Specialist, Health Emergencies Communication

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The objective of the Health Emergencies Department (PHE) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is to increase health sector resilience to emergencies and disasters. PHE assists Member States to strengthen the health sector’s capacities in prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, surveillance, response, and early recovery for emergencies and disasters related to any hazards (natural, man-made, biological, chemical, radiological and others) and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain disasters, including outbreaks, and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. PHE is responsible for ensuring the implementation and updating of the PAHO/WHO Institutional Emergency and Disaster Response policy.

Under the direct supervision of the Advisor, Resource Mobilization and Advocacy, and the general guidance of the Director, Health Emergencies (PHE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties\:

1. Provide guidance and support to Regional and Country Office teams in building health emergencies communication capacity, developing communication strategies and ensuring their implementation;
2. Coordinate with and provide support to PHE sub-regional health emergencies teams and PAHO/WHO Country Offices in the design and execution of activities that will allow the strengthening of the communication and information management capacity in the ministries of health and other organizations in the health sector, and to provide timely information in times of emergency or disaster;
3. Develop, propose, implement and evaluate proactive coherent regional communications strategies to promote and increase the awareness of the Health Emergencies Program (PHE) goals, work and achievements, as requested and in coordination with relevant PHE and CMU staff;
4. Develop and disseminate technical and non-technical articles and success stories and draft responses to articles as relevant;
5. Provide expertise on effective media strategies and implement proactive communications with media, building long-term relationships, in close coordination with CMU;
6. During emergencies, liaise with emergency managers to strategically disseminate information, in coordination with CMU;
7. Contribute to advocacy and visibility efforts relating to all areas of disaster/emergency preparedness, risk reduction and response, including coordinating media events, information briefings, and other international events (e.g. International Day for Disaster Reduction, World Health Day, etc.), in coordination with CMU;
8. Plan and ensure the optimal and efficient development of activities that allow the strengthening of services, and disaster information centers, searching for alliances and collaboration with technical or financing agencies in the Region, that will allow for the consolidation and extension of the work with networks of these centers;
9. Design work plans and coordinate the organization and execution of activities of the Regional Disaster Information Center (CRID), in close coordination with the agencies that support the CRID, particularly PAHO/WHO and UN/ISDR (International Strategy for Disaster Reduction);
10. Participate in the formulation, negotiation, and consultation of project proposals funded by external agencies, through research and message development;
11. Collaborate in the preparation of the entity’s Biennial Work Plan (BWP) and the execution of international cooperation, including the analysis of political, technical and socioeconomic realities;
12. Participate in the implementation of PAHO’s response activities during disaster and public health emergencies, as required;
13. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Essential\: A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, international relations, political or social science, or a related field from a recognized university.

Desirable\: Specialized training in public health, crisis or risk communications, or advocacy.  Training in film or video production would be an asset.

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/.  PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http\://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https\://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Essential\: Seven years of combined national and international professional experience in journalism, including television, radio and/or print, or as spokesperson for a large non-governmental or international organization, involving information and communications projects and/or strategies on health subjects.  Field experience in public health programs or emergency response programs.

Desirable\: Experience working in the United Nations systems or other multilateral institutions, non-governmental or humanitarian organizations. Experience in planning, implementing and evaluating information and communications projects/strategies, speech or campaign writing, elaboration of brochures, pamphlets and documentaries (written, film or others) would be an asset.

• Intrainstitutional Action\: Operates in a fair, consistent and equitable manner, and displays such behavior by example. Ensures that the mission and the values of the Organization as well as the setting in which projects will be carried out are the drivers in one's technical work. Understands the results required and performs to that standard. Behaves consistently in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Organization.
• Analysis, Synthesis, and Forecasting\: Takes or organizes individual and collective action after analyzing situations on the basis of the available evidence and knowledge. Continuously analyzes the evolution of situations in an area of work and makes suggestions to adjust or confirm the decisions necessary to implement required actions. Is capable of anticipating the implications of an analyzed situation between six months to one year ahead.
• Communication\: Actively engages in conversation with the key players in a multicultural environment both within and outside the organization. Develops a network of appropriate contacts inside and outside PAHO to gain information or to build an alliance. Takes into consideration the multicultural differences within the organization.
• Information Management\: Takes initiative to improve systems for the presentation and dissemination of information. Supports, through competent use of the available systems and technologies, the development of data presentations.
• Teamwork\: Promotes team work and leads one's area to finish tasks and accept responsibility. Creates a positive environment within the area of work. Makes everyone feel like they are part of the team as well as welcomes and appreciates everyone's ideas and suggestions. Able to see the positive aspects of working as a team, shares the team's enthusiasm for achieving mutual goals.
• Knowledge Management\: Supports and develops networked and community working. Identifies, develops and nurtures networks and communities. Identifies and builds on working networks that enable knowledge and information flow.  Designs and implements knowledge and information services. Enables utilization of knowledge and information sources. Delivers relevant knowledge and information in most appropriate form.  Participates in and learns from networked and community approaches.
• Information Management\: Verifies that relevant information is obtained, processed, selected, and disseminated in the area of work. Acquires the training to utilize technologies for processing information relative to the area of work in a logical and organized manner, which facilitates the dissemination of information, resulting in information that is consistent, valid and accurate. Keeps abreast of latest technologies for processing the information relevant to the area of work and weighs its advantages/disadvantages.
• External Action\: Deliverables are on time. Keeps establishing and maintaining mutually beneficial productive relations and partnerships with counterparts in other institutions and sectors.

• Proven knowledge of communication, information management and public relations.
• Knowledge or skills in visual design, website development.
• Strong inter-personal skills, discretion, diplomacy, and tact to effectively communicate with the media and with senior level health officials in public and private sector and civil society, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge or sound understanding of the impact of health emergencies on social and economic development, and their burden on populations.
• Ability to "think outside the box" and to make innovative proposals as related to communication.
• Mature judgment, strong technical, analytical, conceptual, inter-personal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendation on key political and technical issues.
• Ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment and to re-prioritize actions at short notice.
• Demonstrated professional oral, writing, and editing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Visio, Microsoft SharePoint and Project would be an asset.

Post Adjustment\: 44.5% of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

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

PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance).  Other benefits include\:  30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme.  Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.

Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post. 

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post.  The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.