Communications Support Officer

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:
• 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.
• Support the implementation of the WHO corporate (global and regional) communication strategy.
• Assist in identifying marketable subjects/success stories, and in developing communications and advocacy products including for partnerships’ initiatives
• Assist in optimal outreach (including Communications for Health [C4H], and Risk Communications) to target audiences on suitable media channels and platforms, including social media.
• 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.
• Support information exchange 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.
• Monitor and track media/audience/target group perceptions of the organization and support preparation of risk-mitigation communications.
• 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.
• 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 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.

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.

Use of Language Skills

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

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2405275