Communications Officer

Geneva

Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
Location: Geneva
Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
- HQ/DCO Department of Communications
Closing Date: Closed

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Department of Communications (DCO) objectives are to\:

- ensure timely production and dissemination of high quality public information on longstanding and emerging public health issues through various platforms (print, web, broadcast, social media etc) and in multiple languages;

- define and promote a consistent corporate identity for WHO internally and externally;

- create a 21st century "culture of communications" at WHO by strengthening capacity at every level;

- contribute to managing WHO's reputation by monitoring public opinion and concerns, and responding to them strategically; andlead the strategic communications response to epidemics and pandemics, public health emergencies and for the health aspects of humanitarian crises.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Writing\:

- Draft feature stories and other news products.

- Draft factsheets, Q As, and other products for the corporate website.

Copyediting\:

- Edit WHO written material to ensure accuracy and conformity with WHO style and that the information is accurate and consistent, including the use of facts and figures.

Fact checking \:

- Ensure that public health information and content is accurate and current. This requires working with technical teams across clusters as necessary and staying current on the latest public health information, including public health trends outside WHO.

Surge capacity\:

- Provide communications surge capacity as needed in the case of public health emergencies or in other situations.

- Other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: University degree in communications, journalism, public health, political or international relations or other field relevant to the position

Experience

Essential\: At least 5 years experience working in communications or a communications-related field with a focus on researching, copy editing and fact checking written text against technical information and style, preferably in the field of public health.

Demonstrable experience in editing and writing for a range of audiences.

Proven experience researching and editing text under deadline pressure.

Some experience in an international context.

Skills

Skilled writer.

Ability to pay extreme attention to detail.

Ability to make complex ideas simply understood.

Ability to work consistently well under deadline pressure.

Understanding of public health trends, issues, and events and how they affect global public health.

Ability to assist with developing messaging and positioning for different audiences.

Demonstrated networking skills, excellent interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently and as a self-starter to find the accurate information needed for the editing process.

Ability to multitask.

Thorough understanding of public health and the ability to quickly understand, process and communicate about new public health information.

Ability to act as a Teamplayer.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.

Intermediate knowledge of French.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of other WHO 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 58,583 (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 4164 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 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.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.