DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 20 October 2026-23:59-GMT+05:30 India Standard Time (Colombo) WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.
ABOUT WFP The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of extreme weather shocks.
At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.
To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube , LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , TikTok .
WHY JOIN WFP? - WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. - WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment. - WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities. - A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe. - We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).
Organizational Context: These jobs are part of Global Headquarters (GHQ) and/or Country Offices (COs). They report to the Communications Associate or designate. Job holders at this level take responsibility for completion of a range of communications processes and activities requiring some interpretation of standard guidelines/practices. Job Purpose: Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to cyclones, floods, landslides, and droughts, with disasters increasing in frequency and severity.
In November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah devastated 22 districts, affecting 2 million people, destroying homes and croplands, and severely damaging irrigation systems. With the anticipated El Niño event in 2026–27 expected to bring both droughts and flooding, communities face heightened risks and limited coping capacity.
To address these challenges, WFP is implementing a USD 7.5 million program to assist 87,000 people (21,750 households) by combining cash transfers for rehabilitating irrigation systems, anticipatory cash support to flood-prone households, pre-positioning of essential non-food items, and strengthened disaster preparedness through coordinated risk assessments and digitalized systems.
The program builds on WFP’s leadership in disaster coordination, enabling rapid deployment within 72–96 hours of an emergency while supporting recovery and resilience, ensuring households are better prepared for future shocks and reinforcing government disaster risk financing systems. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive): 1.
Provide coordination, administrative and specialised services, to support staff in the development, preparation and execution of communications campaigns for target audiences. 2. Monitor and coordinate materials, schedules, facilities and clearances, and provide support for special events, and video/film, photographic and radio projects. 3. Conduct clearly defined research and prepare reports and provide data that enables informed decision-making. 4.
Monitor traditional and social media and report relevant information to senior staff to inform the development and/or evaluation of communications activities and strategies. 5. Under clear guidance, prepare content for traditional and social media platforms and networks, and printed materials, to enhance coverage and support of WFP’s activities, ensuring consistency with corporate messages and standards. 6. Distribute communications guidelines for WFP staff to refer to when creating content. 7.
Manage and maintain records and databases, such as journalist and media outlet contact lists, to ensure the information is accurate, organised and readily available for others to access. 8. Respond to a variety of queries and requests for support, following standard processes, and obtaining guidance as required, to ensure timely and accurate resolution of all enquiries. 9.
Liaise with WFP staff and the media in a timely mann DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE: - Has five (5) years of related work experience. - Has demonstrated an ability to perform routine communication techniques and activities in line with WFPs operating standards through day to day work - Has experience in media and producing written and creative communications materials - Has supported in providing ad-hoc guidance to new staff members STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Completion of secondary school education.
A post-secondary certificate in the related functional area is desirable. Language: Fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of Sinhala or Tamil is desirable.
Position Title: Communications Assistant SC 5 Contract Type: Service Contract Duty Station: Colombo, Sri Lanka Nationality: Nationals Only Date of Publication: 06.10.2026 Deadline of Application : 20.10.2026 WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.
Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org NO FEE DISCLAIMER The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process.
Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION - All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system.
We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel. - We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application. - If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org .
Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply . - At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process. - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
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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DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 20 October 2026-23:59-GMT+05:30 India Standard Time (Colombo) WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability. ABOUT WFP The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of extreme weather shocks. At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves. To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube , LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , TikTok . WHY JOIN WFP? - WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. - WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment. - WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities. - A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe. - We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement). Organizational Context: These jobs are part of Global Headquarters (GHQ) and/or Country Offices (COs). They report to the Communications Associate or designate. Job holders at this level take responsibility for completion of a range of communications processes and activities requiring some interpretation of standard guidelines/practices. Job Purpose: Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to cyclones, floods, landslides, and droughts, with disasters increasing in frequency and severity. In November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah devastated 22 districts, affecting 2 million people, destroying homes and croplands, and severely damaging irrigation systems. With the anticipated El Niño event in 2026–27 expected to bring both droughts and flooding, communities face heightened risks and limited coping capacity. To address these challenges, WFP is implementing a USD 7.5 million program to assist 87,000 people (21,750 households) by combining cash transfers for rehabilitating irrigation systems, anticipatory cash support to flood-prone households, pre-positioning of essential non-food items, and strengthened disaster preparedness through coordinated risk assessments and digitalized systems. The program builds on WFP’s leadership in disaster coordination, enabling rapid deployment within 72–96 hours of an emergency while supporting recovery and resilience, ensuring households are better prepared for future shocks and reinforcing government disaster risk financing systems. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive): 1. Provide coordination, administrative and specialised services, to support staff in the development, preparation and execution of communications campaigns for target audiences. 2. Monitor and coordinate materials, schedules, facilities and clearances, and provide support for special events, and video/film, photographic and radio projects. 3. Conduct clearly defined research and prepare reports and provide data that enables informed decision-making. 4. Monitor traditional and social media and report relevant information to senior staff to inform the development and/or evaluation of communications activities and strategies. 5. Under clear guidance, prepare content for traditional and social media platforms and networks, and printed materials, to enhance coverage and support of WFP’s activities, ensuring consistency with corporate messages and standards. 6. Distribute communications guidelines for WFP staff to refer to when creating content. 7. Manage and maintain records and databases, such as journalist and media outlet contact lists, to ensure the information is accurate, organised and readily available for others to access. 8. Respond to a variety of queries and requests for support, following standard processes, and obtaining guidance as required, to ensure timely and accurate resolution of all enquiries. 9. Liaise with WFP staff and the media in a timely mann DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE: - Has five (5) years of related work experience. - Has demonstrated an ability to perform routine communication techniques and activities in line with WFPs operating standards through day to day work - Has experience in media and producing written and creative communications materials - Has supported in providing ad-hoc guidance to new staff members STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in the related functional area is desirable. Language: Fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of Sinhala or Tamil is desirable. Position Title: Communications Assistant SC 5 Contract Type: Service Contract Duty Station: Colombo, Sri Lanka Nationality: Nationals Only Date of Publication: 06.10.2026 Deadline of Application : 20.10.2026 WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission. Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org NO FEE DISCLAIMER The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION - All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel. - We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application. - If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org . Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply . - At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process. - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process. 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.