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Communications Officer

Geneva

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Geneva
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Communication and Public Information
    • HQ/DCO Communications
  • Closing Date: Closed

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Department of Communications (DCO) objectives are to: lead the development of the corporate communications plan, drive prioritization and ‘right size' effort with expected impact for WHO; position WHO as the authoritative and trusted voice on health at the global level through working with technical departments to develop strategies to amplify WHO's normative work; lead WHO media outreach, incl. crisis/ emergency communication with input from technical departments as well as across all three levels; drive all communication to the general public as well as responding to media enquiries; lead on global advocacy (e.g. health campaigns, public health information, donor visibility for resource mobilization); provide digital global production capacity and expertise to support all levels of the Organization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

- Acts as a media spokesperson on behalf of WHO, giving interviews, replying to queries verbally or in writing, moderating or participating in media conferences, speaking at or participating in external events;

- Provides support, including briefings and/or talking points, for senior leadership media and public appearances;

- Reaches out to media to disseminate WHO's messages and give visibility to WHO's work;

- Fosters relationships with media to position WHO and global health topics in the public space;

- Works with WHO technical programmes to communicate WHO's priority issues proactively through developing strategies and content;

- Deploys to emergency-affected settings when required;

- Provides communication support to the Director-General during his/her missions as required;

- Leads the planning and implementation of media plans for report launches, corporate events and communication campaigns for assigned portfolios;

- Produces communications products (including press releases, feature articles, and print and audiovisual products) to convey public health messaging, promote WHO's work, support resource mobilization efforts, as well as meet the information needs of donors and other stakeholders;

-Drafts, fact-checks and edits written materials, including feature stories, news products, and Q&As;

-Partners with other units and teams across the Department of Communications to ensure alignment, timeliness, quality and innovative approaches to communication products;

- Performs all other related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced level university degree in communications, journalism, or related field.
Desirable:

Experience

Essential: Minimum seven years of experience in communication or journalism. Significant experience in developing and implementing communication strategies and products. Experience as a Spokesperson. Experience producing content for radio/TV broadcasting and the web, including photos, videos and social media. Experience at the international level.
Desirable: Experience in health communications. Experience working with WHO or other UN Agencies.

Skills

Knowledge of public health and international relations.

Excellent oral communications skills.

Ability to quickly absorb technical, complex or sensitive information and develop accessible messaging intended for external audiences.

Sound political judgement and ability to handle sensitive information effectively.

Sound news and features writing skills.

Proven ability to multitask, prioritize, research and write to short deadlines.

Sound advocacy skills complemented by the ability to plan and evaluate situations and propose innovative communications options.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another WHO official language.

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 74,913 (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 5219 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 in different locations and for different contract types.
  • 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.
  • Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
  • 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.
This vacancy is now closed.
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