Job description
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 populationsThe Communications Officer implements communications strategies and tactics for WHO’s work in relation to health emergencies, in close collaboration with Regional and Country Offices and partner agencies; s/he writes, edits and produces information products supporting the communications’ efforts for WHO’s work in emergency risk management and response.The incumbent will be deployed to emergency operations when required.
Description Of Duties
Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities:
Develop the storyline and key messages for WHO’s work in emergency risk management and humanitarian response for key stakeholders, which include WHO Regional Offices and Country Offices, the emergency community at global, regional and at country level (MoH, health cluster and other partners), donors and the general public of Member States.
Develop a group of communications products (web site content, annual reports, weekly/monthly highlights) designed to meet the information needs of donors and other key stakeholder audiences.
Organize strategic dissemination of regular programmatic information to stakeholders.
Provide assistance to resource mobilization efforts through research, message development and copy editing.
Perform other related duties including replacing and backstopping as required.
Required Qualifications
Education
Essential: A first university degree in communications, journalism, international development, social sciences or related field.
Experience
Desirable:
Essential: At least 5 years of national and international experience in communications, with a focus on writing and editing.
Significant experience in developing and implementing communications strategies.
Experience of work in preparing content for web site publication.
Desirable: Experience of work in humanitarian operations.
Experience Of Work In WHO Or Other UN Agencies.
Experience of work at regional or country levels.
Skills
Three competencies are considered to be mandatory for all WHO staff: “Teamwork”, “Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences”, “Communication”.
Excellent written and oral communications skills
Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize, research and write with short deadlines
Sound advocacy skills complemented by the ability to plan and evaluate situations and propose innovative communications options
Integrity, tact and discretion in dealing with numerous contacts
High level of judgment and initiative
Knowledge of public health and international relations
Proven ability to guide and motivate people from a broad range of cultural backgrounds.
WHO Competencies
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Communicating in a credible and effective way
Fostering integration and teamwork
Use Of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English and intermediate knowledge in French.
Desirable: The above language requirements are interchangeable.
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 58,583 (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. 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.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
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.
