CONSULTANCY - Speechwriter -SSA/2026/SGO 1
Organizational Context
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.
Job Purpose
To provide speechwriting services for the WMO Secretary-General, ensuring effective communication of complex scientific and technical information to diverse audiences, advancing the Organization's strategic priorities, reflecting UN values, and promoting WMO's leadership role.
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.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications is required. Experience working with high-level UN officials and with scientific and technical material is an advantage.
Skills
Excellent writing, editing, and research skills. Ability to transform complex scientific concepts into clear and impactful communications. Experience in preparing presentations and visual materials. Strong liaison and coordination skills. Full-time availability for key events.