OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The overall objective of the Communications Unit is to lead and coordinate WHO/AFRO’S efforts to advocate for resources and actions on key health issues in the African Region and showcase the impact of its work on health outcomes, securing the organization’s position as the regional health leader and facilitating its ability to shape health policies. The unit also manages the internal communications function to create an optimal work environment reinforcing the common purpose of staff members. The unit achieves this by leading advocacy campaigns on health issues and implementing a Regional Communications Strategy, which targets key stakeholders including partners and Governing Bodies, using multiple channels, and building the communications capacity of WHO Clusters, Programmes and Country Offices to produce and disseminate quality communications products. The goal is to contribute to the strengthening of the capacity of countries in the WHO African Region to ensure evidence-based policies and strategies are in place to achieve universal access to high-quality, integrated, people-centered health services, increase the coverage and quality of effective interventions, and to create mechanisms to measure the impact of those strategies and interventions.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will be expected to perform the following duties:–> Build and maintain partnerships with, as well as databases of, major media houses at regional and country levels;–> Provide guidance and training to regional and country-level media on reporting on public health;–> Write, draft and edit WHO communications documents, press releases, talking points, success stories, advocacy materials;–> Build the capacity of, and work with WHO experts, to respond to media queries/interviews;–> Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefing sessions with press;–> Facilitate interviews with senior managers; connect media with WHO subject experts;–> Build the capacity of country-office communications officers on media relations, operational aspects of communications including matching media with messaging goals;–> Proactively keep abreast of success stories, upcoming events and other potentially significant developments across the AFRO region to develop pitches to;–> Review and advise on media products for the advocacy material of the Clusters and/or departments as needed;–> In collaboration with country focal points, generate materials for outreach to partners and donors to increase the visibility of the impact of their funding and partnerships with WHO/AFRO;–> Conduct media monitoring and evaluation of media products;–> Work with Anglophone Country Offices and technical clusters to identify and develop subjects of interest for communications at country and regional levels;–> In collaboration with the Senior Writer, support the Regional Director’s communications on missions to Anglophone countries;–> Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in communications, journalism, marketing, political or international relations, health communications or related fields
Desirable:

Experience

Essential: At least five (5) years’ professional experience developing communications products, with a focus on writing text for speeches, advocacy publications, feature stories, video or radio scripts talking points and media products;.
Desirable: Previous experience with international organizations such as UN agencies, NGOs, Multilateral Banks, or a multinational environment. Proficient knowledge of MS Office applications such as Word and Excel, and graphic development (Word Art, In Design, Illustrator) an asset.

Skills

–> Thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of a wide range of communications channels (print, web, broadcast, campaigns and on-line);–> Thorough understanding of the impact of communications on the reputation, image, and success of an Organization, including the role of media and social media;–> Thorough understanding of public health and international development issues;–> Ability to transform technical information for different target audiences;–> Excellent analytical, writing and editing skills.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French.
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 64,121 (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 2837 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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment 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.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• 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.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. 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.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. 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.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

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

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