Regional Communications Manager

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Communications Unit (COM) has a key role to support the Regional Director in the effective delivery of his/her mandate and in the provision of leadership and coordination of the work of WHO in the African Region, particularly with respect to reputation management, health information dissemination, and corporate branding. COM is the lead for development and implementation of the Africa Region communications strategy. The Office prepares communication materials for media, public information documents, Governing Bodies and other partners. COM provides guidance, drafting, editing, graphics and design services to Regional Office Clusters, Country Offices and ISTs. COM is the lead Unit for interface with the media and for guidance to staff throughout the region on the rules for media engagement as well as issues of copyrights, data privacy or other aspects of AFRO communications.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

--> Coordinate and facilitate the development and implementation of the plan of work for the Unit; --> Lead the development of a Regional marketing communications strategy, corporate branding, reputation management and capacity building in the Region;--> Guide the Regional Director and senior officials on strategic communications responses to public health emergencies, as well as to public opinion and concerns;--> Serve as a spokesperson for WHO Regional Office for Africa with the media.--> Supervise, draft and manage the production and distribution of public information materials, both publications and web-based.--> Provide backup to the Senior Writer in the preparation of speeches /statements/messages/talking points for the Regional Director, and other communication materials as needed. --> Provide guidance on issues of copyrights, data privacy, or other legal aspects of AFRO communications;--> Facilitate consistent and cohesive communications through a network of country-based and regional communication and public information officers in the WHO African region, the UN, ministries of health, regional communication centres and others. --> Advise technical units at the Regional and country offices on internal communications and support enhanced communication linkages between all levels of the Organization, including through a comprehensive, cohesive and well-maintained Intranet site;--> Lead capacity building for communications; oversee the development and implementation of staff training in communications across the region; --> In coordination with HRM, lead the recruitment & staffing of positions in the Unit. Establish work objectives for all personnel in the Unit and conduct staff performance evaluations in accordance with established procedures and deadlines. Provide leadership to staff under his/her responsibility; ensure their continuous training and development; promote a culture of high performance, ethical behaviour and integrity in accordance with the Organization's Policies, Rules and Procedure;--> Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Master's degree in communications, marketing, political or international relations, health communications or related fields.
Desirable\:

Experience

Essential\: At least ten (10) years' relevant experience at national and international levels. Experience in dealing with public information in health programmes and with focus on health communication and advocacy and in the development of material for mass media and policy makers.
Desirable\:

Skills

Good management, leadership, communications, public relations and interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain partnerships at organizational, local and international levels and to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment. Ability to communicate with respect, tact and diplomacy. Thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of a wide range of communications channels (print, web, broadcast, campaigns and on-line). Thorough understanding of the impact of communications on the reputation, image, and success of an organization, as well as the role media and social media has in this regard.

WHO Competencies

Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment
Teamwork
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of French.
Desirable\:

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 85,543 (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 4170 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.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.