Communication Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Communications has a key role in supporting WHO's Regional and Country leadership in the effective delivery of GPW13, particularly with respect to promoting best practices, health information dissemination, reputation management and corporate branding. The incumbent prepares communication materials, including reports, photographic essays and video for the media and key partners. The incumbent is the lead for interfacing with the media and for guidance to staff throughout the country on the rules for media engagement as well as issues of copyrights, data privacy or other aspects of AFRO communications.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Identify subjects of interest to develop and improve media/communication activities at thecountry level and develop a communications plan for the country office, which works in synergy with the global and regional communications strategies.Produce public information materials such as press releases and media advisories on WHO events, products and issues for dissemination to the print, electronic and online media, as well as media talking points for country spokespeople.Build relations with the national media and ensure that WHO issues, and work are regularly profiled by the national media. Take photographs of key WHO events, activities as well as of key health programmes for use on the country and regional websites as photo stories, as well as on social media. Monitor media coverage of WHO issues, programmes and people in the country and provide regular reports to the Regional Office.Organize photographic shoots and interviews and filming opportunities to support high-visibility of WHO achievements through television, radio and newspapers, etc.Manage the social media accounts of the country office in compliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Regularly update content on these platformsManage the development and maintenance of the country website, in compliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Regularly update content on the website.Research and write feature stories and messages, ideally bringing in a human element from real life experiences Work with external relations officer in the country office (if there is one) or in the regional office to prepare communication and advocacy products and statements to be used by the Resource Mobilization team in convincing and encouraging donors to rapidly fund the overall health sector response. Collaborate with all relevant actors, including the health cluster, regional and field offices, other WHO departments, UN agencies, and other partners to identify and create communication opportunities and prepare communication campaigns on specific topics. Perform any other communications- related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first university degree in communication, journalism, political science or international relations or related field from an accredited/recognized institute.
Desirable: Training in UN/HR systems is an advantage. Proven skills in drafting and editing required.Formal qualification in public health. Courses in communication techniques such as graphic design, visual language and in the use of social media.Courses in photography and videography

Experience

Essential: At leasttwo years' related experience, at the national and international level, in communication and/or advocacy. Proven experience in writing advocacy documents and in the production of communication material
Desirable: Prior working experience with WHO/UN or with an international nongovernmental organization. Experience in organizing advocacy campaigns. Experience in photographyExperience in videography and editing of video footage

Skills

Proven skills in writing impactful communications products. Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and advocate consensus.Excellent coordination skills. Ability to "think out of the box" and to make innovative proposals as related to communication. Knowledge or understanding of WHO's mandate and goals

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Promoting innovation and organizational learning

Use of Language Skills

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

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at XOF 20,058,000 (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.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• 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.