CONSULTANCY - Speechwriter -SSA​/SGO

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.

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.

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.

Improved visibility of WMO strategic priorities, results and support to members.

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.

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

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.

Daily rate of CHF 600

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.

Not Applicable.

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.