OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO's Emergency Preparedness & Response (EPR) Cluster is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. Within EPR, the Strategic Support Unit brings together into a single management framework all back-office functions that support the operations, governance and external relations aspects of the EPR Cluster. The operations, governance and external relations team work together and collaborate with colleagues across the EPR Cluster and beyond to contribute to the delivery of the vision/goals of the EPR Cluster

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Within the framework of the delegated authority, the incumbent is assigned all or part of the following responsibilities:

• Develop, propose, implement and evaluate proactive coherent regional communications strategies to promote and advocate to increase the awareness of the Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) goals, work and achievements.
• Provide expertise on effective media strategies and implement proactive communications with media building long-term relationships in close coordination with WHE EXR in HQ.
• Systematically ensure awareness coverage of WHE work and achievements, developing and disseminating technical and non-technical articles and success stories and drafting responses to articles as relevant. Coordinate media events, information briefings and other international events.
• During graded emergencies, liaise with communications project manager to strategically disseminate information, in coordination with WHE/ HQ.Provide guidance and support to Regional and Country Offices teams in building communications capacity, developing communication strategies and ensuring their implementation.
• Provide support to resource mobilization efforts through research and message development.Promote multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approaches and activities to facilitate full participation within and outside WHO/WHE and key partners.Perform other related responsibilities, including replacing and/or backstopping.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Master's degree in journalism, communications, international relations, political or social science, or related field from a recognized university.

Desirable: Studies or degree in public health. Experience in film or video production

Experience

Essential: At least 7 years' experience as a journalist, including television, radio and/or print, at national or international level, or spokesperson in a large non-governmental or international organization involving information and communications projects and/or strategies on health subjects.

• Experience in planning, implementing and evaluating information and communications projects/strategies, speech or campaign writing, elaboration of brochures, pamphlets and documentaries (written, film or others).

Desirable: Experience in developing escalation protocols for managing communication crises. Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals

Skills

• Demonstrated writing and editing skills, with an ability to communicate effectively.
• Capacity to motivate others and work under pressure while producing results.
• Knowledge or sound understanding of the impact of health emergencies on social and economic development, and their burden on populations.
• Ability to "think out of the box" and to make innovative proposals as related to communications.
• Knowledge or skills in visual design, website development.
• Proven ability to communicate and write in a clear and concise manner where all reports, stories, etc. exhibit structure, ideas and correctness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, discretion, tact and diplomacy.

Use of Language Skills

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
• Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.
• The above language requirements are interchangeable.

Source:https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2103231