OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Strategic Communications is one of the priorities of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. It is considered a core function that reinforces WHO’s role as the trusted health authority, and shares evidence-based health information, contributing to the achievement of the goal of Health for All. The Regional Communications programme aims to:Reach more people with WHO’s health advice so they enjoy better quality of lifeReaffirm staff’s knowledge of and pride in the work of the OrganizationEnhance WHO’s partnerships with key stakeholders, within and beyond the health sectorAttract more resources for strategic priorities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Transform technical content into high quality media communication materials such as media advisories, press releases, Op-eds, interview responses, talking points and feature stories in accordance with WHO communications and editorial standards; ensure that all these products are well-written, news-worthy, factually correct, appropriately presented and effectively engaging for the intended audiences.
2. As a spokesperson, conduct media interviews and filming opportunities including in the field to raise the visibility of WHO achievements and success stories through television, radio, newspapers and relevant digital media outlets.
3. Organize in-person and virtual media conferences and serve as the master of ceremonies or spokesperson when needed during these press events or during news media interviews, and address media queries on behalf of the organization.
4. Foster new and existing media contacts, building institutional credibility and establishing effective working relationships with media representatives across the Region; optimize networking opportunities and amplify the work of the Regional Office by pitching topics and events to regional media outlets.
5. Address media queries in coordination with concerned technical units, programme and emergency communications teams as well as WHO country offices, and produce talking points (TPs), holding lines, questions and answers (Q/As) and other briefing materials as deemed necessary.
6. Conduct regular media monitoring to analyse current events and public opinion with the aim of advising supervisors on emerging media opportunities and/or appropriate action or responses related to rumours, misinformation or adverse publicity that may appear in the media and may pose a reputational risk for WHO in the Region.
7. Facilitate and organize media communications training workshops to support knowledge transfer and communication capacity building at the Regional Office, country offices and ministries of health.
8. Collaborate with other members of the Communication Channels and Platforms team to coordinate and synchronize media, social media and web activities at the Regional Office.
9. Work closely with communication officers and focal points at country offices, in liaison with their ministries of health, UN partner organizations, media and other stakeholders, to disseminate information on WHO campaigns, events and public health messages.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A university degree (bachelor’s) in a relevant field in communication, journalism, political science, social sciences, international relations or related field from an accredited/recognized academic institution.
Desirable: Formal qualification in public health.

Experience

Essential: At least five years of relevant experience, including international exposure, acting as a spokesperson in a relevant field, and experience in journalism, communication, or media relations, preferably in the context of health and development. Proven experience in writing and developing content for digital and traditional media.
Desirable: Working experience with WHO, UN agencies or with international nongovernmental organizations.

Skills

Ability to produce engaging media communication materials in Arabic and English, and competently speak to the camera as a media spokesperson in both languages.Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products, plans and tactics.Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and advocate consensus.Excellent presentation and public speaking skillsDemonstrated ability to work under pressure to achieve multiple deadlines including when responding to public health emergencies.Ability to “think out of the box” and to make innovative proposals to extend communication reach.Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals.Knowledge of public health sector and issues.Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge and build communication capacity.

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. Expert knowledge of Arabic.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

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 1774 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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