I am a strategic communications leader with 25+ years transforming complex knowledge into compelling stories, learning resources, and digital platforms that drive civic engagement and social impact. As Acting Head of Communications for OHCHR in Geneva, I oversee a section of 25+ professionals across design, audiovisual, web, and content creation, guiding global outputs even during budget crises and building high-profile partnerships with Global Citizen and Fotografiska. I’m passionate about turning research into accessible narratives that enable learning and real-world action. My career foundation was built as a Miami Herald and St. Petersburg Times community reporter, covering local government, courts, and development. That background gives me a deep understanding of community-focused journalism and the skills to synthesize knowledge for diverse audiences, while collaborating across nonprofits, government, and multilateral partners to advance civic engagement and social impact.

KAYLOIS HENRY

I am a strategic communications leader with 25+ years transforming complex knowledge into compelling stories, learning resources, and digital platforms that drive civic engagement and social impact. As Acting Head of Communications for OHCHR in Geneva, I oversee a section of 25+ professionals across design, audiovisual, web, and content creation, guiding global outputs even during budget crises and building high-profile partnerships with Global Citizen and Fotografiska. I’m passionate about turning research into accessible narratives that enable learning and real-world action. My career foundation was built as a Miami Herald and St. Petersburg Times community reporter, covering local government, courts, and development. That background gives me a deep understanding of community-focused journalism and the skills to synthesize knowledge for diverse audiences, while collaborating across nonprofits, government, and multilateral partners to advance civic engagement and social impact.

Available to hire

I am a strategic communications leader with 25+ years transforming complex knowledge into compelling stories, learning resources, and digital platforms that drive civic engagement and social impact. As Acting Head of Communications for OHCHR in Geneva, I oversee a section of 25+ professionals across design, audiovisual, web, and content creation, guiding global outputs even during budget crises and building high-profile partnerships with Global Citizen and Fotografiska. I’m passionate about turning research into accessible narratives that enable learning and real-world action.

My career foundation was built as a Miami Herald and St. Petersburg Times community reporter, covering local government, courts, and development. That background gives me a deep understanding of community-focused journalism and the skills to synthesize knowledge for diverse audiences, while collaborating across nonprofits, government, and multilateral partners to advance civic engagement and social impact.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
French
Beginner

Work Experience

Acting Head, Communications at UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Provide strategic communications direction for OHCHR globally, leading section of 25+ professionals across design, audiovisual, web, and content creation; project management during severe budget crisis while maintaining core outputs with 25% of original budget; visible leadership in global initiatives and partnerships.
Head, Editorial Unit (P-4) at UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR)
May 1, 2021 - Present
Knowledge leadership & synthesis: lead team of editors and consultants producing high-impact global human rights content, transforming complex data into accessible stories and publications that drive engagement. Oversaw the annual report and other key knowledge resources.
Public Information Officer (Secondment) at OHCHR Regional Office Southern Africa
February 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Established and led public information function, designing and executing regional content and social media strategy; achieved a 30% increase in social media engagement. Advised Regional Representative on strategic communications decisions and produced knowledge resources for regional events.
Information Officer (P-3) at UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR)
September 1, 2014 - May 1, 2021
Strategic storytelling & impact narratives; partnered with AFP to deliver cross-platform documentary projects and multimedia campaigns; led learning & capacity building, using media monitoring and social listening to inform future knowledge development.
Journalism Advisor at Internews (NGO)
May 1, 2013 - August 1, 2014
Cross-Sector Relationship Building: developed humanitarian communication services and trusted relationships with UN Country Team and NGOs; Knowledge Dissemination: crafted critical messages for peace and IDP inquiries, operationalizing learning across humanitarian programs.
Producer / Reporter at WLRN – NPR Radio South Florida
February 1, 2013 - May 1, 2013
Produced daily morning broadcasts and longer-form features for radio and digital platforms; synthesized local knowledge on immigration and Greater Miami's evolving social issues for diverse audiences.
Public Information Officer (P-3) at UNFCCC
April 1, 2011 - December 1, 2012
Crisis communications & stakeholder engagement; monitored media uptake and refined outreach strategies to maximize impact.
Communications Consultant at Essential Africa / UNICEF Ethiopia (NGO)
August 1, 2009 - March 1, 2011
Learning resources development and editorial oversight for youth media project reports; capacity-building in knowledge dissemination for African NGOs.
Communications Officer (P-3) at UNECA
January 1, 2009 - May 1, 2010
Crisis communications & stakeholder engagement; pan-UN communications coordination; analytics-driven outreach.
Senior Broadcast Journalist / Trainer at BBC World Service Trust (NGO)
August 1, 2007 - May 1, 2008
Learning agenda design & training: designed and delivered a six-week radio training course for journalists; operationalized learning processes and capacity-building.
Project Co-ordinator, Roots at East Midlands Arts (Government)
July 1, 2000 - April 1, 2001
Equity & access: led project to increase arts and media access for ethnic minorities; developed the first African-Caribbean radio program for local BBC station.
Writer at Dallas Observer
November 1, 1995 - November 1, 1997
Wrote major exposé on social injustice; award-winning reporting; increased visibility of stories from ethnic minority communities.
Reporter at St. Petersburg Times
May 1, 1989 - November 1, 1995
Covered courts, police, and local government with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; produced award-winning coverage on corruption and real estate development.

Education

Master of Arts in Creative Writing at University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
January 11, 2030 - February 4, 2026
Bachelor of Science in Journalism at University of Florida, Gainesville, US
January 11, 2030 - February 4, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services