Alison Cassells
About Alison Cassells
Alison Cassells is a Senior Story Producer at the World Food Programme, where she has worked since 2023. She has extensive experience in communications and storytelling, having previously held positions at organizations such as UNHCR, UNICEF, and the International Labour Organization.
Work at World Food Programme
Alison Cassells currently serves as a Senior Story Producer at the World Food Programme (WFP), a position she has held since 2023. In this role, she is responsible for developing yearly plans to produce thematic and story content aimed at enhancing WFP's brand awareness and engagement. She has previously worked at WFP in various capacities, including as a Story Producer and Team Lead from 2020 to 2021, and as a Programme Consultant in 2008. Her experience includes managing a team focused on storytelling and planning within the organization.
Experience at UNHCR
Alison Cassells worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as an Associate Fundraising Communications Officer from 2015 to 2020. During her five years in this role, she operated within the Marketing & Emergencies Section in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her responsibilities included developing communication strategies to support fundraising efforts for emergency responses.
Education and Expertise
Alison Cassells holds a Master of Science in Development Studies & Communication from Lund University, where she studied from 2009 to 2011. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications & Sociology from Simon Fraser University, completing her studies there from 2004 to 2009. Additionally, she obtained a Teaching English Overseas Certification (TESL Certificate) from Oxford Seminars in 2005. Her educational background supports her expertise in communications and development.
Previous Roles and Contributions
Prior to her current position, Alison Cassells held various roles in different organizations. She worked as a Communications Consultant/Assistant at UNOPS from 2013 to 2015 and as a Reports & Donor Liaison Officer at UNICEF from 2012 to 2013. She also served as an e-CRM Marketing Coordinator at Boozt.com from 2011 to 2012. Her early career included an internship at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2010 and an administrative role at Simon Fraser University from 2008 to 2009.
Team Management and Capacity Building
In her role at the World Food Programme, Alison Cassells provides guidance and supports capacity-building efforts within the Communications, Advocacy, and Marketing division. She is responsible for recruiting, briefing, and managing agencies and freelance consultants for content development. Her leadership in managing a storytelling team contributes to the strategic planning and execution of communication initiatives.