Communications Officer

The mission of the Division of WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) is to build the capacity of Member States to assess, prevent and manage health emergency risks, and lead and coordinate the international health response to contain all hazard emergencies, as described under the IHR (2005) and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.

The WHE Division brings together and enhances WHO’s operational, technical and normative capacities in health emergencies and risk analysis to address all health hazards across the risk management cycle in a predictable, capable, dependable, adaptable and accountable manner. The Programme is designed to operate within the broader humanitarian and emergency management architecture in support of people at risk of, or affected by, outbreaks and emergencies, consistent with ways that strengthen local and national capabilities.

The European Centre for Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies (PHHE) aims at strengthening WHO/EURO Member States’ capacities in preparedness for humanitarian and health emergencies through innovative, collaborative and sustainable approaches to capacity building, including through the development and implementation of training opportunities in  emergency and disaster risk reduction, the provision of  tailored country support in sustainable capacity building, and the facilitation of access to capacity building resources in the Region.  

Duties:

• Within the framework of the delegated authority, and under the guidance of PHHE Head of Office, the incumbent is assigned the following duties:
• Develop the WHO European Centre for Preparedness for Humanitarian and Health Emergencies (PHHE) Communication Strategy; analyse and support its implementation, monitoring and evaluation; ensure alignment with WHO/Europe’s communication goals and objectives. This includes identifying target audiences and tailoring communication approaches to effectively engage stakeholders.
• Create, source, develop, disseminate and maintain: high-quality, relevant, time-sensitive content; written and visual (photos, stories, articles, infographics, video, social media updates, press statements, speeches, op-eds etc.) for the various communications channels and platforms of PHHE. Outsource production if need be, in consultation with supervisors, and maintain a list of vendors and freelancers.
• Support with media outreach and interviews on occasion, provide advice on media landscape, draft talking points. Maintain a list of media professionals.
• Support and manage review of all communication and visibility materials to ensure they are in compliance with WHO rules and liaise with WHO/Europe’s communication teams to ensure consistent and coherent messaging across various platforms.
• Maintain an information database and multimedia (photo, video, etc.) library for PHHE to support communications documentation and help prepare content for the PHHE; Upload and frequently share content (photos, videos, captions) with EURO.
• Lead on regularly maintaining PHHE web pages and other online content;
• Develop in-house capacity in social media and ensure staff are familiar with ethical guidelines and expectations of WHO staff and their use of social media;
• Develop and post new relevant content (graphics/visuals) for PHHE’s social media platforms;
• With guidance of his/her supervisor organize and run live social media events;
• Support the logistics, promotion, and coordination of communication for virtual and in-person events organized by PHHE (workshops, meetings, trainings and conferences); it will include creating communication material such as posters, pamphlets, advertisement of the event, identification of communication material needed, supervision of printing agencies, photographs, cameramen, and liaison with media.
• Perform any other communications-related duties as requested by the Head of Office.
• Monitor and analyse the effectiveness of communication efforts using relevant metrics and tools. Provide regular reports on communication outcomes, identify trends, and propose adjustments to enhance impact.

Education:

Essential: 

• A first university degree in communication, journalism, political science or international relations or related field from an accredited/recognized institute.

Experience:

Essential:

• At least five years’ related experience, at the national and international level, in communication and/or advocacy, part of which supporting humanitarian emergency or health outbreak response and recovery activities. Experience with social media platforms.

Skills:

• Ability to develop, promote, implement, monitor and evaluate communication strategies.
• Good abilities to write and edit as well as in print, photo editing, broadcasting, social media and web administration.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet;
• Familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound cybersecurity awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in Good Health and Well-being, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Language Skills:

Essential:

• Excellent knowledge (mother tongue/advanced) of English.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2500388