Internship – Communication for Impact

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) is part of and contributes to the work of the Universal health coverage/Communicable and non-communicable diseases (UHC/UCN) cluster in the WHO African region. The strategic agenda of the cluster is to reduce disease burden in the WHO African Region, by guiding disease control agenda in Africa, and using analytics to inform strategic investments and tailored interventions for disease control”. This approach is underpinned by the guiding principles of a comprehensive whole of society, people-centered, integrated approaches to disease control. The comprehensive whole-of-society approaches to disease control involve: (a) coherent implementation of triple response – technical response: implementing diseases specific normative guidance, promoting intervention mixes and deploying medical commodities; health systems response: building capacities of district service delivery systems in disease mapping and stratification, interventions tailoring, and sector/subsector planning; and multi-sectoral response: addressing socio-economic and environmental determinants of diseases through mobilizing non-health sectors, communities and stakeholders; (b) disease control partnership of public and private sectors, health and non-health sectors; and (c) community involvement in targeted high-risk communities, focused on managing determinants of diseases, health services demand creation and accountability by local health stewards. The people-centered, integrated approaches to disease control involve: (a) integrated guidance on disease control for each health service delivery platform, a move away from stand-alone disease-specific guidance; and (b) integrated and efficient disease control investments in strengthening the capacity of appropriate health services delivery platforms through the deployment of appropriate technologies and analytics to guide stratification of disease risks across population groups to develop and deploy comprehensive packages of interventions appropriate for each population group and health service delivery platform, as well as monitor population access, coverage and impact to leave no one behind.
The specific objectives of the UCN cluster to which the ESPEN programme contributes, are to: (i) provide leadership on disease control coordination, partnership and resource mobilization; (ii) contribute to the development of WHO disease control technical products, services and tools including adoption of new technologies and innovations; (iii) support generation and use of strategic information for action and decision making including optimizing investment; and (iv) provide or facilitate provision of technical support in deployment of WHO technical products and services and institutional capacity building, including support to national disease programmes and regulatory authorities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Terms of reference
Under the supervision of the ESPEN Team Lead, the intern is assigned the agreed terms of reference:
• Developing and implementing the ESPEN communication plan.
• Producing high-quality public information products highlighting ESPEN and NTDs partners' work.
• Promoting achievements and results of key NTDs elimination progress and initiatives through various communication channels.
• Supporting the internal and external communication of special initiatives such as the Mwele Malecela Mentorship Programme.
• Providing key deliverables to contribute to documenting success and enhancing the visibility of ESPEN and its work.
The intern will perform all, or part of the following, and other related responsibilities as required by the needs of the office:
• Work in coordination with the NTDs Advocacy, Partnerships, and Mentorship Officer to ensure alignment of communication strategies and plans with the goals of The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) and the Mwele Malecela Mentorship Program.
• Develop and manage the implementation of communication strategies and plans to enhance the visibility of ESPEN programme successes and advocacy to strategic partners, as well as promote the goals and achievements of the MMM Programme, ensuring a gender-intentional and inclusive approach.
• Design and implement promotional activities and campaigns to position ESPEN as a leader within the NTD space, while also highlighting the impact and progress of the MMM Programme.
• In close collaboration with technical staff, manage the creation, packaging, and dissemination of targeted materials to strategic partners on ESPEN initiatives and issues as well as success stories which bring visibility to the impact of their funding on both ESPEN and the MMM Programme.
• Manage partner engagements for the ESPEN Portal webpage as well as related social media platforms, ensuring timely and relevant information dissemination and fostering engagement with partners.
• Manage the regular monitoring and tracking of partnerships’ perceptions of the organization, proposing risk-mitigation communications and new strategies to enhance partner relations and support the goals of both ESPEN and the MMM Programme.
• Guide technical staff on appropriate communications’ approaches in partnerships’ briefings, ensuring consistency and clarity in messaging.
• In collaboration with the NTDs Advocacy, Partnerships, and Mentorship Officer, conduct and coordinate partner-sensitive communication training for ESPEN Country Office staff and personnel, with a focus on effective communication strategies and relationship management.
• With the NTDs Advocacy, Partnerships, and Mentorship Officer, monitor the implementation of plans for donor contributions, joint programmes, and other relevant activities, and report on progress towards target attainment for both ESPEN and the MMM Programme.
• In collaboration with the NTDs Advocacy, Partnerships, and Mentorship Officer, implement strategies and guide senior management and technical teams in outreach and maintaining relations with the relevant partners, ensuring alignment with the goals and objectives of both ESPEN and the MMM Programme.Learning objectives

The purpose of the WHO Internship Programme is to provide an enriching learning experience for students and recent graduates. The Learning Objectives outlined within each internship vacancy are a key component of the programme.
Within this internship, the intern will:
• Gain hands-on experience in crafting and implementing comprehensive communication strategies to enhance visibility and advocacy for NTD elimination initiatives, ensuring alignment with ESPEN’s and MMM Programme’s objectives.
• Learn to produce and disseminate high-quality public information materials, including success stories, press releases, newsletters, and social media content, that effectively highlight program achievements and engage stakeholders.
• Build capacity in managing partnerships and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including strategic partners and donors, through tailored communication approaches and innovative engagement strategies.
• Acquire skills in managing digital platforms such as the ESPEN Portal and related social media channels, ensuring timely and impactful dissemination of information to various audiences.
• Develop an understanding of monitoring communication effectiveness, addressing partner perceptions, and proposing strategies to mitigate risks and improve alignment with organizational goals.

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP

Six (6) months non-renewable. The tentative start date is April 7, 2025.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a university program in international health, public health, business administration, or a related field (e.g., Bachelor of Medicine, International Baccalaureate, or similar). Courses in graphic design, or visual language and/or in the use of social media.
Applicants who have already graduated may also qualify provided that they apply to the internship no later than six months after graduation.
Desirable:
Advanced university degree (master’s level) in a relevant field (such as international relations, political science, social sciences, communications, marketing, management, accounting, financial management, business or public administration). Formal qualification in public health.

Skills

Functional Knowledge and Skills
• Proven ability to develop and implement communication strategies and plans.
• Experience in producing high-quality public information products.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in graphic design and/or visual language.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and their effective use for communication purposes.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in conducting training sessions and workshops is an advantage.

Core competencies

• Teamwork.
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.
• Communication.
• Producing Results.
• Building and Promoting Partnerships across the Organization and Beyond.

All interns should be able to demonstrate the following skills in line with the WHO core competencies:
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Showing willingness to learn from mistakes
• Producing and delivering quality results
• Working collaboratively with team members
• Building and Promoting Partnerships across the Organization and Beyond.
In addition, interns need to be familiar with commonly used computer programmes, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Knowledge of specialized computer programmes, for example, statistical software may be an advantage.

Experience

Essential:
• Experience in communication, advocacy, external relations, resource mobilization, or partnerships, including experience in organizing and facilitating events and managing public relations.
• Proven experience in writing and producing communication materials, such as newsletters, advocacy documents, and content for public health-related initiatives.
Desirable:
Experience in organizing international conferences, academic workshops, and managing social media content for health-related causes or initiatives.

Languages

Essential: Fluency in English or French. required.
Desirable: Knowledge of any other UN language.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Intern do not receive a salary. They do however receive a living allowance. The amount of living allowance for Brazzaville, Congo. For trainees whose permanent residence is outside the place of employment, the maximum amount is 648 000 FCFA per month. For trainees whose permanent residence is in the place of employment, the maximum amount of the allowance will be determined by the WHO.
The exact amount of the living allowance will be calculated for each intern, after selection, based on a legal financial disclosure form that the individual will complete. WHO also provides all interns with accident and medical insurance coverage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Please note that internships at WHO are very competitive and only a small number of applicants will be accepted every year. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted
• Living abroad is expensive and finding accommodation can be challenging. All intern candidates should be aware of these factors before they consider applying for a WHO Internship.
• If selected for a WHO Internship, candidates will be required to provide certified copies of proof of enrolment in an eligible course of studies, a completed WHO medical certificate of fitness for work, and the contact details for reference checks.
• 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.
• 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.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• 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 workforce. 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: reasonableaccommodation@who.int
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Department of Staff Health and Wellbeing (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.