Under the guidance of WHO Representative in Sierra Leone, the incumbent officer will work as part of the Senior Management Office (SMO) for strengthening the public awareness of WHO Country office role, programme and activities undertaken in collaboration with other stakeholders.
Description Of Duties:
With excellent skills in communication, media management and public relations and in collaboration with other clusters of the WHO Country Office, the WHO Regional Office for Africa, the Ministry of Health and Collaborating Partners, the communication Officer will fulfill the following duties:
Provide strategic advice on WHO effective communication within Sierra Leone and with international stakeholders, based on knowledge of WHO's goals, and cognizant of the actors and relationships within the political and media landscape.
In collaboration with the CO and Regional Office staff, produce specific communication tools, products and targeted messages on WHO work at country level for public and professional groups (policymakers and health professionals, media, web and social media audiences) and the general public.
Identify appropriate platforms and channels (WHO, the United Nations, MoHS, partners agencies, news agencies ) to build/strengthen a WHO country office presence and maintain this presence through regular postings and engagement on a variety of platforms and channels, including the web. Develop and provide the content for all such messages/postings and ensure the appropriate use of the WHO branding in all communications
Provide support and editorial in the production of WHO Sierra Leone's publications including Annual, quarterly reports as required
Review and oversee the national social press and media landscape. Enhance close relations with press and media at national level. Propose and arrange press briefings, conferences, and other press visibility events. Conduct regular monitoring of media; produce summary for WR and respond to local and international media enquiries.
Conduct regular communications training/briefings for WHO staff members and provide information and communication support on major public health interventions and events. Contribute to regional communications strategies and plans, and coordinate/share information as appropriate with the regional communications team on key activities including capacity-building.
Represent WHO for communications function with other stakeholders including Ministry of Health and Sanitation UN agencies other health partners, etc
Perform other tasks as needed
Education:
University degree in communication, Journalism and Public Relation, or other related disciplines with post graduate qualification in any of the above disciplines .
Experience:
Have at least 2 years of experience in communication, Journalism and or Public Relations,
Experience in the development of communication and information management material will be an added value.
8 years of experience in Communications, Journalism or Public Relation
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English.
Knowledge of French or other UN language. Working knowledge of local languages
