Communication Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

For this UNV Assignment, only female candidates from the African continent are eligible to apply as the assignment is part of African Women Health Champions Initiative, Regional Director's flagship initiative to diversify WHO workforce in terms of gender, age, geographical representation and language.

• As an active WHO AFRO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to WHO AFRO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

• Production of high quality public information materials such as Press Releases, notes for the media, media advisories, talking points, backgrounders, social media posts and other material on WHO UCN activities, events, products and issues • Management of an up to date UCN Cluster communications archive to facilitate effective communication from all cluster programmes • Though the relevant output of high quality communication materials, contribute to proposal development and assurance of high quality reports to donors • Contribute to the building and management of close working relationships with key stakeholders • Contribute to the training of country offices to strengthen external relations and partnerships within and beyond respective countries

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the UCN Strategic Analysis and Reporting Technical Officer and direct guidance of the UCN Cluster Director, the UN Volunteer will:

1. Identify subjects of interest to develop and improve media/communication activities within the UCN Cluster and support development of a communications plan for the UCN cluster, which works in synergy with the global and regional communications strategies.

2. Produce high quality public information materials such as Press Releases, notes for the media, media advisories, talking points, backgrounders, social media posts and other material on WHO UCN activities, events, products and issues for use by the print, electronic and online media.

3. Liaise with the press/media to advocate and disseminate information supporting the achievement of GPW13 via the UCN Cluster.

4. Maintain UCN Cluster digital media archives including photos and videos, and support all UCN Programmes in digital communications archive management.

5. Organize photographic shoots and interviews and filming opportunities to support high-visibility of WHO UCN achievements through television, radio and newspapers, etc. working closely with the AFRO/COM office.

6. Support the social media accounts of the UCN Cluster in compliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Critically review and improve contents, architecture and design.

7. Support the development and maintenance of the UCN Cluster contributions to the WHO AFRO website, in compliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Critically review and improve contents, architecture and design.

8. Research and write feature stories and messages, ideally bringing in a human element from real life experiences.

9. Collaborate with all relevant actors, including other WHO AFRO clusters, regional and field offices, other WHO departments, UN agencies, and other partners to identify and create communication opportunities and prepare communication campaigns on specific topics.

10. Perform any other communications related duties as required by the functional supervisor.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WHO AFRO; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WHO AFRO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the WHO AFRO in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely;

communication and/or advocacy; Proven experience in writing advocacy documents and in the production of communication material

Desirable

• Prior working experience with WHO/UN or with an international nongovernmental organization. • Experience in organizing advocacy campaigns. • Experience in photography • Experience in videography and editing of video footage • Knowledge of Adobe PhotoShop, InDesign, and Illustrator

Skills • Familiarity with the use of graphic design, visual design, social media, website development and publishing software. • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications - advanced skill in using Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Excellent attention to detail. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment. • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Ability to work well under pressure and meets tight deadlines

The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region.

The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in the North and North East, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South.

Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas.

Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious.

According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure.

The Republic of Congo is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.