Media Communication Specialist

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Description

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• Transform technical content into high quality media communication materials such as media advisories, press releases, Op-eds, interview responses, talking points and feature stories in accordance with WHO communications and editorial standards; ensure that all these products are well-written, news-worthy, factually correct, appropriately presented and effectively engaging for the intended audiences.
• Foster new and existing media contacts, building institutional credibility and establishing effective working relationships with media representatives across the Region; optimize networking opportunities and amplify the work of the Regional Office by pitching topics and events to regional media outlets.
• Address media queries in coordination with concerned technical units, programme and emergency communications teams as well as WHO country offices, and produce talking points (TPs), holding lines, questions and answers (Q/As) and other briefing materials as deemed necessary.
• Conduct regular media monitoring to analyse current events and public opinion with the aim of advising supervisors on emerging media opportunities and/or appropriate action or responses related to rumours, misinformation or adverse publicity that may appear in the media and may pose a reputational risk for WHO in the Region.
• Organize in-person and virtual media conferences and serve as the master of ceremonies or spokesperson when needed during these press events or during news media interviews.
• Arrange for interviews and filming opportunities to raise the visibility of WHO achievements and success stories through television, radio, newspapers and relevant digital media outlets.
• Facilitate and organize media communications training workshops to support knowledge transfer and communication capacity building at the Regional Office, country offices and ministries of health.
• Collaborate with other members of the Communication Channels and Platforms team to coordinate and synchronize media, social media and web activities at the Regional Office.
• Work closely with communication officers and focal points at country offices, in liaison with their ministries of health, UN partner organizations, media and other stakeholders, to disseminate information on WHO campaigns, events and public health messages. 

• Ability to produce engaging media communication materials in Arabic and English.
• Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products, plans and tactics. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and advocate consensus. 
• Excellent presentation skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure to achieve multiple deadlines including when responding to public health emergencies.
• Ability to “think out of the box” and to make innovative proposals to extend communication reach. 
• Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals.
• Knowledge of public health sector and issues.
• Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge and build communication capacity. 

• University degree in communication, journalism, political science, social sciences, international relations or related field from an accredited/recognized academic institution.

• Formal qualification in public health.

• At least five years of relevant experience, including international exposure, in journalism, communication, or media relations, preferably in the context of health and development. 
• Proven experience in writing and developing content for digital and traditional media. 

• Working experience with WHO, UN agencies or with international nongovernmental organizations. 

• Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic. Knowledge of French will be an asset. 

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