International Consultant - Communications for Health, WHO Viet Nam

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Purpose of consultancy  

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide communications support to the WHO Country Office in Viet Nam. This includes providing C4H support to ensure the effective implementation of communication plans and campaigns across the following health areas: quality primary health care, tobacco control, road safety, climate change and health, and health emergencies.

Background  

In 2026, WHO Viet Nam’s communications and advocacy work will continue to be underpinned by the Regional Action Framework on Communication for Health (C4H), published in 2024 by the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) to guide evidence-based, strategic communication for public health. This framework aims to change attitudes, behaviours, and policy to improve health outcomes. The STC is required to support the ongoing implementation of the C4H approach, in particular by developing and supporting several dedicated communications campaigns, focusing on the reduction of major health risk factors in Viet Nam, and on climate change and health. These campaigns will support WHO Viet Nam’s broader focus on addressing the high number of illnesses and deaths associated with noncommunicable diseases and other preventable deaths. These campaigns will include: quality primary health care,  tobacco control, road safety, and nutrition. In addition, to help address the increasing threat posed by climate change and environmental factors on health, campaigns will also be implemented focusing on climate change awareness and resilience, and the impact of air pollution (including risk mitigation measures).

Deliverables

Output 1: Reduce health risk for more vulnerable community members by increasing understanding of specific risks and motivating risk mitigation action  

• Deliverable 1.1: Support the development and implementation of five communications plans and schedule implementation of key campaign activities and content, including quality primary health care, tobacco control, road safety, nutrition, climate change and health, and health emergencies.
• Deliverable 1.2: Produce a set of awareness-raising and behaviour change materials for: quality primary health care, tobacco control, road safety, nutrition, climate change and health and health emergencies. Monthly, this will comprise a minimum of three speeches, two media responses, two web stories (or video scripts), and 10 social media posts.  

Output 2: Ensure communications work is impactful in reducing community health risk factors, through collecting and utilizing key target audience focused insights.

• Deliverable 2.1: Design and conduct five evidence-gathering initiatives (such as surveys or social listening reports), related to the aforementioned five topics, to directly inform content development.

Output 3: Enhance continuous improvement and impact, through delivery of a dedicated MEL report.

• Deliverable 3.1: Prepare a comprehensive report on the five communication campaigns, analyzing strengths and weaknesses, and provide recommendations to enhance C4H outcome-focused effectiveness in the future.

Method(s) to carry out the activity
The consultant will work under the supervision of the C4H Technical Officer WHO Viet Nam, working at times with the technical areas in the Country Office, including the disease control, health emergencies, and healthy lifestyle and environment teams.

The consultant will be required to submit monthly reports on progress in achieving outputs and deliverables, as well as a final report at the end of the contract that details key achievements and support provided to the WHO office and counterparts.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:  

Essential: Advanced university degree (master's degree or above) in communications, public relations, public health or related field from a recognized university. 
Desirable: Advanced training demonstrated in communications, public relations, media communication, public health or related fields.

Experience  

Essential: Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in communications or a public health related field. 
Desirable: Experience in international organizations and NGOs, preferably on health-related issues. Work experience or knowledge of working with ministries of health an asset.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Ability to communicate effectively, with a target audience focus to facilitate positive health outcomes
• Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a communications team and with other technical teams
• Ability to work flexibly and responsibly across time zones, cultures and countries in Asia and the Pacific
• Ability to adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Essential: Expert knowledge of English

Location

Off site: Home-based

Travel

Some travel to the WHO Office in Hanoi and to activity sites in Viet Nam may be required.

Remuneration and budget:
 

• Band level B; monthly rate of USD 8,500
• Expected duration of contract - 11 months

Additional Information:

•    This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
•    Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
•    A written test may be used as a form of screening.
•    If your candidature is retained for 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.
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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 for WHO jobs. 
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 
•    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 (https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values) into practice.
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•    Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. 
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