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WFP encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply. 

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis. We are committed to promoting diversity and the principle of equal employment opportunity for all our employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of religion or belief, ethnic or social background, gender, gender identity and disability. 

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger (SDG 2) in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need. WFP has been present in Sri Lanka since 1968 providing assistance to the country in emergency situations and conducting protracted recovery interventions in the aftermath of man-made disasters such as the 27-year conflict and recurrent natural disasters (droughts and floods/landslides). The country’s on-going economic crisis -- the worst in decades – has triggered a spike in the cost of living, along with lost jobs and reduced incomes. Coupled with the lingering effects of COVID-19 and impacts of climate change, the country is experiencing a concerningly high level of food insecurity. These challenges threaten to reverse years of development gains, undermining the country’s ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Even before the ongoing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lankan women and children had very high rates of malnutrition: 17 percent of children under 5 were too short for their age (stunted) and 15 percent were too thin for their height (wasted), a figure which is considered 'very high’ in WHO classifications. The current economic crisis will likely aggravate this further. WFP commenced its second-generation five-year Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023 – 2027 (CSP 2018-2022) which aims to address immediate food and nutrition needs while building medium to long-term solutions through four strategic outcomes.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Position Title: Communications Assistant 

Contract Type: Service Contract (SC5)

Contract Duration: 12 Months 

Duty Station: Colombo Sri Lanka

Nationality: Sri Lankan only

Remuneration: Attractive remuneration package following UN policy including salary and medical insurance

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

22 FEBRUARY 2024

JOB PURPOSE

Perform specialized communication services, including producing audio visual materials, capturing photos and videos, graphic design, basic translations and general administrative processes that support the creation and delivery of communications content and services that meet WFP’s objectives for visibility and fundraising. Perform specialized communication services, including producing audio visual materials, capturing photos and videos, graphic design, basic translations and general administrative processes that support the creation and delivery of communications content and services that meet WFP’s objectives for visibility and fundraising.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Work under the supervision of the Communications Officer, with input and guidance from the Communications Associate to:

1. Produce audio visual materials, including traveling to the field to capture photographs and footage, and creating videos.
2. Design visibility materials such as social media posts, posters, banners, merchandise, etc.
3. Provide graphic design support to programme units, to produce visibility and other materials when required.
4. Support in the smooth functioning of WFP social media accounts, including designing social media posts under guidance, publishing posts, and monitoring and responding to comments. 
5. Provide coordination and administrative assistance, including assisting with special events, to support staff in the development and execution of communication campaigns. 
6. Support in the translation of communication products.
7. Collate data and information to support the compilation of reports related to the performance of communication campaigns.
8. Support the Communications Unit in monitoring traditional and social media to report information related to WFP.
9. Manage and update internal records, including WFP’s photo repository and donor visibility records, to ensure the information is accurate, organised and easily accessible.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

Education: Completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in the related functional area is desirable.
Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and local languages

Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience with one year at the lower grade level

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Minimum 1 year experience in developing audio visual content using appropriate software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premier Pro, etc.
• Familiarity with managing popular social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and monitoring trends/performance.
• Has demonstrated an ability to perform routine communication techniques and activities in line with WFP’s operating standards through day-to-day work.

To Apply:

Click ‘Apply’ to the link below to start the application process. Candidates are requested to create an account in WFP E-Recruitment system before applying.

Please also include your CV with a cover letter, highlighting your motivation and suitability for this vacancy, as part of an online application.

WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package including basic salary and medical insurance.

Please visit https://www.wfp.org/countries/sri-lanka to learn more about WFP’s operations in Sri Lanka.

We want to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible. Please contact us at gimhani.kariyawasam@wfp.org to advise us of any accessibility needs you may have.  

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

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.

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WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.