Communications Support Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

WHO in Lao PDR is supporting the Ministry of Health and other partners via communications for health (C4H) as core interventions to support technical programmes and health systems to achieve universal health coverage. The Communication for Health (C4H) programme uses communication as a tool to contribute to better health outcomes—targeting audiences for specific purposes, responding to gaps in understanding or other barriers to the adoption of health – protecting behaviours, and is measuring results and applying learning to future communications interventions. C4H uses a “grounds up” approach, listening to and responding to the needs and preferences of the community. It draws on a broad range of technical skills and leverages collaboration with key stakeholders, strategic partners and other WHO technical programmes, to create multidisciplinary and intersectoral public health strategies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of WR and Communication for Health Officer in coordination with the Regional Communication Office (RCO), the incumbent will work closely with the technical units to support planning and implementation of communication actions and enhance sharing of knowledge and experiences by the CO:

1. Assist with the implementation of communication strategies and plans (including Communications for Health [C4H], and Risk Communications) to raise awareness of the programmes and achievements of WHO at country level, in coordination with the regional and/or headquarters communication focal points.
2. Support the implementation of the WHO corporate (global and regional) communication strategy.
3. Assist in identifying marketable subjects/success stories, and in developing communications and advocacy products including for partnerships’ initiatives
4. Assist in optimal outreach (including Communications for Health [C4H], and Risk Communications) to target audiences on suitable media channels and platforms, including social media.
5. Support organization of media events, campaigns and media technical briefings, coordinating between media and WHO experts, as required, including for Communications for Health[C4H], and Risk Communications.
6. Support information exchange with the press/media and key, national communication counterparts to ensure positive and optimal coverage of WHO’s work.
7. Apply, as a national of the country or territory, knowledge of the cultural norms of diverse national stakeholders and audiences to:

(i) support the development/updating of content and stakeholder linkages for the WHO country office website and

(ii) the sensitive design and delivery of effective social-media engagements.

8. Monitor and track media/audience/target group perceptions of the organization and support preparation of risk-mitigation communications.

9. Support collaboration with national stakeholders, other strategic partners and United Nations Information Officers, to encourage the production and dissemination of information on national health strategies. Participate in the United Nations Communication Group.

10. Support country office leadership on strategic, external and internal communications and with sensitivity to national cultural norms, where required.

11. Coordinate and deliver communication and media-sensitization training for WHO country office staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, marketing, health communications, business, social science, political science or international relations
Desirable: Formal qualification in public health. Courses in communication techniques and/or graphic design and/or visual language in the use of social media. Training in risk communication.

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/ .

Experience

Essential: A minimum of one year of work experience in delivering communications services and products at the national level.

Skills

• Understanding of public health and international development issues
• Proven skills in the implementation of communication/media products and approaches including solid writing skills
• Ability to promote the WHO brand in virtual communities and networks
• Ability to develop messaging for an international organization
• Ability to elicit and communicate success stories.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of WHO/United Nations agencies programmes and practices
• Understanding of WHO mandate and goals in the emergency incident management context.

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model:
who-enhanced-competence.pdf

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Knowing and managing yourself

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Excellent knowledge of English and Lao
Desirable: Working knowledge of other UN languages.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 22,412 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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.

• 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 toreasonableaccommodation@who.int

• 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 theWHO Values Charterinto 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.

• 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.

• 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 atshws@who.int.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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