Job Description

Vacancy Announcement No: JR128187
Job Title: Communications Officer (Head of Communications)
Contract Type/Grade: Consultant Level II.
Duty Station: Mogadishu
Contract Duration: 11 Months
Date of Issue: November 5, 2026 | Closing Date: November 19, 2026

JOB PURPOSE
The Partnerships and Communications team is responsible for strategic advocacy, resource mobilization and the development of partnerships to
support the achievement of the WFP Somalia CSP. The Head of Communications will lead the communications team to plan and execute strategies
for external communications that will strengthen and harmonize narratives to support advocacy and resource mobilization, including by acting as
spokesperson for WFP Somalia. The Head of Communications will also lead on planning and execution of strategic internal communications to drive
ownership of the CSP at all levels of the organization and will support the programme unit in ensuring effective two-way communication with the
populations served by WFP Somalia.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority)
People management and leadership:
• Lead the communications team, ensuring the effective implementation of the WFP Somalia communications strategy, providing strategic
direction and oversight for all communication activities.
• Manage and develop a team of communications staff. Maintain in-person briefings with team members to ensure proper information sharing
and communication within the team/staff members under direct supervision or coordination. Actively build the capacity of team members.
• Provide strategic advice and support to senior management on all communications-related matters.
• Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to continuously assess and improve communication strategies and activities.
External Communications:
• Lead the multimedia production portfolio, including field missions, scriptwriting, reviewing, editing, and guiding the communications team.
• Increase reach of WFP Somalia through social media, supporting flow of quality content on accounts to highlight strategic issues, donor support,
achievements etc.
• Ensure high standards of accuracy and editorial content in all external outputs.
• Lead media engagement, including developing and maintaining media contact lists, coordinating responses to media requests, and organize
press briefings and media training.
• Support high-profile visibility events, arrange media interviews, review speeches, and prepare media lines to take.
• Act as a spokesperson for WFP Somalia, handling media queries, conducting interviews, and representing the organization at press events.

Internal Communications:
• Lead internal communications efforts on matters important to the strategic direction and operationalization of WFP Somalia’s work in Somalia.
• Work with other country office units to prioritize internal communications on key initiatives and streamline information management products.
• Implement innovative communication practices and technologies, leveraging multiple media and digital platforms.
• Lead capacity strengthening initiatives and enhance field colleagues' and all staff's knowledge of WFP Somalia’s work, goals, and achievements,
promoting a culture of ethical storytelling.
Community Engagement and Communication for Development (C4D):
• Strengthen two-way communication with the populations served by WFP Somalia, producing culturally relevant communication materials such
as SMS messages, radio broadcasts, campaigns, and visual content.
• Support strategy design and development of C4D activities, ensuring the successful and sustainable delivery of Programme results. Collaborate
with internal and external stakeholders to ensure synergy and coherence in C4D activities.
• Organize capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of communities, stakeholders, and partners in C4D planning,
implementation, and evaluation.
Advocacy and Resource Mobilization:
• Support the development and application of advocacy strategies to raise awareness and fundraise.
• Lead and oversee all donor visibility and meeting requirements, reviewing case studies and other products such as factsheets, stories, and global
content.
• Support the Partnerships team with special projects, including innovation, advocacy, and resource mobilization.

Experiences and Qualifications

Education: Advanced University Degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, Advocacy, International Relations,
Marketing, Digital Communications, or other related fields, OR a First University Degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or
training/courses.
Experience: At least five (5) years of relevant experience with an Advanced University Degree OR a First University Degree with a minimum of seven
(7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, media relations, advocacy, public information, or related fields. Experience in
developing communication strategies, managing media engagement, producing communication products, and coordinating with diverse
stakeholders is highly desirable. Previous experience with the United Nations, international organizations, or humanitarian contexts is an added
advantage.
Language Proficiency: Fluency (level C) in English. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second UN language is a plus.
Knowledge and Skills:
• Excellent writing and analytical skills, public speaking, political awareness, social media management and project management.
• Prior knowledge of Somalia or WFP strongly preferred

Skills Required

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