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Qualifications

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Department of Communications (CMU) of the Pan American Health Organization leads in the development, implementation and management of PAHO’s corporate communication strategy at all levels, internally and externally, within a complex range of media outlets and platforms and media relations and a 24/7 information cycle. Corporate communication is essential to PAHO’s mission and strategic priorities and the advancement of the principles and practices of communication in support of sound public health principles and practices and PAHO’s mission in the delivery of technical cooperation in the Region of the Americas. As a lead multilateral health organization in the Region of the Americas and globally recognized, PAHO’s communication must be “best in class” utilizing the necessary leadership, expertise, strategies, approaches, tools and technologies in support of PAHO’s roles and responsibilities across a multiplicity of languages, cultures, and political dynamics, with a keen focus on public health, science and evidence.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director of Communications (CMU) and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Design and Digital Communications (CMU/DC), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following duties:

a)   Write and edit content for paho.org, ensuring that text is accurate, informative, impactful and timely for a wide range of audience(s), paying attention to narrative, flow of ideas and concepts, messaging, high-quality, tone, and corporate style, while ensuring that the Organization’s corporate branding is supported and reinforced;

b)   Review and verify country news and feature stories with relevant country offices and technical departments prior to publication, while also work to determine uptake and possible impact post-publication;

c)    Work with CMU experts to ensure multimedia content is high-quality, compelling, and timely, including the utilization of video, photos, social media and other digital tools;

d)   Review materials related to health campaigns ensuring that they reflect PAHO’s priorities and key messages, with close attention to political sensitivities;

e)   Write and edit reports and other text as required;

f)    Support the training of experts and focal points in web publishing and content management strategies, by creating capacity among technical teams at HQ and in Country Offices. Respond to queries, provide guidance and technical assistance, and participate in approved web projects;

g)   Support web systems documentation and Standard Operating Procedures for publishing content on the PAHO website;

h)   Monitor web analytics to strengthen web content in ways that attract and retain visitor interest and improve user journeys on paho.org. Keeps track of trends and web usage and makes recommendations on strategy and approaches based on these metrics;

i)     Support the management of the homepage with updated headlines and current health event information.

j)    Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, liberal arts, or a field related to the management of electronic information systems. Knowledge of Internet resources, tools, and programming languages.

Desirable: Graduate studies in communications or a field related to internet resources, tools, and programming languages would be an asset, but is not required.

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.  PAHO, only considers official degrees 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/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Five years combined national and international professional experience in the area of communication, public relations, journalism, or related field.

SKILLS:

PAHO Competencies:

Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.

Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others. – Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity – Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.

Communication: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge – Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience.  Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers.  Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans).  Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.

Knowing and managing yourself: Manages stress/Invite feedback/Continuously learn – Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance.    Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps.

Producing Results: Deliver quality results/Take responsibility – Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own timelines effectively and efficiently.  Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project’s expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary.   Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.

Moving forward in a changing environment: Propose change/Adapt to change – Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise.  Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

–       Knowledge of web publishing standards and procedures and editing methods and practices, familiarity with established writing and editing reference manuals, and the ability to aid in maintaining up-to-date web writing/editing standards and guidelines.

–       An ability to ensure high-quality style and language in a document, with a clarity of ideas; ability to edit; and defend editorial decisions. ability to ensure consistency of style within a document, to clarify meaning while maintaining the integrity of ideas, to suggest changes in wording, and to explain and defend editorial decisions.

–       Thorough knowledge of contemporary trends and techniques in web design, content management tools, specialized computer graphic software, and techniques used to design, maintain, and manage website projects and digital platforms.

–       Theoretical and practical knowledge of web publishing frameworks and associated programming languages, including, but not limited to, PHP, JavaScript, JQuery, Bootstrap, CSS, and SQL.

–       Ability to analyze and interpret corporate needs within a developing Internet environment and to communicate recommendations to technical and non-technical personnel.

–       Ability to review and evaluate new technology and systems in advancing the objectives defined for information systems, and ability to train users and contributors in the use of database systems for web publishing.

–       Ability to write, speak, and present in a clear and concise, diplomatic, tactful, and courteous manner; excellent writing skills are essential.

–       Excellent (written and oral) communication and interpersonal skills.

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English or Spanish with a strong working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and Portuguese would be helpful.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Other IT skills and knowledge of other programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

USD $50,377.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment: 70.2% of the above figure(s).  This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org

PAHO/WHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

PAHO/WHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct.

PAHO/WHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.

PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity. PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance).  Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.

Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post.  The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.