Experience & career
Joe English is a Communications Manager working in UNICEF's Global Press Office in New York City. He has spent his career working at the intersection of complex operations, global communications and public advocacy - helping organisations translate high-stakes, fast-moving situations into clear, credible and human narratives.
He has spent almost a decade in UNICEF's Global Press Office, shaping global media engagement and communications on major emergencies and protracted crises. This work spans every region of the world and involves advising senior leadership on effective communication under intense scrutiny.
The craft transfers. The judgment built through humanitarian crises - balancing speed with accuracy, advocacy with nuance, visibility with protection - applies wherever issues are sensitive, fast-moving or highly scrutinised.
Joe has extensive experience working across broadcast and print media, including live television interviews, press briefings and background engagement with journalists developing complex stories on deadline.
He has provided expert commentary for outlets including CNN, BBC, NBC News, the New York Times, the Guardian, Bloomberg, NPR and many others - bringing authoritative, context-aware analysis that connects operational realities with policy implications and human impact.
He is also experienced in media training and spokesperson coaching, having prepared leaders, technical experts and field staff to communicate clearly and confidently under pressure.
What I know and work on
Communications craft
- Strategic messaging and narrative development
- Crisis and high-stakes communications
- Spokesperson preparation and media training
- Translating technical content for public audiences
- Speeches, op-eds, statements, talking points and Q&As
Sector experience
- Humanitarian response and emergencies
- Human rights and protection
- Multilateral institutions and UN agencies
- Public-interest advocacy and policy change
Regional & issue expertise
- Middle East - Syria, Yemen, Gaza, Lebanon
- Ukraine and Eastern Europe
- East Africa - Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, DRC
- Children in conflict and international humanitarian law
- Displacement, famine and public health emergencies
In practice
- Calm, authoritative communication under scrutiny
- Human-centred storytelling grounded in dignity and accuracy
- Judgment about what to say, how, and when to stay silent
Selected commentary & appearances
Joe has provided expert commentary on humanitarian crises, disaster response, international humanitarian law and global policy for broadcast, print and online media - including live television and breaking news reaction.
- Broadcast - CNN, BBC News, NBC News, MSNBC, ABC, CBC, Sky News, Al Jazeera
- Print & online - The New York Times, The Guardian, Bloomberg, Reuters, The Atlantic, The New Yorker
- Radio & podcasts - NPR, BBC Radio, WBUR, RNZ, Times Radio
Recognition from peers
"When it comes to the nuance around grave violations and international law – and managing the tension between telling the story and doing no harm – Joe is as good as they come. He listens, adapts, and never compromises the principle of 'do no harm'. At the same time, his story telling is compelling, meaningful, and child centered."
"Calm, agile, passionate and technically strong, Joe is one of the best in the business. His powerful interviews spotlighting the plight of children in humanitarian crises are remembered long after the story fades. Through first-rate communications and media work, as well as productive partnerships with UNICEF's Country Offices, Joe has strengthened UNICEF's brand and reputation around the world; amplified our rights-based advocacy for the most vulnerable children; and elevated the organisation's voice on the global stage."
"Joe is one of our absolute best communication experts, and it has always been a source of pride to witness his work, and read his eloquent words."
"Joe's sharp eye, media instincts and superb spokespersonship have been a huge asset for the organization."
"Joe's knowledge, passion and commitment on speaking out on humanitarian issues was ever impressive and I always enjoyed and learnt from our engagements across the world's crises."
Get in touch
For media enquiries, interview requests or general correspondence, you can reach Joe directly.