Communications support officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

The incumbent will work to ensure implementation of the WHO country office’s communication strategies in support of its programmes and objectives, in the context of the WHO strategic direction at country level. This will serve to promote and increase knowledge about the work and achievements of the WHO country office at country level and the visibility of WHO.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform all or part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office.

• Support the implementation of communication strategies and plans to raise awareness of the programmes and achievements of WHO at country level, in coordination with the regional and/or headquarters communication focal points.
• Support the implementation of the WHO corporate (global and regional) communication strategy.
• Identify marketable subjects/success stories, and develop communications and advocacy products including for partnerships’ initiatives.
• Support optimal outreach and dissemination to target audiences on suitable media channels and platforms, including social media.
• Organize media events, campaigns and media technical briefings, coordinating between media
• and WHO experts, as required.
• Build and maintain productive networks and contacts with the press/media and key, national communication counterparts to ensure positive and optimal coverage of WHO’s work.

Apply, as a national of the country or territory, knowledge of the cultural norms of diverse national stakeholders and audiences to:

• support the development/updating of content and stakeholder linkages for the WHO country office website and
• the sensitive design and delivery of effective social-media engagements.

Support regular media monitoring, tracking audience/target group perceptions of the organization and propose risk-mitigation communications.

Collaborate with national stakeholders, development and other strategic partners and United Nations Information Officers, to encourage the production and dissemination of information on national health strategies. Advocate for organizational priorities, and represent WHO in the

United Nations Communication Group.

Support specialized emergency or multi hazard risk communications, social mobilization, and advocacy plans, during public health crises, emergencies and outbreaks.

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

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

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Essential: A university degree (bachelor’s) in a relevant field (such as communication, journalism, marketing, health communications, 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.

Experience

• Essential:A minimum of two years of work experience relevant to the position (delivering communications services and products) at the national level.
• Functional knowledge and skills
• Understanding of public health and international development issues
• Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products and approaches including solid writing skills
• Ability to represent and promote the WHO brand in virtual communities and networks
• Ability to develop messaging and positioning 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

Use of Language Skills

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of French.
• Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of other WHO Language .

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2408911