Consulting with community members in Kashmore District of Sindh Province. (Hifzullah Kaka/UNDP, 2012)
About Me
Boarding a UN fight in Ghor Province, Afghanistan. (Jackquelyn Topacio, UNOPS, 2015)
I’m Alanna Jorde — a senior communications and editorial specialist with more than 30 years of experience helping organizations communicate clearly, ethically and with purpose across humanitarian and development contexts.
I work at the intersection of operational reality, policy and storytelling, translating complex information into clear, credible and ethically grounded communication for senior leadership, partners, donors and the public.
My experience spans four continents and Oceania through roles with United Nations agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, research institutions and media outlets.
I work at the intersection of operational reality, policy and storytelling, translating complex information into clear, credible and ethically grounded communication for senior leadership, partners, donors and the public.
My experience spans four continents and Oceania through roles with United Nations agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, research institutions and media outlets.
“One of the best experiences I have had working with a communications consultant.”
—Ludmila Ungureanu, Program Manager, Catholic Relief Services, Moldova
What I bring
I help institutions make sense of complexity. My work strengthens trust, supports informed decision-making and brings narrative coherence to fast-moving, politically sensitive or crisis-affected environments.
I have led or contributed to:
Across all of it, my approach is grounded in clarity, integrity and respect — the editorial principles that guide how I represent communities, partners and institutions.
I help institutions make sense of complexity. My work strengthens trust, supports informed decision-making and brings narrative coherence to fast-moving, politically sensitive or crisis-affected environments.
I have led or contributed to:
- humanitarian updates and multi-country reports
- donor-facing publications and programme narratives
- strategic messaging frameworks
- policy briefs and situational analyses
- multimedia and digital content for diverse audiences
Across all of it, my approach is grounded in clarity, integrity and respect — the editorial principles that guide how I represent communities, partners and institutions.
“We could not have done it without Alanna. It was because of her editorial touch that we had presentable books.”
—Adelina Kamal, former Head, ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force
Where it began
I started my career as an award-winning journalist in Canada. Those early years formed the foundation of how I work today: with accuracy, fairness and a commitment to telling the truth with care.
I started my career as an award-winning journalist in Canada. Those early years formed the foundation of how I work today: with accuracy, fairness and a commitment to telling the truth with care.
Why I do this work
I believe that responsible communication strengthens outcomes for communities, partners and institutions. Clear, thoughtful messaging brings coherence to complexity and supports organizations in acting with transparency and purpose. I am especially attentive to ensuring that marginalized voices are reflected responsibly and in ways that honour their lived realities.
I believe that responsible communication strengthens outcomes for communities, partners and institutions. Clear, thoughtful messaging brings coherence to complexity and supports organizations in acting with transparency and purpose. I am especially attentive to ensuring that marginalized voices are reflected responsibly and in ways that honour their lived realities.
"Her structured approach and attention to detail significantly strengthened donor visibility and project oversight.”
—Paul Cruickshank, Head of Programmes, UNOPS Afghanistan
Education & Professional Development
- Master of Arts in Human Security and Peacebuilding, Royal Roads University
- Graduate Certificate in Strategic Global Communications (Master’s-level coursework), Royal Roads University
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, The University of British Columbia
- French immersion, Université Laval (B2 proficiency; credits transferable)
- Professional training: PRINCE2 Foundation, P3M3, MSP, United Nations Office for Project Services Project Management training
- Committed lifelong learner with a track record optimizing opportunities to advance skills, knowledge and expertise
• Turning complex information into clear, impactful communications / Transformer l’information complexe en communications claires et percutantes •