Communication Officer

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.

In the context of WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work (GPW) and its triple-billion strategy, the incumbent will support communications activities at the country level. Key deliverables include accurate and timely production and dissemination of high-quality public information products which highlight WHO and partners work on the ground; promoting achievements and results of key public health initiatives and building contacts with the press/media and key partners and optimizing networking opportunities. The incumbent will work with colleagues in the country office to ensure WHO’s work and health issues gain visibility among partners, the public, the media and other key stakeholders.

Under the direct supervision of the WHO representative, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Identify subjects of interest to develop and improve media/communication activities at the country level and develop a communications plan for the country office, which works in synergy with the global and regional communications strategies. 2. Produce public information materials such as press releases and media advisories on WHO events, products, and issues for dissemination to the print, electronic and online media, as well as media talking points for country spokespeople. 3. Build relations with the national media and ensure that WHO issues, and work are regularly profiled by the national media. 4. Take photographs of key WHO events, activities as well as of key health programmes for use on the country and regional websites as photo stories, as well as on social media. 5. Monitor media coverage of WHO issues, programmes and people in the country and provide regular reports to the Regional Office. 6. Organize photographic shoots and interviews and filming opportunities to support high visibility of WHO achievements through television, radio and newspapers, etc. 7. Manage the social media accounts of the country office in compliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Regularly update content on these platforms 8. Manage the development and maintenance of the country website, in compliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Regularly update content on the website. 9. Support the monitoring of mis-disinformation circulating on social media and local media. 10. Research and write feature stories and messages, ideally bringing in a human element from real life experiences. 11. Work with external relations officer in the country office (if there is one) or in the regional office to prepare communication and advocacy products and statements to be used by the Resource Mobilization team in convincing and encouraging donors to rapidly fund the overall health sector response. 12. Collaborate with all relevant actors, including the health cluster, 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.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Communication: expresses oneself clearly in conversation and interaction with others; actively listens. Produces effective written communications. Ensures that information is shared. Teamwork: develops and promotes effective relationships with colleagues and team members. Deals constructively with conflicts. Moving forward in a changing environment is open to, and proposes, new approaches and ideas. Adapts and responds positively to change. Promoting innovation and organizational learning invigorates the Organization by building a culture which encourages learning and development. Sponsors innovative approaches and solutions. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences demonstrates ability to work constructively with people with different backgrounds and orientations. Respects differences and ensures that all can contribute.

journalism and/or communications expert for a major national or international organization.

• Proven leadership and management experience in a multinational and multicultural environment. • Experience developing communication strategies, media, social and behavior change communication campaigns. • Proven experience of technical assistance in the field of communication, particularly in Africa and in countries in crisis or post-crisis situations. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Experience in documenting, capitalizing on and sharing the results of development programs • Mastery of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint packages • Experience with the UN will be an asset

Chad is a landlocked country in central Africa. It is one of the world's poorest countries, ranking 175th out of 182 countries on the 2009 HDI list. The capital is N'Djamena. It is in many ways similar, though less publicized, to its eastern neighbor, Sudan, for example in terms of a north-south divide (geographically, socially and religiously), several latent or open internal conflicts and rebellions, among others linked to ethnic tensions and/or land issues; the omnipresence of small arms; large parts of the country have a deep-rooted culture of violence, are subject to frequent acts of banditry ("coupeurs de route") and are heavily militarized; a large population of former displaced persons and refugees; and strained relations with its neighbors, notably Sudan itself. Large parts of the country are in "pre/post-conflict" mode, and security is a major concern everywhere, particularly in the border area with Darfur/Sudan. The whole country is in security phase III, with the Abéché and Lac regions in phase IV. Due to direct exposure to various dangers and difficult living conditions, as indicated in the paragraphs below, Chad has been declared a non-family duty station. The cost of living in N'djamena is comparatively high compared with eastern Chad. UNV volunteers are generally encouraged to share accommodation for cost-sharing and security reasons; modest furnished accommodation (on a shared basis) costs between 500 and 700 USD per month. Basic foodstuffs are generally available on the local market, notably vegetables, fish, and meat. As Chad is a French-speaking country, people speak French and Arabic. English is not widely spoken. Daily transactions are carried out in local currency, called XAF. As the climate in Chad is relatively warm, it is not necessary to bring warm clothing. However, it is advisable to bring at least one jacket in case of unpredictable weather changes. It is essential to be flexible and have the ability and willingness to live and work in dangerous and difficult conditions, with physical constraints and few comforts. Chad is a unique country and UNFPA is a unique (humanitarian) operation that accompanies the Chad Republic to serve its population. 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.