OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To ensure that effective WHO country presence is established to implement WHO country cooperation strategies that are aligned with Member State's health and development agendas, and harmonized with the United Nations country teams.
 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will act as a focal point for communication activities at the national level and will report directly to the Deputy Head of Country Office, under the overall guidance of the Regional Communications Manager. S/he will also work closely with relevant technical officers and communications focal points in the respective Regional Office and Headquarters HQ. S/he will engage with local subject matter experts to agree on best tactics to advocate WHO’s work, goals and achievements, and feed this information back to regional and headquarter colleagues. The incumbent will interact with a broad range of officials from the press and media, partner organizations and institutions, target audiences, health cluster partners and official representatives from the national authorities to obtain information and, as necessary, provide advice on communication opportunities. 

Summary of Assigned Duties

• Identify subjects of interest for communication activities and products pertaining to the emergency preparedness and response efforts at the country level. Design communication materials and tools and ensure the rapid and timely dissemination of information to all partners, through traditional and social media channels.
• Support the development of content for emergency-related advocacy tools, in line with established WHO guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Review and propose content and liaise with the web teams at all levels on the appropriate channels for and presentation of materials and messaging.
• Technically support the planning, implementation and evaluation of Communication for Health (C4H) interventions in line with 'For the Future' and country priorities. This includes assessment of barriers/gaps/needs (e.g. through multisource listening covering social media, surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews, etc.) to inform planning of appropriate communication interventions, testing these and adapting as needed, and undertaking measurement and evaluation of campaigns (setting targets and indicators, measuring outputs, outcomes and impact, analysing and reporting on these, and applying learning to future activities);
• Work closely with the other country and regional/HQ Communication Officers, if any, in identifying with the press/media to disseminate information on emergency prevention, preparedness, recovery and response strategies and efforts. Support the planning of interviews and filming opportunities to support high-visibility of WHO achievements through television, radio and newspapers, etc.
• Participate in the development of communication products to be used by the Country Office to advocate for support from Donors and other Stakeholders. To respond to country office needs.
• Work with relevant counterparts within the health cluster, regional and field offices, other WHO departments, UN agencies, and other partners to identify communication opportunities and prepare communication initiatives on specific topics.
• Support strategic communication aspects of preparedness for, response to and recovery from outbreaks and other health emergencies in Papua New Guinea; and
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.
   

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A first level university degree in communication, journalism, political science, social sciences, international relations or related field from an accredited/recognized institute
Desirable: Courses in communication techniques such as graphic design, visual language and the use of social media.

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/ .

Experience

Essential: At least two years’ relevant experience in communication and/or advocacy. Proven experience in writing advocacy documents and in the production of communication materials and products.
Desirable: Experience supporting humanitarian emergency or health outbreak response and recovery activities. Prior working experience with WHO/UN or with an international nongovernmental organization. Experience in organizing advocacy campaigns.

Skills

Ability to write well in English and local language, and to produce engaging communication materials.
Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products and tactics.
Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and advocate consensus.
Excellent presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure to achieve multiple deadlines.
Ability to "think out of the box" and to make innovative proposals to extend communication reach.
Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals in the emergency incident management context.
Knowledge of public health sector and issues.
Demonstrated ability to work within an emergency context at the country level.

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: 

who-enhanced-competence.pdf 

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
 

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English and local language.
 

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at PGK 116,831 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.
 

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.

• The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

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• 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.

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• 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.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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