Career Coaching and Blog Jobs and Internships

Apply for the International UN Volunteer Specialist Assignment as a Communications Officer at WHO

AdminNovember 6, 2024

0 320 3 minutes read

Application Deadline: 20 November 2024

Apply for the International UN Volunteer Specialist Assignment as a Communications Officer at WHO

Background

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations Public Health Organization established in 1948. The objective of the World Health Organization shall be the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. World Health Organization achieves its goals by performing its essential functions: 1. Take a leadership role in key health issues and create partnerships when joint action is needed; 2. Set research priorities and encourage the acquisition, application and dissemination of useful knowledge; 3. Setting standards and criteria and encouraging and monitoring them; 4. Develop ethical and evidence-based policies 5. Provide technical support, be an agent of change and build institutional capacity in a sustainable way; 6. Monitor health status and assess health trends.

Task description

During deployment, the duties may be modified, based upon the needs of the Programme. Reporting to the EPR Director and the EPR Strategic Support Manager, and working closely with counterparts within the EPR programme and the respective Regional Office, the International UN Volunteer Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

Content Creation: o Systematically ensure awareness coverage of EPR work and achievements, developing and disseminating technical and non-technical articles, press releases and success stories and drafting responses to articles as relevant. o Support the development of content for the Joint Emergency Action Plan (JEAP) partnership between Africa CDC and WHO and EPR dedicated websites. o Develop compelling content for various channels (JEAP website, social media, newsletters) to highlight EPR initiatives and impact. o Support specialized emergency or multi hazard risk communications, social mobilization, and advocacy plans, during public health crises, emergencies, and outbreaks.

Strategic Planning and Brand Management: o Finalize the communication plan for the JEAP in coordination with the Africa CDC and WHO EMRO counterparts. o Support the finalization of the JEAP and brand and Style guide in coordination with Africa CDC and WHO EMRO counterparts. o Evaluate proactive coherent regional communications strategies and develop an EPR specific communication strategy to promote, advocate and increase the awareness of the EPR goals, work and achievements. o Implement the communications strategy and develop communications tools (traditional + digital). o Serve as the communications Focal Points for the JEAP. o Develop communication plans for EPR events and initiatives/projects.

Coordination and Collaboration: o In coordination with the AFRO communications team, effectively utilize communication products to inform donors about EPR. o Support optimal outreach and dissemination to target audiences on suitable media channels and platforms, including social media. o In coordination with the AFRO communication unit, provide expertise on effective media strategies and implement proactive communications with media building long-term relationships. o In coordination with the AFRO communication unit, support regular media monitoring, tracking audience/target group perceptions of the programme proposing risk-mitigation communications. o In collaboration with the AFRO communication unit, write and distribute press releases, coordinate media inquiries, interviews for the EPR team, and keep track of media coverage for the EPR Cluster and for JEAP.

Digital and Social Media Management: o Create/Manage and utilize EPR social media assets (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) o Create and schedule posts, engage with followers, and monitor trends. o Oversee the JEAP website content, ensuring it is up-to-date and aligned with branding and communication strategies in coordination with the Africa CDC and EMRO counterparts.

Capacity Building: o Support the creation of an “ambassadors” network – i.e. designated pool of spokespersons (from Regional Office and Country Offices + Triple E) o Coordinate and deliver communication and media-sensitization training for EPR staff.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or other relevant programs at the national and/or international level; experience with emergency response is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organizations.

• Exceptional writing and communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas to a lay audience. • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with a proven track record of creating, facilitating, and strengthening partnerships. • Ability to work and produce results under pressure. • Sound understanding of the impact of emergencies and crises on social and economic development, and its burden on populations. • Experience working in Africa and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities working in a diverse workplace. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.