CONSULTANCY - Speechwriter -SSA/2026/SGO 1

Background

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and an authoritative international body for weather, climate, water and related environmental services. It supports global efforts to protect lives, livelihoods and ecosystems through international cooperation, scientific expertise and technical leadership. WMO brings together its Members, scientific institutions, operational agencies and international partners to advance shared priorities and translate science into practical action.

The WMO Secretary-General, as the principal representative of WMO’s mandate, engages regularly with government leaders, ministers, heads of international organizations, scientists, news media representatives and stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

The Secretary-General requires high-quality speeches, talking points, and speaking materials that effectively communicate complex scientific and technical information to diverse audiences. These communications must advance the Organization's strategic priorities, reflect United Nations values and messaging, and promote WMO's leadership role. WMO seeks the services of an experienced speechwriter capable of developing compelling, accurate and audience-focused speeches, statements, talking points for a host of speaking engagements.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, the consultant will perform the following duties:

• Research, draft, edit and finalize speeches, video scripts, and briefing materials, in support of the WMO Secretary-General’s external engagement with a range of stakeholders and delivery of WMO’s strategic plan;
• Verify content, and transform complex scientific concepts into simple, clear and impactful communications;
• Prepare presentations and other visual material, as appropriate, to support key speeches;
• Prepare talking points for the Secretary-General with impactful messages;
• Liaise closely with the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Secretary-General and the Global Communications Office to ensure coordinated and relevant communications activities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: University degree in communications, international relations or a related field is required.

Experience: A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications is required.

Other Requirements:

• The consultant must be on stand-by for the duration of the contract and have full-time availability for key events such as COP 31 and others.

   

Ultimate Result of Service: Improved visibility of WMO strategic priorities, results and support to members. 

Submission of outputs: The outputs will be submitted electronically through email and file sharing. They will be evaluated for quality and consistency by WMO’s Chief of Staff.

Additional Information:

• Experience working with high-level UN officials is an advantage. 
• Experience working with scientific and technical material.

Languages: Excellent knowledge and fluency in English (both oral and written) is required for this position. Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage.

Salary: Daily rate of CHF 600

Contract Duration: This consultancy period lasts 2 months, with the possibility of extension. The consultant is expected to work for 3 days a week, starting as soon as possible.

Travel: Not Applicable.
 

Applications:

Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system.

Do not send your application via multiple routes. WMO no longer accepts applications via post or email. Only applicants for whom WMO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

WMO does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Scam alert

WMO does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). WMO will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.