Communications Officer, GEO Secretariat

JOB INFO

• Job Identification32422
• Posting Date03/06/2026, 03:00 PM
• Apply Before04/06/2026, 11:59 PM
• Locations Geneve, Switzerland
• DepartmentGroup on Earth Observations Secretariat
• AgencyWorld Meteorological Org
• GradeP3
• Vacancy TypeFixed Term

JOB DESCRIPTION

Background

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is an intergovernmental partnership whose mission is to make Earth Intelligence a public good, ensuring that governments, businesses, and society have the data and insights they need to drive informed, impactful decisions for people, planet, and nature. 

The GEO Secretariat is responsible for facilitating and supporting GEO activities. This includes supporting the development and implementation of GEO’s strategic communications, advocacy and resource mobilization efforts in alignment with the GEO Post-2025 Strategy. The Communications Officer position plays an important role in enhancing GEO’s visibility, building meaningful stakeholder engagement, and amplifying impact and value of Earth Intelligence. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the GEO Chief of Staff, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

• Coordinate and contribute to the development and execution of communication and advocacy activities in alignment with GEO Post-2025 Strategy priorities. 

• Provide substantive communications support to the GEO Secretariat Director and senior management through the research and drafting of speeches, talking points and presentations on relevant Earth Intelligence issues.

• Widely disseminate GEO news/content through relevant channels. Track and report on media coverage.

• Support fundraising efforts through the preparation of targeted presentations and pitch materials.

• Coordinate the design and production of assigned communication assets, including Op-Eds, brochures, banners and other promotional materials.

• Prepare and edit the periodic GEO community newsletter.

• Provide communications support relating to major international events, including support to the organisation of side events, pavilions, and related communication materials.

• Provide communications support to key GEO stakeholder groups (such as GEO’s Youth Community of Practice).

• Contribute to quality control and consistency of communications products produced by GEO colleagues and community members. 

• Develop content for the GEO website and social media channels.

• Coordinate video production activities with internal and external contributors.

• Draft Terms of References for external service providers and coordinate the delivery of their communication outputs, under established procedures.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

Master's degree or equivalent in Communication, Journalism or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience in communication may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years' experience in international communications. 
• Experience with activities related to environmental, climate or Earth Observations of two years or more is a distinct advantage. 
• Experience working with UN agencies and/or international or national non-profit organizations is an advantage.

Other Requirements: 

• Proven experience in translating complex scientific content in simple and impactful communication outputs (both online and offline).
• Experience in delivering creative events with high visibility impact.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally and diplomatically.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong commitment to shared goals and mutual support.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple workloads effectively, even under pressure and in dynamic work environments.
• Ability to work in a multicultural setting and to foster diversity and team spirit.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and sound judgment in setting priorities.
• Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

The following will constitute an advantage: 

• Experience in the design and management of communication campaigns.
• Experience in working with youth for advocacy and communication campaigns will constitute an advantage. 
• Experience in working with top-tier media outlets.
• Proven proficiency in relevant content creation, publishing or social media software tools

Languages: 

Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). 

Knowledge of other official languages of the Organization would be an advantage. 

Note: The working language of the GEO Secretariat is English.

(Note: the official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.).

Competencies

The Communications Officer must demonstrate individual-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

Salary and Allowances 

Annual net base salary on initial appointment is: US$71335 

Annual post adjustment on initial salary is: US$66912 (in addition to the net base salary)

Additional Information: 

The GEO Secretariat is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age is 65. Pursuant to WMO Standing Instructions, the minimum age to be eligible for consideration for vacant positions is 18, and the maximum age must enable the candidate to serve for at least the term of the contract before reaching mandatory age of separation.

Probation

Possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and pending satisfactory performance after an initial probationary period of one year which can be extended up to a maximum of two years.

Applications:

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

Do not send your application via multiple routes. The GEO Secretariat no longer accepts applications via post or email. Only applicants for whom GEO 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

The GEO Secretariat 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

The GEO Secretariat 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). GEO will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.