Specialist, Web Writer/Editor

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Department of Communications (CMU) of the Pan American Health Organization leads in the development, implementation and management of PAHO’s corporate communication strategy at all levels, internally and externally, within a complex range of media outlets and platforms and media relations and a 24/7 information cycle. Corporate communication is essential to PAHO’s mission and strategic priorities and the advancement of the principles and practices of communication in support of sound public health principles and practices and PAHO’s mission in the delivery of technical cooperation in the Region of the Americas. As a lead multilateral health organization in the Region of the Americas and globally recognized, PAHO’s communication must be “best in class” utilizing the necessary leadership, expertise, strategies, approaches, tools and technologies in support of PAHO’s roles and responsibilities across a multiplicity of languages, cultures, and political dynamics, with a keen focus on public health, science and evidence.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director of Communications (CMU) and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Design and Digital Communications (CMU/DC), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following duties:

• Write and edit content for paho.org, ensuring that text is accurate, informative, impactful and timely for a wide range of audience(s), paying attention to narrative, flow of ideas and concepts, messaging, high-quality, tone, and corporate style, while ensuring that the Organization’s corporate branding is supported and reinforced;
• Review and verify country news and feature stories with relevant country offices and technical departments prior to publication, while also work to determine uptake and possible impact post-publication;
• Work with CMU experts to ensure multimedia content is high-quality, compelling, and timely, including the utilization of video, photos, social media and other digital tools;
• Review materials related to health campaigns ensuring that they reflect PAHO’s priorities and key messages, with close attention to political sensitivities;
• Write and edit reports and other text as required;
• Support the training of experts and focal points in web publishing and content management strategies, by creating capacity among technical teams at HQ and in Country Offices. Respond to queries, provide guidance and technical assistance, and participate in approved web projects;
• Support web systems documentation and Standard Operating Procedures for publishing content on the PAHO website;
• Monitor web analytics to strengthen web content in ways that attract and retain visitor interest and improve user journeys on paho.org. Keeps track of trends and web usage and makes recommendations on strategy and approaches based on these metrics;
• Support the management of the homepage with updated headlines and current health event information.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Essential: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, liberal arts, or a field related to the management of electronic information systems. Knowledge of Internet resources, tools, and programming languages.
• Desirable: Graduate studies in communications or a field related to internet resources, tools, and programming languages would be an asset, but is not required.
• 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.  PAHO, only considers official degrees 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).

Experience:

• Essential: Five years combined national and international professional experience in the area of communication, public relations, journalism, or related field.

Technical Expertise:

• Knowledge of web publishing standards and procedures and editing methods and practices, familiarity with established writing and editing reference manuals, and the ability to aid in maintaining up-to-date web writing/editing standards and guidelines.
• An ability to ensure high-quality style and language in a document, with a clarity of ideas; ability to edit; and defend editorial decisions. ability to ensure consistency of style within a document, to clarify meaning while maintaining the integrity of ideas, to suggest changes in wording, and to explain and defend editorial decisions.
• Thorough knowledge of contemporary trends and techniques in web design, content management tools, specialized computer graphic software, and techniques used to design, maintain, and manage website projects and digital platforms.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of web publishing frameworks and associated programming languages, including, but not limited to, PHP, JavaScript, JQuery, Bootstrap, CSS, and SQL.
• Ability to analyze and interpret corporate needs within a developing Internet environment and to communicate recommendations to technical and non-technical personnel.
• Ability to review and evaluate new technology and systems in advancing the objectives defined for information systems, and ability to train users and contributors in the use of database systems for web publishing.
• Ability to write, speak, and present in a clear and concise, diplomatic, tactful, and courteous manner; excellent writing skills are essential.
• Excellent (written and oral) communication and interpersonal skills.

Languages:

• Excellent knowledge of English or Spanish with a strong working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and Portuguese would be helpful.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2407007