and projects;
  • Write and edit press releases, opinion pieces, position papers, and other external communication materials, tailored to strategic audiences;
  • Regularly feed information to the communication consultant for the development of graphics, videos, social media posts, and website content;
  • Oversee the creation of speeches, op-eds, and briefing documents for high-profile events and leadership appearances;
  • Develop narratives that bridge climate science and public health, highlighting the joint impact of these areas on global well-being;
  • Work closely with the communications consultant (web, social media, graphic design and desktop publishing) to transform these messages and stories into online content and publications.
• STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION AND REPORTING:
  • Prepare comprehensive communication reports, presentations, and summaries;
  • Public speaking and presentations to represent the work of the team at conferences or media interviews;
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent, aligned communication across WMO and WHO, shaping key messages to reflect cross-organizational priorities.
• Carries out all other relevant duties as required and or requested by the supervisor related to the role.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university or technical institute in communications, journalism, public relations or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications or public relations, with demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies, managing internal/external communications, and overseeing a team;
• Demonstrated experience with media relations, social media management, content creation, and branding. Experience with social media platforms, content management systems (CMS), and analytics tools. Knowledge of SEO and digital marketing strategies advantageous;
• Experience in scientific and social impact communications an advantage, including issues of climate change, public health, environmental science, or meteorology. Experience in a local or national government setting, such as the National Health System/Service, or National Meteorological Service is an advantage. Experience with the United Nations system would be an advantage;
• Writing and media samples will be required from shortlisted candidates.

Other requirements:

Successful candidates will demonstrate their ability to manage a team, delegate tasks, and foster collaboration; Develop long-term communication strategies and understand how communications tie into broader organizational goals; establishing and maintaining relationships with partners and media; craft clear, engaging content for different platforms (press releases, speeches, blogs, newsletters, social media); manage communication during tight deadlines and challenging situations; manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines are met; ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced multicultural environment; be adaptable, flexible and willing to learn new trends, topics, and tools, and foster diversity and team spirit.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written);
• Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage;
• Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on theacademicjob.com