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 13) 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, mainly with the External Relations and Partnerships Officer, to ensure WHO’s work and health issues gain visibility among partners, the general public, the media and other key stakeholders.

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 material 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 me-dia.
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 miss/disinformation circulating on social media and local, regional, and international 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 or in the regional office to pre-pare communication and advocacy products and statements to be used by the Re-source 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.

• 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 information management and/or communications and/or international relations and/or management/business. Experience in writing feature stories, video scripts and other written communication products as exhibited in the CV.

Essential: - Proficient level of handling the Microsoft suit, as well as special software to create multimedia content and disseminate it online, including Content Management Systems.

Desirable: -Studies or experience-based knowledge of information management, information systems, communications techniques and media relations. -Experience as a journalist and/or communications expert for a major national or international organization. -Knowledge and experience with photography (shooting and editing skills). - Knowledge and experience of script/video editing tools.

The Republic of Botswana is an upper middle-income country located in southern Africa. English is the official language of Botswana and widely spoken, although Setswana (also called Tswana) is spoken by most people and there are other languages spoken throughout the country. Further information about Botswana can be found here https://reliefweb.int/country/bwa. There is a wide range of accommodation options from apartments to townhouses to stand alone housing. The climate is warm, with the rainy season during the summer months. Electricity, Wi-Fi connection and water supplies are generally reliable in Gaborone, with limited interruptions. Subject to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Botswana is an international tourism destination and there are also tourism opportunities in neighboring countries including South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Botswana is a family duty station. There are two private hospitals in Gaborone and several international schools. Gaborone is located a few hours’ drive from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo Airport, providing excellent transport connections. The business dress code in Botswana is formal. Due to COVID-19 Botswana is currently under a state of emergency and travel restrictions have been imposed. While work can proceed, the UNV should be aware that it is possible that he/she will be required to work from home from time to time until restrictions are lifted completely.