Communication Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Department of Communications (DCO) objectives areto position WHO as the authoritative and trusted voice on health, amplifying WHO’s work, and leading WHO media outreach to support and global health advocacy and information objectives. This includes planning and producing communication products and evidence-based messages to enhance programme objectives, including by engaging with key stakeholders and partners.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Under the supervision of the Unit Head, Health Information and Advocacy, the Communications Officer:
• Develops and implements high-quality strategic communications plans and tactics for WHO health portfolios, including GTMC product launches, campaigns, champions, and events, including the November 2025 Global Summit on Traditional Medicine.
• Develops storylines and key messages on traditional medicine for key target audiences, including the public, policymakers, and the media, among others.
• Develops advocacy and communications products (e.g., news releases, digital and social media content) to promote WHO’s work, conveying important public health messaging, and meeting the information needs of donors and other stakeholders.
• Drafts and edits written materials, including news products, fact sheets and Q&As, feature stories, ensuring accuracy, consistency, coherence, and adherence to WHO House Style.
• Supports WHO departments at the headquarters, as well as country and regional offices in proactively communicating through strategic communications planning and content development.
• Promotes WHO’s work through corporate platforms, media queries/pitches, and spokesperson interviews/briefings.
• Partners with other Units and Teams across the Department of Communications and other relevant WHO Units to ensure alignment, timeliness, quality, and innovative approaches to communications products.
• Performs all other related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• Advanced university degree (master’s) in communications, journalism, or social sciences.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of public health and international relations

Experience

Essential:

• Minimum seven years’ work experience relevant to the position, with at least two years obtained in an international work environment.
• Minimum five years’ experience of writing and editing for publication (news/features, press materials, web copy, video/podcast scripts, etc.)
• Minimum five years’ experience of producing digital content for global dissemination, including press materials, videos, photos, web, and social media.

Desirable:

• Experience working with WHO or other UN Agencies.

Use of Language Skills

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
• Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of UN Language .

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2407480