The Emergency Communication Programme’s Strategic Objective is to reinforce WHO’s role as the trusted health authority, and to share evidence-based health information in the Region and engage in communication interventions in the context of health emergencies, health responses in humanitarian settings, fragile and conflict affected settings, and pandemic preparedness and response.
Description of Duties:
Lead and coordinate proactive coherent regional Communications strategies to increase the awareness coverage of CRP goals, work and achievements.
Provide technical guidance to senior management on strategic communications responses to public health emergencies, as well as to public opinion and concerns; building with media long-term relations.
Oversee the development and dissemination of technical and non-technical articles and success stories and the preparation of 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 3-level coordination with WHE, CRP, and HQ Emergency Comms (WHE) and Coordinated Resource Mobilization (CRM).
Provide guidance and support to Regional and Country Offices teams in building communications capacity, developing communication strategies and ensuring their implementation.
Act as Donor visibility focal point, in collaboration with CRP Resource Mobilization team and provide support to resource mobilization efforts through research and message development.
Provide support to multi-disciplinary and cross-cutting approaches and activities to facilitate full participation within and outside WHO/WHE and key partners.
Provide leadership to staff under his/her responsibility; ensure their continuous training and development; promote a culture of high performance, ethical behaviour and integrity in accordance with the Organization's Policies, Rules and Procedure.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
Essential: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in communication, journalism, political science, international relations, health communications or related field.
Desirable: Studies or experience-based knowledge of communications techniques and media relations. Studies or degree in public health. Experience of film or video production.
Experience:
Essential: At least 10 years of combined relevant experience (national and international) as a journalist or in a media organization (television, radio and/or print) or in an organization involved in information and communications projects and/or tactics related to humanitarian crises and response relief interventions.
Experience in Emergency Communications related to health in a country and/or regional context with minimum 5 years in an international and/or multicultural setting. Demonstrable team management track record.
Desirable: Experience in planning and implementing media and communications projects tactics, and humanitarian projects including the development of audio and visual materials and tools, speeches or campaign writing, elaboration of brochures, pamphlets and documentaries (written, film or others). Experience in similar positions in the UN or NGOs. Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals.
Practical experience with social and behavioural change communication.
Skills:
Ability to write well in English and produce engaging communication materials.
Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products and tactics showcasing the organization’s work and impact.
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 make innovative proposals to extend 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.
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Excellent knowledge of English.
Desirable: Working knowledge of a second UN language, especially Arabic or French, would be an asset.
