Communication Officer – P4  

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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Given that communications and advocacy cut across all the programmes, the activity provides valuable inputs to individual programmes, and supports and guides strategic communications on all important public health matters. The overall work aims to facilitate increased awareness of Member States of WHO policies and public health issues in general, timely information that is reliable and up-to-date that helps WHO to gain public and Member States’ support for achieving WHO’s goal of an informed community and a fully aware public about WHO’s work.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the Chef de Cabinet and overall guidance of the Regional Director, the incumbent will perform the following functions:

• Implement the various elements of Regional Communications strategy and coordinate the work of Regional Communications network.
• Coordinate the advocacy during the Governing Bodies viz., Regional Committee meeting, World Health Assembly and Executive Board sessions.
• Liaise with the Ministries of Health, SEAR Member States, partners and any other stakeholders (including the Member States)
• Facilitate strategizing and coordinating the media campaigns, overseeing development of campaign materials, developing social media content.
• Facilitate development of content and design for Media and Advocacy related to the Regional Director’s Office as well as website management.
• Support the preparation of campaign materials in line with the Communication plan for various events and meetings, to be used for both internal and external communication platforms.
• Liaise with the Technical units to create communication plans and related products and various WHO events.
• Maintain a database of stories, pictures and articles that can serve as a background or contributions for communication activities/ products.
• Independently take initiatives to ensure that all communication materials produced for the Regional Director’s Office meet the highest standards of quality, by soliciting advice and assistance from sources within and outside the WHO SEARO, as required.
• Provide inputs on the design and layouts of such materials.
• In consultation with the supervisor, advise the technical teams on communication-related issues.
• Any other duty as may be assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Master’s degree in social sciences, communication and/or journalism from a recognized university.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, including some experience obtained in an international context, in the field of journalism and development sector communication.
Desirable: Experience in handling official social media channels and content management

Skills

Excellent writing and editorial skills. In-depth knowledge of communications approaches, tools and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programs. Ability to keep abreast of available technology.

WHO Competencies

-Teamwork
-Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
-Communication
-Producing results
-Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of UN language.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 77,326 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2713 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to [email protected]
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
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