External Relations/Communications (EXR/COM) Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Mission of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme is to help countries, and to coordinate international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Identify subjects of interest to develop and improve media/communication activities and products pertaining to the emergency preparedness and response efforts at the country level. Design communication materials and tools and ensure the rapid and timely dissemination of information to all partners, through traditional and social media channels.Manage the development and harmonization of content for the emergency-related websites, incompliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Review and improve content and liaise with the web team at all levels on the appropriate channels for and presentation of materials and messages and materials.Co-develop, as relevant, high-quality media tools, including audio-visual, photographic and printed materials, television and radio programmes, multimedia presentations, social media, videos and press releases, etc., to promote WHO's visibility, achievements and success stories. Work closely with the country and regional Communication Officers, if any, in liaising with the press/media to advocate and disseminate information on emergency prevention, preparedness, recovery and response strategies and efforts. Organize interviews and filming opportunities to support high-visibility of WHO achievements through television, radio and newspapers, etc.Prepare communication and advocacy products and statements to be used by the Resource Mobilization team to convince and encourage donors to rapidly fund the overall health sector response to affected populations. Collaborate with all relevant counterparts within 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first university degree in communication, journalism, political science, social sciences, international relations or related field
Desirable: Courses in communication techniques such as graphic design, visual language and the use of social media.

Experience

Essential: At least five years' relevant experience with international exposure in communication and/or advocacy, part of which should include supporting humanitarian emergency or health outbreak response and recovery activities. Proven experience in writing advocacy documents and in the production of communication materials and products
Desirable: Prior working experience with WHO/UN or with an international non-governmental organization. Experience in organizing advocacy campaigns. Experience in managing publishing and clearance processes.

Skills

Ability to write well in English and produce engaging communication materials.Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media product and tactics. Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and advocate consensus. Excellent presentation skills Demonstrated ability to work under pressure to achieve multiple deadlines.Ability to "think out of the box" and to make innovative proposals to extend communication reach. Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals in the emergency incident management context. Knowledge of public health sector and issues.Demonstrated ability to work within an emergency context at the country level.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Producing results
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential:
Desirable:

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 1698 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.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.