Technical Officer, Communications

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

The Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health Department (CDE) promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities directed toward the surveillance, prevention, control, elimination and/or reduction of communicable diseases, zoonoses and environmental threats to health that are technically sound and appropriate for the political and sociocultural context in which they are implemented. It strives to achieve a sustainable impact on health by providing normative guidance, furthering the implementation of evidence-based interventions, fostering alliances that strengthen country capacity, improving the effectiveness of inter-country collaboration, and facilitating policy and decision-making processes and quality at all levels.

Under the general supervision of the Director, Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health (CDE), and the direct supervision of the Specialist, Knowledge Management & Communications (CDE), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties\:

1. Provide support for the development and implementation of communication campaigns and activities for World Health Days, as well as for communication efforts related to the entity’s program of work and Plans of Action;
2. Provide support to country communication focal points and CDE focal points for the development of communication products that most effectively convey the desired information and message to target audiences for key initiatives, in accordance with the priorities of the Department’s program of work and Plan of Action;
3. Provide support to the Department’s technical team for the development of strategies to capture the public’s attention and engagement about the campaigns or prioritized topics;
4. Collaborate with technical teams in adapting content in different forms appropriate for the dissemination platform (e.g. print, media lists, web, social media) consistent with the Organization’s brand and style;
5. Provide support for the review of communication project proposals to ensure that these are aligned with the Corporate Communications Strategy as well as the entity’s program of work and priorities;
6. Prepare periodic monitoring reports of campaigns and assessments of communications tools;
7. Collaborate and actively contribute to the dissemination of communication products through social media outlets and stakeholders’ listserves;
8. Provide support and follow up on the implementation of activities for the Communications team; prepare and present periodic reports on project status; contribute to the preparation of final reports and project evaluation;
9. Participate actively in relevant working groups, meetings and fora;
10. Maintain effective partnerships with all project stakeholders to exchange critical and technical information and resolve program/project implementation issues to ensure results are achieved as planned;
11. Conduct research as directed; acquire and share information on project-related issues;
12. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Essential\: A bachelor's degree in journalism, information sciences, media studies, communications or in any of the areas related to the functions of the position, from a recognized university.

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/search/default.asp 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\: Three years of combined national and international professional experience working in the area of information and knowledge management and/or communication projects.

Desirable\: Experience working in Journalism or media would be an asset.

• Overall attitude at work\: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
• Teamwork\: Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences\: Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
• Communication\: Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience. Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers. Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans). Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.
• Knowing and managing yourself\: Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance. Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps.
• Moving forward in a changing environment\: Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise. Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.
• Producing Results\: Prioritizes work and makes planning/Organizational adjustments as necessary; seeks clarification from supervisor on timelines, as needed. Uses feedback and inputs from supervisor to achieve results. Produces quality results and has frequent discussions with supervisor to achieve results. Is action-oriented and sees tasks through to completion. Shows understanding of own role and responsibilities in relation to expected results. Solicits and accepts direction and guidance from supervisor and team members and takes responsibility for own work and actions, as appropriate.

• Technical expertise in emerging information and communication technologies for health information and knowledge management sharing and virtual collaboration.
• Technical expertise and proven skills in the design, planning and implementation of strategies and communication campaigns.
• Expertise in the development and conceptualization of multimedia contents.
• Proven ability to develop and implement public health and health management and communications programs.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of knowledge sharing methodologies, concepts, and tools and their role to become a cross-cutting knowledge-based learning organization.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills combined with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Strong professional oral and writing 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, Power Point, Outlook and SharePoint. Other IT skills and knowledge of the other software programs as for example drupal, joomla, phtotoshop or final cut, would be an asset.

US$1,468.14 This amount is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.
• For information on PAHO please visit\: http\://www.paho.org
• PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

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