Communications Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

1. To increase awareness of current and emerging public health issues and WHO policies through the design and implementation of a comprehensive communication policy and strategy for the CO in the context of current WHO guidelines and policies;

2. To help disseminate relevant findings and lessons learned from international and local initiatives;

3. To assist in the development, refinement and dissemination of health education and health promotion materials;

4. To promote improvements in programme communications design and advocate for policy action; and

5. To strengthen capacity for effective coordination and communication activities (including relations with the media) during outbreaks and emergencies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the supervision of the Programme Management and Administrative Officer:

1. Design and implement communication strategies through an annual communication plan of activities and events, including for WHO events (World Health Day, etc.), WHO response to COVID-19 in the Philippines and other relevant health issues;

2. Support the HWO's communication needs such as preparation of statements, speeches, talking points, Q&As, commentaries and responding to press queries on behalf of the CO.;

3. Oversee the editorial content of the CO's website, in conjunction with senior colleagues and regional colleagues, to help promote WHO's programme objectives;

4. Manage CO's social media strategy through consistent and timely postings, accurate messaging, and high-level engagement; and

5. Support internal communications in the CO.

Advocacy and programme communication:

1. Provide technical advice to team leaders in planning and development of relevant communication and advocacy materials, including feature stories, articles, commentaries, and videos;

2. Support the technical officers to build their capacity in communications including in media relations;

3. Contribute to communications surge capacity and work as part of the global WHO emergency communications team during humanitarian or public health emergencies and be deployed to the field as needed; and

4. Assist HWO in communications needs for donor agencies.

Health education and health promotion:

1. Develop health education and health promotion material in coordination with technical officers;

2. Prepare and suggest strategies for implementing innovative activities that raise awareness about major health problems; and

3. Support the development of capacity in the health sector for strategic health communication.

Media relations:

1. Engage with the media, including organizing media events and press conferences and providing updates and press releases when necessary;

2. Strengthen the CO's access to media organizations;

3. Coordinate with the Regional Office and HQ as well as other UN agencies in the Philippines in relation to public health communications as necessary; and

4. Assist WHO colleagues and health partners with media training as relevant, including in the area of risk/crisis communications (e.g. during outbreaks and other emergencies).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in journalism/communication and/or humanities/liberal arts/social sciences.
Desirable: Other studies in management, public health development or related behavioural sciences is an advantage.

Experience

Essential: At least two years' experience in public information and communications, with relevant experience working in the health sector.
Desirable: Experience with the United Nations system is an advantage.

Skills

Expertise in communication, media, public relations, journalistic writing, international relations, effective internal and external networking. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team and adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct in line with current guidelines for international public servants.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Filipino.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at PHP 1,471,203 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

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

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

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.