OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of WHO China Country Office communications work is to accelerate the achievement of public health objectives and communicate WHO’s mission and work so as to build trust in the organization.  It includes increasing awareness in China of public health issues and the role and applicability of WHO’s policies, guidance and normative standards to address public health needs in China, and gain public support for WHO’s mission and work, through the implementation of a WHO China Communications for Health Strategy.  The programme also supports and aligns with WHO Regional Communications 4 Health Action Framework and Global communications strategies in communicating WHO’s regional and global priorities to stakeholders in China.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The post holder will be responsible for:

1. Leading the development and delivery of WHO China Country Office communications for health strategy, including strategic advocacy activities, to support delivery of WHO China Country Cooperation Strategy and Health China 2030 Vision;

2. Leading the execution of the Country Office communications for health strategy, working with a range of traditional and social media and other mediums through which WHO engages with the Chinese and international policy makers, professionals and public on public health issues; 

3. Advising and supporting the WHO Representative in their communications role, and act as a spokesperson for WHO in the national and international media and social media when required;

4. Supporting the WR in the identification of strategic communications opportunities for the implementation of the WHO China Country Cooperation Strategy and the Healthy China 2030 vision;

5. Working with the technical teams in the WHO China Country Office on (including health systems, health security, communicable and non communicable disease, global health) to develop and deliver communications strategies to achieve their public health objectives including preparation of speeches for external events;

6. Participating and contributing to the UN Communications Group in support of the UN Country Team and liaising as needed on communications strategies with other UN agencies;

7. As a member of the WCO leadership group, supporting the WR in the development and execution of WHO’s strategy and high-level objectives for its work in China, including through working closely with the Team Coordinators to manage and monitor the progress of the WCO’s overall work program, promote cross-team work and collaboration, and leverage the technical capacity of the technical teams;

8. Advising and supporting the WR in the management of WHO’s relationship with Government of China counterparts, as well as management and oversight of WHO’s relationships with other external partners and stakeholders, including UN agencies, other member states delegations in China, international and national NGOs, and academic institutions;

9. Advising and supporting the WR in internal communications with Country and Regional Office and Headquarters staff;

10. Managing communications and external relations staff, consultants and vendors

11.Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Master’s degree (or higher) in public health, science, communications, journalism, social science, law or economics from a recognized university.
Desirable: Postgraduate qualification in communications or journalism.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of 10 years work experience in public health, at national and international levels, with at least 5 years’ experience at senior level on public health communications.
Desirable: Experience in managing a diverse team in a fast-paced, changing environment; experience in successfully managing health communications activities and programs, including media and social media; working experience of WHO; working experience in China.

Skills

• High level of expertise in public health communications;

• Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and maintain a high standard of personal conduct;
• Ability to demonstrate gender equity and cultural appropriateness in the delivery of services and working with colleagues and partners;
•  Experience and proficiency in stakeholder management and networking with nongovernmentorganizations, multi-sectorial groups and civil society partners;
•  Communications skills / experience – including media strategy, media liaison, and work insocial media, writing, and multimedia content creation;
•  Demonstrated high level organizational, strategic and management skills;

•  Knowledge of a broad range of health policy issues

WHO Competencies

Moving forward in a changing environment
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Creating an empowering and motivating environment
Promoting WHO’s position in health leadership

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of written and spoken English.
Desirable: Beginners knowledge of another UN Language.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 92,731 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 5100 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

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.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• 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 to [email protected]

• 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 the WHO Values Charter into practice.

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• 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.

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