In-person event – 7 November 2025 – Beyond the Noise
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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is seeking a dynamic Press and Media Officer to lead our media engagement and storytelling efforts translating complex scientific insights into compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Global Communication and Engagement, you will: LEAD GLOBAL MEDIA STRATEGY Develop and implement a proactive media engagement strategy that positions WMO as a trusted source of science-based information.
BUILD AND MANAGE MEDIA RELATIONSHIPS Serve as the primary liaison to international media outlets, cultivating strong relationships with journalists, editors, and broadcasters.
CRAFT HIGH-IMPACT MEDIA MATERIALS Produce press releases, op-eds, media kits, and talking points that reflect WMO‘s scientific and policy priorities.
COORDINATE HIGH-PROFILE MEDIA MOMENTS Design and execute media strategies for flagship reports, emergency responses, and global events working closely with internal teams and external partners.
MONITOR AND ADVISE ON MEDIA IMPACT Track media coverage, assess reputational risks, and provide strategic advice to senior leadership.
SUPPORT CRISIS AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS Develop FAQs, messaging, and media plans for sensitive issues and high-stakes moments.
TRAIN AND EMPOWER SPOKESPEOPLE Provide media coaching and tools to WMO experts and Member States, strengthening global communication capacity.
COLLABORATE ACROSS THE UN SYSTEM Represent WMO in inter-agency communications platforms and joint campaigns that amplify our global partnerships.
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS This role is central to how WMO connects with the public, policymakers, and international partners. As Press and Media Officer, you will elevate WMO‘s visibility and credibility across global media platforms, ensuring our voice is heard on critical issues like climate action, early warning systems, and disaster risk reduction.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education Master’s degree or equivalent in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field. A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.
Experience – A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in press relations or media management, preferably in an international or scientific context. – Demonstrated success in positioning complex scientific or policy issues for media consumption. – Familiarity with UN communications protocols and international development priorities is desirable.
Other requirements YOUR PROFILE
We’re seeking a media-savvy professional with: – Demonstrated in-depth understanding of media relations, including state-of-the-art methodologies and tools. – Strong news sense and active following of global news. – Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. – Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and networking skills with internal and external audiences. Agility in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments. – Experience in reputational risk mitigation and management. – Cultural and political sensitivity. – Results orientation and teamwork. – Strong writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate technical content into accessible stories. – A deep understanding of global media dynamics and reputational risk management. – Experience working in or with international organizations, ideally within the UN system.
COMPETENCIES
The Press and Media Officer must possess managerial-level proficiency in the following competencies: – Communication & Influence – Collaboration & Team Dynamics – Inclusive Mindset & Cultural Awareness – Decision Making & Problem Solving – Integrity & Accountability – Innovation & Digital Agility – Stakeholder Understanding & Engagement
Languages Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of other UN languages, particularly French or Spanish, is an asset. (Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.)
The position is funded from regular budget. New appointments on fixed-term contract of one year or more shall be subject to an initial one-year probation period.
SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 84672
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 75104 (in addition to the net base salary)
Additional Information: Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public. Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is looking for a Digital and Social Media Officer.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Reporting to the Online Communication Officer, you’ll be at the forefront of WMO‘s digital engagementdesigning multimedia content, managing social media platforms, and crafting campaigns that inform, inspire, and drive action. You’ll play a key role in growing our global audience, enhancing user interaction, and ensuring our digital voice reflects WMO‘s strategic priorities and values.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
a) Manage WMO‘s official social media accounts (Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) with timely, engaging content;
b) Develop and execute digital strategies tailored to target audiences and languages;
c) Plan and lead coverage of major events, campaigns, and press conferences;
d) Create multimedia contentgraphics, videos, infographics, and web stories in collaboration with scientific and communications teams;
e) Monitor engagement, analyze performance, and provide actionable insights;
f) Ensure all outputs align with WMO‘s visual identity, accessibility standards, and UN values;
g) Identify emerging digital trends and tools to enhance storytelling and user experience;
h) Support internal teams with training, templates, and strategic guidance;
i) Collaborate across departments to ensure cohesive messaging and branding and alignment with the WMO‘s communication strategy.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education Master’s degree or equivalent in communication, multimedia journalism, public information, international relations or a related field. A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with two years of additional directly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.
Experience – A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public communication, digital communication, social media management, or multimedia production, preferably in an international context.
– Proven experience creating digital campaigns and multimedia content (graphics, animations, video, infographics).
– Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), social media scheduling tools, and design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.).
– Experience in digital media campaigns, creating visual content and graphic design.
Other requirements YOUR PROFILE
The WMO is looking for a versatile and creative communications professional specializing in digital and social media strategy. If you have the following skills, we would like to hear from you: – Possesses deep expertise in platform dynamics, audience engagement techniques, and emerging content trends.
– Adept at translating complex ideas into visually engaging and accessible digital formats that drive interaction and impact.
– Excels in high-pressure environments with strong multitasking abilities and rapid responsiveness.
– Demonstrates outstanding interpersonal skills and cultural awareness, thriving in multilingual and multicultural contexts to foster inclusive and effective communication.
COMPETENCIES
The Digital and Social Media Officer must demonstrate proficiencies in the following competencies:
Languages Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of French and 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.)
The position is funded from regular budget. New appointments on fixed-term contract of one year or more shall be subject to an initial one-year probation period.
SALARY AND ALLOWANCES
Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$ 70212
Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$ 62278 (in addition to the net base salary)
Additional Information: Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public. Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.
Action for Development is an NGO with offices in Geneva Switzerland and Kabul Afghanistan. Our organisation aims to ensure that funding for health and community development programs is spent in ways that maximize its impact, partnering with local organizations at the grassroots level. The main focus areas of our programs are strategic health facilities management, maternal, neonatal, and child health services expansion, family planning, water, sanitation and hygiene, women’s empowerment, capacity building, and education. In 2014, Action for development was granted consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Action for Development is seeking a committed person who can provide support with communication tasks on a voluntary basis. The ideal candidate shall have a background in media & communications, journalism, or development communication. They should also have a familiarity with Swiss rules and regulations for non prifit organisation and have knowledge of humanitarian programs.
Interested candidates are invited to send applications with CV/resume and letter of motivation to: recruitment@actfordev.org on the name of Margarita SCHMIT – HR Officer. To learn more about AfD, please visit our website: www.actfordev.org
The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) is looking for a consultant in order to evaluate its flagship training, the Human Rights Defender Advocacy Programme (part-time, May-August 2025). Deadline to apply is 27 April.
The overall objective of this study is to assess the relevance, effectiveness (including impact),
efficiency and sustainability of HRDAP and take stock of lessons learnt to establish recommendations for future strategic planning.
In February 2025, the Reuters Institute, in collaboration with Oxford University, published the “Journalism, Media, and Technology Trends and Predictions 2025”. The report examines the current media landscape and identifies some interesting key trends for the future, underlining a need for adaptability and innovation in journalism to navigate the evolving media environment. The main points raised included:
1.Declining Confidence in Journalism: Only 41% of surveyed media leaders were reported as expressing confidence in the future of journalism, citing concerns over political polarisation and increasing attacks on the press.
2.Challenges linked to AI-Driven Search: The integration of AI in search engines was identified as posing existential threats to news organisations, as AI-generated summaries may reduce direct traffic to news sites.
3.Platform Uncertainties: Shifts in platform dynamics, such as reduced referral traffic from social media, were noted as compelling publishers to reassess their distribution strategies.
4.Product Innovation for Growth: Media companies are focusing on product innovation to drive business growth, including enhancing user experiences and exploring new content formats.
5.Rise of Influencers and Creators: The growing influence of personalities and influencers was recorded as reshaping news consumption, challenging traditional journalism to adapt.
6.Talent Management in Newsrooms: Retaining and managing talent was seen as crucial as newsrooms navigate digital transformation and evolving audience expectations.
7.Combating News Fatigue: Both journalists and audiences were reported as experiencing news fatigue, prompting the need for strategies to maintain engagement and well-being.
8.Impact of Generative AI: The adoption of generative AI was recognised as transformative for news production, offering opportunities for efficiency but also raising ethical considerations.
9.Emergence of Intelligent Agents: Conversational interfaces and intelligent agents were found to be emerging as potential tools for news delivery, offering personalized and interactive experiences.
For further information, read the report here>>
The Global Surgery Foundation (GSF), an alliance of key global health leaders, including the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Harvard Medical School, and Smile Train, was launched in 2020 at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. The GSF is an international Swiss foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Its mission is to save lives by scaling up access to safe and affordable surgical care, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Each year during the World Health Assembly (WHA), the GSF organizes a high-profile side event to bring together key stakeholders in global surgery. These events attract policymakers, donors, healthcare professionals, and representatives of international organizations to review progress and drive actionable steps toward making surgical care accessible to all.
For this year’s side event at WHA78, to be held at the Hôtel InterContinental, as well as other meetings during WHA week, the GSF is seeking an Event Coordinator Consultant based in Geneva, Switzerland. This consultant will provide expert support in planning, coordination, and execution. References to previous GSF events are available: WHA75,WHA76, WHA77.
2. Objectives of the Consultancy
Provide logistical and administrative event planning support for the planning, implementation, and follow-up phases of the GSF WHA78 side-event.
Provide logistical and administrative event planning support for the planning, implementation, and follow-up phases of other meetings organised or supported by the GSF during WHA78.
3. Scope of Work
Working closely with the GSF WHA Planning Committee, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks related to the GSF WHA78 side-event as well as other meetings during the WHA week:
3.1. Pre-Event Coordination
Develop and update key planning assets, such as the agenda, run of show, talking points, and an event calendar for the week.
Support the recruitment of high-level speakers by managing the logistics with the speaker’s staff and handlers.
Liaise with event venue management regarding setup, audio-visual requirements, catering etc.
Arrange travel, accommodation, and logistical needs for invited speakers, VIPs, and team members.
Prepare regular internal WHA Planning Committee meetings, ensuring that meetings are effective and ensure follow-up.
3.2. On-Site Event Management (entire WHA week)
Act as contact point and coordinate staff participating in the management of the event.
Oversee registration and monitor list of participants during the event.
Monitor running of the event, ensure logistical adjustments to last minute changes and troubleshoot issues.
Provide support to and answer questions from participants.
Supervise the setup and breakdown of the event space.
Act as the primary point of contact for participants, vendors, and staff during the event.
3.3. Post-Event Follow-Up
Collect and compile participant feedback for evaluation purposes.
Support preparations of a final event report, including key takeaways, lessons learned, and recommendations.
Ensure all payments and financial reconciliations related to the event are completed.
3.4. Administrative Support
Manage the schedule and calendar of the Executive Director during WHA78, including coordinating meetings and appointments.
Assist with general administrative tasks, such as correspondence, document management, and follow-ups.
As needed, support other miscellaneous tasks related to the broader work of GSF, particularly during periods of reduced WHA-related activity, to maximize the consultant’s contributions to the organization’s overall objectives.
4. Duration and Timeline
The consultancy will run for approximately three months, starting on 15 March (negotiable) and concluding shortly after WHA78 in June 2025. The main GSF event is scheduled for 19 May, with most additional events and meetings taking place during the same week, from 19–23 May. The estimated time commitment for this role is approximately 20 hours per week, increasing as the event approaches and during the WHA itself.
5. Reporting and Supervision
The consultant will report to the Executive Director of the Global Surgery Foundation and work closely with other relevant team members, in particular the GSF WHA78 Planning Committee. Regular progress updates will be required.
6. Required Qualifications and Experience
Proven experience in coordinating high-level international events in Geneva.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and proactivity.
Familiarity with the WHA and global health (preferred).
Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines.
Proficiency in English (required) & French (required).
Be based in Geneva or in commuting distance.
7. Payment Terms
The consultant will be paid based on the submission of monthly invoices.
8. Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
CV highlighting relevant experience.
A brief cover letter (max 1 page) outlining their approach to event coordination for WHA78.
Confirmation of eligibility to work as a consultant in Switzerland.
Please send your application to Sebastian Hofbauer at s.hofbauer@globalsurgeryfoundation.org. Applications remain open until a suitable candidate is identified and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
9. Disclaimer
GSF reserves the right to modify or cancel these terms at any stage, depending on organizational needs.

The World Press Photo Exhibition 2024 will be showing world’s best photo journalism from the last year. Visit the Chateau de Prangins near Nyon, between now and 2. February 2025 to see the selection of photographs.
For the latest edition, some 3,800 photographers from 130 countries submitted more than 61,000 photos. The subjects range from refugee tragedies and natural disasters to the joint international effort to save the monarch butterfly from extinction. The exhibition is a look back at the global events of 2023 and allows us to take a step back from the fast-moving news cycle, consider world events from a fresh perspective, and critically reflect on them.
In the exhibition Swiss Press Photo, some 150 pictures will be exhibited in the categories News, Daily life, Swiss stories, People, Sports and World. The winners in the various categories will all be represented at the Château de Prangins with their impressive works. Meanwhile, the World Press Photo exhibition comprises some 140 photos, covering all continents, which will subsequently be exhibited in over 40 other countries.
For further information visit the World Press Photo Exhibition website here>>
Thank you to all the communications professionals who attended our lunchtime seminar yesterday on “how AI is influencing photography”. It was an interesting presentation which generated a great discussion on how AI generates images and how to manage the rights of your own identity which may be captured by others, as well as those of the images you publish. Francesco presented some interesting facts about the evolution of photography as well as the current trends. We cannot predict the future but the more we share our own experiences, the more we can learn how to manoeuvre in this rapidly changing environment.
Below are a few photographs from the event taken by the very talented Geraldo Pestalozzi without any AI influence.
We will not distract you from the end of the year rush with any further events this year. But look out for an evening apero to ring in January the new year.
Happy holidays to all.
The GCN Team
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