Technical Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Under the PIP framework, PED is assisting Member States in building capacities in the area of risk communication. Support is provided through (1) the provision of new or updated guidance material, learning packages, tools, (2) training, regular risk communication information exchange and hands-on skill development and mentoring activities in priority countries, and (3) through surge support in case of emergencies or other events that require risk communication technical and operational support. The immediate Main Objective of the position is in support of activity line (2) above, and is to ensure that guidance, tools, training and other support provided under the project has a maximum impact in PIP priority countries. To this end, the incumbent is expected to assist Member States, including through the engagement of high-level technical and political officials, in the political buy-in, adaptation, use, and integration into national systems of WHO risk communication guidance and best practices, particularly in the area of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Develop, implement, and report on a framework approach for national capacity building for emergency risk communication that includes the active engagement of high-level decision makers and policy makers in the priority countries

2. Conduct assessments of national risk communication capacities, with a focus on pandemic communication, through desk reviews, joint missions with the relevant Member States and other stakeholders

3. Adjust the national risk communication capacity building framework to realities and for application in priority countries and develop a work plan to implement risk communication capacity building activities as relevant in assigned priority countries

4. Take a lead role in the Support of the development and/or revision of national risk communication strategies and/or plans

5. Develop and implement mentoring and coaching activities for key national stakeholders

6. Deliver risk communication and pandemic risk communication trainings as required at national, sub-regional and/or regional level (according to assigned geographical responsibility)

7 Monitor and evaluate the impact of above actions using adapted global tools

8. Provide support for conducting simulation exercises to test pandemic risk communication capacities in assigned countries

9. Support capacity building activities for national and local journalists for improving reporting during emergencies

10. Communicate the progress of national capacity building efforts for assigned countries and develop communication products as required.

11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Advanced university degree in communication, applied social sciences or any other related field.

Training in adult learning, capacity building needs analysis and strategy development.
Desirable\: Training in Public Health an advantage.

Experience

Essential\: At least7 years of experience in a national /international context in capacity building programmes and/or communication strategy development.

Experience is also required with national policy making and in advisory and advocacy roles to senior government officials and politicians.
Desirable\: Experience in public health strategy or programming, and/or in outbreak or emergency response desirable.

Work experience in countries that have experienced or intensively prepared for novel influenza outbreaks is strongly desirable.

Skills

- Strong expertise in risk communication, ideally in the field of novel influenza and/or severe respiratory disease outbreaks.

- Proven knowledge and skills in training coordination and management, training needs assessment, capacity building programmes and quality assurance techniques.

- Excellent interpersonal skills.

- Experience in political engagement and advocacy.

- Strong organizational skills.

- Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments.

WHO Competencies

1. Communicating in a credible and effective way
2. Fostering integration and teamwork
3. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
4. Producing results
5. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

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

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 71,332 (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 4345 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.