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Qualifications

The Communication Officer works under the direct supervision of the WHO representative. S/he receives technical guidance from various WHO Officers in the respective field of work and the overall guidance of the Media and Communication Technical Manger in the regional office. The incumbent will support promoting effective communication tactics and establishing a press/media network. S/he will exchange information with national counterparts from partner organizations and institutions, target audiences and official representatives from the national authorities to obtain information and, as necessary. 

Coordinates communication, advocacy and visibility activities in support of WHO programmes, achieving results such as:

1.      Communication strategies, action plans and SOPs developed and implemented alignment with WHO country priorities and programme objectives.

2.      High-quality communication materials, including press releases, success stories, multimedia products, talking points, position statements, IEC, advocacy briefs and other communication materials, produced and disseminated in accordance with WHO standards.

3.      Timely and accurate dissemination of public health information to target audiences and stakeholders including newsletter, internal talking points, web and feature stories/messages, and updates where appropriate to support the WHO Country Office’s projects, showing human face of WHO, including profiles of WHO staff and health care professionals.

4.      Maintain and update a database of photos and multimedia content for WCO, in various health fields including but not limited to health subjects covering affected populations, health situation, and WHO health response on the ground.

5.      Exchange information with relevant communications supplier including video/photographers, graphic designers, multimedia producers, social media specialists, etc and establish a roster of such professionals for WCO’s communications needs.    

6.      Monitor and update WCO's websites, Social Media accounts (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter) in accordance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization to ensure consistency of approach; liaise with EMRO and HQ to ensure maximum visibility on global and regional social media channels; 

Implements communication and advocacy activities in coordination and collaboration with the Ministry of Health, UN agencies, donors and partners, achieving results such as:

1.      Strong collaboration established with government counterparts, media representatives, development partners and relevant stakeholders.

2.      Contribute in the production of advocacy materials and  organization of health awareness campaigns, public events, workshops, field missions and high-level meetings.

3.      Consistent integration of communication and visibility requirements across WHO programme activities.

4.      Effective support provided to emergency communication, risk communication and community engagement initiatives during health emergencies.

5.      Improved stakeholder understanding of WHO mandates, programme achievements and public health priorities.

6.      Establish and maintain a network of contacts in the media institutions to ensure the dissemination of information; arrange for interviews and filming opportunities to support high-visibility of WHO country work .

Monitors communication performance and contributes to reporting, knowledge management and evidence-based advocacy, achieving results such as:

1.      Media monitoring reports, communication analytics and visibility assessments are regularly prepared and utilized for decision-making.

2.      Programme achievements, lessons learned, and best practices documented and disseminated through appropriate communication channels.

3.      Donor visibility requirements and reporting obligations effectively fulfilled.

4.      Communication indicators monitored and progress reports developed to demonstrate results and impact.

5.      Recommendations are generated to strengthen communication effectiveness, audience engagement and organizational visibility.

6.      Maintain and update a database of photos and multimedia content for WCO, in various health fields.

The Communication Officer liaises with WHO technical units, the Ministry of Health, implementing partners, media representatives, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate the exchange of information and support communication activities.

The incumbent contributes to the development and dissemination of communication products and materials, including multimedia content, publications, audiovisual products, media briefs, and public information materials, in accordance with WHO communication standards and guidelines, supports communication and visibility activities related to WHO-supported programmes and health initiatives, maintains professional contacts with media and communication counterparts, and assists in promoting public awareness and understanding of health-related issues and programme achievements.

The functions have a direct impact on the proper and comprehensive data collection and management which contributes in turn to the identification of gaps in the health system response, to the assessment of needs for capacity strengthening and to benefit from lessons learnt. 

First level university degree journalism, communications, arts, international relations or social science.

-         At least 1 year of experience required in a communications techniques and media relations, media organization (Television, radio and/or print), at the national level.

-    Professional experience or/and knowledge in information and communications projects and/or tactics related to humanitarian crises and response relief interventions.

-         Experience in planning and implementing media and communications projects tactics, including the development of audio and visual materials and tools.

-         Knowledge in producing policy relevant information products.

Fluent in English and the local language

·        Communicating in a credible and effective manner: Expresses oneself clearly in conversations and interactions with others; listens actively. Produces effective written communications. Ensures that information is shared.

·        Fostering Integration and Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective relationships with colleagues and team members. Deals constructively with conflicts.

·        Knowing and managing yourself: Manages ambiguity and pressure in a self-reflective way. Uses criticism as a development opportunity. Seeks opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.