Communications Officer

Geneva

Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
Location: Geneva
Grade: Junior level - P-2, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
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 3 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 & expertise to support all levels of the organization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the guidance of the Team Lead, Emergencies communications, and in partnership with the rest of the Department of Communications team, HQ Departments/Divisions, Regional and Country Offices and external partners, the Communications Officer does the following:

Develops storylines and key messages for WHO's work on emergency preparedness and response for key stakeholders, including WHO Offices, health partners, donors and the general public.
Develops communications products to promote WHO's work in emergencies, convey important public health messaging, support resource mobilization efforts, as well as meet the information needs of donors and other stakeholders.
Supports WHO country and regional offices, and relevant departments, in proactively communicating through sharing and developing content.
Performs other related duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first-level university degree in communications, journalism, or a related field.
Desirable: Knowledge of public health and international relations.Knowledge of issues in humanitarian and other emergencies

Experience

Essential: Minimum 2 years experience in communications or journalism with an international organization.
Desirable: Experience working with WHO or other UN Agencies.Experience working in emergencies.Experience covering public health issues

Skills

Sound news-writing skills for all platforms (social and web).
Proven ability to multitask, prioritize, research and write to short deadlines.
Ability to analyze multiple sources of information and identify key content.

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.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another UN Language (French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian or Chinese).

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 49,254 (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 3378 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.