Consultant (develop a UHC/PHC communications action plan)

The main objective of this consultancy is. to develop a UHC/PHC communications action plan in full coordination and alignment with the WHO/EMRO Strategic Media Communications (SMC) programme. S/He is expected to provide technical advice and contribution for developing health communications materials, tools and platforms for UHC/PHC initiatives in line with Communications For Health (C4H) principles and objectives.

Strategic Media Communications (SMC) Under the Regional Director’s Vision 2023 for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), the is noted as a core function to reinforce WHO’s role as the trusted health authority, and to share evidence-based health information in the Region, contributing to achievement of health for all by all by 2023 in the EMR. Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is an integrated component of Strategic Objectives of both WHO’s 13th Global Programme of Work (GPW13) and the Regional Vision 2023. Enhancing Communications Capacity of the UHC/Health Systems Department and the PHC programme will enable the Department to contribute to\:

• Reach more people with WHO’s health messages and advices so they enjoy better quality of life by 2023;

• Reaffirm staff’s knowledge of and pride in the work of the Organization, particularly on UHC/PHC matters;

• Enhance WHO’s partnerships with key stakeholders, within and beyond the health sector;

• Attract more resources for strategic priorities, particularly in areas pertaining to UHC/PHC programmes.

Planned timelines (subject to confirmation) total of 1 year

Start date\: 1 March 2020

End date\: 1 March 2021

Work to be performed

Output 1\: To deliver a well-rounded Communication plan for the Department of UHC/Health System in general and the “Primary Health Care” programme in particular in line with Regional Strategic communication framework and in alignment with Communications for Health (C4H) principles and guidelines.

Output 2\: To Identify subjects of interest to develop media/advocacy/communication materials; ensure the accurate and timely production and dissemination of high-quality public information products to highlight UHC/PHC work regionally and at Country level.

Output 3\: Building communications capacity in line with C4H framework for technical teams working in different UHC/PHC fields

To achieve the above objectives, the consultant will be contracted with the following deliverables\:

• Deliverable 1.1\: conduct a situation analysis and develop a communications action plan to streamline and enhance media and communications activities and initiatives of the UHC/Health System Department and the Primary Health Care Programme.

• Deliverable 1.2\: Develop communications solutions, approaches and tools in line with C4H principles to integrate UHC/PHC UHC/PHC communications activities/products into Regional Strategic Media Communications Framework.

• Deliverable 2.1\: identify and create communications opportunities and prepare communications campaigns on specific topics.

• Deliverable 2.2\: Generate compelling stories of “real voices” from the field to illustrate and advocate the UHC/PHC developments, achievements and challenges to national, Regional and global audiences.

• Deliverable 2.3\: Transform technical content into media and communication materials such as media releases, web stories, advocacy packages, and campaign materials in accordance with WHO corporate communications standards.

• Deliverable 2.4\: Co-develop, as relevant, high-quality media products, including audio-visual, photographic and printed materials, television and radio programmes, multimedia presentations, videos, etc, to promote WHO/EMRO’s visibility, achievements particularly in areas pertaining to UHC/PHC programmes.

• Deliverable 2.5\: Explore potential avenues for building network with the media and communications outlets and partners and build a database and roster for UHC/PHC communications resources

• Deliverable 2.6\: Develop bilingual content for press releases, Social Media content, media briefings/queries and gather/present analytical information on trends, outreach, and audience of the UHC/PHC media content.

• Deliverable 3\: Co-organize and co-facilitate UHC/PHC communications training workshops –to support knowledge transfer, and communications capacity building at the Regional Office, Country Offices and Ministries of Health.

Required Qualifications

Education

University degree in communications, and/or other relevant social sciences fields. A university degree in health communications or combination of public health studies together with extensive communications experience will be an asset.

Essential\: At least five years of relevant experience in, communication, organizing advocacy campaigns and media relations, part of which should include supporting health, development, or social initiatives and projects.

Proven experience in developing content for traditional/social media and in production of health communications materials and products.

Desirable\: Working experience with WHO/UN or with an international nongovernmental organization.

Experience in facilitating and conducting training workshops.

• Ability to produce engaging communication materials in English and Arabic.

• Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products and tactics.

• Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and advocate consensus.

• Excellent presentation skills

• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure to achieve multiple deadlines.

• Ability to "think out of the box" and to make innovative proposals to extend communication reach.

• Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals.
• Knowledge of public health sector and issues.

• Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge and build communications capacity.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications Hands-on skills to take photo and video shots for social media use, and familiarity with use of visuals or images for presentation and web purposes.

• Requirement\: Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic.

• Desirable\: Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset.

WHO Regional office of the Eastern Mediterranean in Cairo, Egypt.

Travel (If travel is involved, a medical certificate of fitness for work will be required.)

There is no initial travel plan for this consultancy assignment. Nevertheless, should there be a need for the consultant to travel on duty, the WHO standard procedures will be followed.

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.

Visas requirements\: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed

Remuneration and budget (travel costs excluded)

Consultant assignments are remunerated according to different pay bands based on the specific terms of reference.

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
  Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• Successful candidates will be included in the roster for consideration for future contractual engagement via a consultancy, as they become available. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee any future contractual relationship with WHO

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• If your candidature is retained for 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.

• 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.

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

• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.

• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.