Communications Specialist

The WHO Country Office was established in Prague in 1992 to assist Czechia in achieving its main public health priorities and to engage the country in global public health. The priorities for the Country Office are set out in the Biennial Plan of Cooperation between WHO/Europe and Czechia. The Office implements the plan in close collaboration with national institutions and international partner agencies.

In the context of multiple emergencies, the UNV will support emergency communications of the Country Office, contributing to communicate risks to affected and at-risk populations through the social media, engage communities and increase political, financial and public attention on WHO response and advice.

Following the grading of three emergencies (COVID-19, Ukraine’s war and monkeypox), communication specialists in social media are needed in country offices to support the development, implementation and evaluation of communications strategy in the context of multiple emergencies by sharing relevant, timely, credible and accurate health information and advice to target populations in the Czech Republic through the social media and showcasing WHO’s work in in support the health systems and positive health impacts.

Reporting to the WHO Country Office Communication Officer the incumbent is expected to provide emergency communications in support to WHO/Europe multiple response through social media.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Country Office Communication Officer and working closely with counterparts at the respective WHO Regional Office and WHO HQ, the UN Volunteer will:

Social Media and Web Management:
• Manage WHO Czechia’s social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) to promote key health messages, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Develop a social media content calendar to ensure consistent and timely posting.
• The candidate will be responsible for managing the country office website, including adding, editing, and updating content to ensure accurate and timely information is available
• Monitor social media channels for engagement, trends, and opportunities for interaction.

Content Creation:
• Draft and edit compelling and accurate content for social media posts, articles, blogs, and other communication materials.
• Collaborate with relevant teams to gather information and stories for content creation.
• Ensure all content adheres to WHO’s communication guidelines and standards

Graphic Design:
• Utilize basic graphic design tools such as Canva to create visually appealing graphics for social media posts, infographics, and other digital materials.
• Ensure graphics are aligned with WHO’s branding guidelines and convey key messages effectively.
Press Releases Drafting:
• Assist in drafting press releases and media advisories to announce important WHO initiatives, events, and announcements.
• Coordinate with media contacts to distribute press releases and respond to media inquiries as needed.
Monitoring and Reporting:
• Monitor the performance of communication activities, including social media engagement metrics, website traffic, and media coverage.
• Prepare regular reports on communication activities, achievements, and challenges for internal and external stakeholders.
The above outlines the the general responsibilities and requirements for the position of Communications Specialist. Specific tasks and activities may vary based on the evolving needs of WHO Czechia.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UNV mandate within their assignment and promote volunteerism through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate part of their time to the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant publications, developing networks with volunteering organisations and taking an active part in UNV activities (for example, in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end-of-assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever possible.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active WHO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support is rendered to WHO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including;
• Local health capacity developed through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment;
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.