Science Communications Officer

Berlin

Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
Location: Berlin
Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
- Scientist and Researcher
Closing Date: Closed

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme (the Programme) is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations.The Health Emergency Intelligence and Surveillance Systems division (WSE) is responsible to build a system of collaborative intelligence enabling better decisions to avert and manage public health threats and risks. Its goal is to enable, strengthen and support countries, regional and global actors in averting and managing public health threats and risks through collaborative problem solving and decision-making for short-term action and long-term policies, informed by better data and analytics. The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence is a new office of WHO, located in Berlin. It works with partners to enable the generation of public health relevant information to provide timely actionable insights and improve decision making to prepare for, avert and respond to public health threats. It also aims to reduce fragmentation and inefficiency by creating an ecosystem that promotes collaboration across multiple professional disciplines, sectors, and initiatives; and empower decision makers, public health professionals, and civil society to make informed public health decisions.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the guidance of the Unit Head Network and Collaborations within the department of Collaborative Intelligence , and in partnership with the Department of Communications, HQ Departments within WHE, Regional and Country Offices and external partners, the Science Communications Officer:- Develops storylines and key messages for the Hub's work for key stakeholders, including, especially in the initial start-up phase, the German government and its partners, the scientific community, WHO Offices, Ministries of Health, health partners, donors and the general public.- Develops communications products (e.g. scientific briefings, website and social media content, including press releases, feature articles, and print and audiovisual products) to promote Hub's work, convey important public health messaging,aswell as meet the information needs of donors and other stakeholders.- Drafts and edits written materials, including scientific reports, feature stories, news products, fact sheets and Q&As, ensuring accuracy, consistency, coherence, and adherence to WHO House Style.- Supports WHO country and regional offices, and relevant departments, to be able to communicate about the Hub.- Promotes the Hub's work through appropriate platforms, media queries/pitches, and ADG's and Directors' interviews/briefings.- Partners with Units and Teams in the Department of Communications to ensure alignment, timeliness, quality and innovative approaches to communications products;- Participates in or organizes public events. - Performs all other related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first-level university degree in communications, journalism, or related field.

Desirable: Knowledge of public health and international relations

Experience

Essential: Minimum 5 years' experience in scientific communications with a major international organizationDemonstrated experience in health communications; Significant experience in developing and implementing communications content and strategies.

Desirable: Experience producing content for radio/TV broadcasting and the web, including photos,videos and social media. Experience working with WHO or other UN Agencies

Skills

Sound news and features writing skills, especially in the area of scientific writing and other forms of communicationProven 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.Demonstrable interest in the broad area of public health, or health in general.

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. Expert knowledge of German.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of WHO languages.

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 62,692 (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 1792 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

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.

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.