Communications Officer

Details

Mission and objectives

World Health Organization's (WHO) thirteenth general purpose of work (GPW 13) is based on the SDGs and is relevant to all countries – low, middle and high income. Health is fundamental to the SDGs and, in an interconnected world, WHO’s role in providing global public goods that help to ensure health for all people within and across national boundaries has never been more relevant. WHO’s unique status as a science- and evidence-based organization that sets globally applicable norms and standards makes it vital in a rapidly changing world. The Organization’s powerful voice for health and human rights is indispensable to ensure that no-one is left behind. Broad and sustained efforts are needed to build a community to work for the shared future of humankind, empowering all people to improve their health, address health determinants and respond to health challenges.

Context

In the context of WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work (GPW) and its Triple-Billion objectives, the incumbent will support communications activities at the Malawi country level. Under the direct supervision of the Representative of the WHO Malawi Country Office, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing external communications plans for different projects and the entire office and producing high-quality communications and visibility products for external audiences. More specifically, this function will involve: Working with colleagues in the Country Office to identify communication opportunities and develop plans that highlight WHO Malawi's work in all areas and gain visibility among government partners, external donors, the public and other key stakeholders. Accurate and timely production and dissemination of high-quality public information products to external audiences, which highlight WHO and partners’ achievements on the ground and promote the visibility of key public health initiatives. Building contacts and liaising with local and international media outlets and key partners and optimizing networking opportunities. Communication and reporting of the Country Office's communications activities and results to WHO Africa Regional Office (AFRO) and Headquarters. The successful candidate will be working closely on a daily basis with technical officers who lead the different clusters and programmes at the Country Office; the External Relations Officer over-seeing partnerships and resource mobilization; the Programme Management Officer in charge of programme planning and management; as well as the Administration of the Country Office. He/she will also work in close collaboration and coordination with his/her counterparts at AFRO and Headquarters to align on communications objectives and achieve common goals.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer, Communications Officer will: In close consultation with technical colleagues, identify communication gaps and needs of WHO Malawi with a view to strengthening external communications at the country level. Develop an annual communications plan for WHO Malawi based on Country Office needs and available resources and in line with the WHO global and regional communications strategies. Produce quality written materials for external communications, including press releases and media briefings on WHO Malawi’s projects and events, web stories and human-interest stories which demonstrate the impact of WHO’s work, advocacy and promotional materials for resource mobilization and partnerships, as well as media talking points for country spokespeople. Oversee and provide quality assurance to the production of monthly newsletters based on draft articles provided by technical colleagues. Oversee and provide quality assurance to the design, graphic design, layout and copy editing of major publications of WHO Malawi. Manage WHO Malawi’s social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter, in compliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization. Ensure regular, timely and quality updates and a broad reach. Take quality photographs and videos for WHO Malawi’s key events and activities for use on the country and regional websites as photo stories as well as on social media. Organize photographic shoots, beneficiary interviews and filming sessions, especially in the field, to ensure effective communication of the concrete results that WHO has achieved on the ground. In consultation with technical colleagues, identify specific topics and prepare online or offline communication campaigns. In close collaboration with the ICT department, ensure regular and timely update of content on the WHO Malawi website, in compliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization. Work with the External Relations Officer to ensure and maximize donor visibility through the development of project or donor-specific communication plans and the production of visibility materials based on donor requirements and expectations. Build and maintain relations with national and international media outlets and ensure that WHO Malawi’s work is regularly and timely profiled by national and international media. Monitor media coverage of WHO Malawi’s issues, programmes and people in the country and provide regular updates and reports to AFRO and Headquarters. Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.