Contract

This is a No grade contract. More about No grade contracts.

Position Title: External Communication Officer

Grade: NOB

Major Office: WCO Mauritius

Duty Station: Port Louis

Background and Justification

In the context of the WHO 13th General Programme of Work WHO Mauritius Country Cooperation Strategy (2023-2026) and biennial workplans, the incumbent will support communications activities at the country level. Key deliverables include among others, 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 the WHO Country Office Team in Mauritius to promote visibility around WHO’s work and health issues among partners, the public, the media and other key stakeholders.

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Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objective

Communications has a key role in supporting WHO’s Country leadership in the effective delivery of WHO programme of work and strategies, particularly with respect to promoting best practices, health information dissemination, reputation management and corporate branding. The incumbent will prepare communication materials, including reports, photographic essays and video for the media and key partners. The incumbent will support the interface with the media according to the WHO rules for media engagement including ensuring copyrights, data privacy or other aspects of communications for the Organization across the three levels - WHO country office (WCO) WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) and WHO Headquarters. In the context of WHO 75th anniversary, the incumbent will also implement the communication plan for the commemoration of the anniversary.

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Organizational context

The incumbent, being the communication and advocacy focal point, will report directly to the Programme Management Officer, under the matrix reporting to the AFRO Regional Communications Manager and under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative in the Country office. The first line responsibility involves promoting effective communication strategies and establishing press/media networks. S/he will engage with subject matter and technical experts in the country office and within the organization to agree on best tactical strategies to advocate WHO’s work, goals, and achievements. The incumbent will also liaise with a broad range of officials from the press and media, partner organizations and institutions, target audiences, and official representatives from the national authorities to obtain information, as and when deemed necessary provide advice on communication opportunities

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Summary of Assigned Duties

Under the direct supervision of the Program Management Officer (PMO) and under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative in Mauritius, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

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1. Develop and implement a country communication plan including a schedule of key communication products, in collaboration with other members of the team.
2. Identify topics/stories of interest to develop and improve media/communications activities related to WHO efforts at country level. Design state-of-the-art communication materials and tools; ensure rapid and timely dissemination of information to all partners through WHO website and social media platforms and other channels.
3. Work in collaboration with all areas in the country office and the AFRO regional and HQ communications team to conceptualize a set of new advocacy materials to inform stakeholders and the general public on WHO's response, including co-developing audio-visual, photographic and printed materials, television and radio programmes, multimedia presentations, social media, videos and press releases, newsletters, etc., to promote the visibility, achievements and successes of WHO.
4. Liaise with Ministry of Health and Wellness and other government communication officers as well as the press and media to advocate and disseminate information on WHO activities as well as relevant events such as WHO campaigns. Organize interviews and filming to enhance the visibility of WHO's achievements on television, radio, newspapers, etc. Support the implementation of the WHO communication plan established for the celebration of WHO 75th anniversary.
5. Manage the development and maintenance of country website, and the corporative SharePoint content, in accordance with guidelines and standards across the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Critically review and improve content, architecture and design;
6. Prepare communication and advocacy products and statements to be used by the resource mobilization team to encourage donors to rapidly fund the comprehensive health sector response, as well as create visibility of activities funded by donors.
7. Collaborate with all relevant actors, other WHO departments, UN agencies and other partners to identify and create opportunities for communication and prepare communication campaigns on specific topics. Represent the WCO in the UN Communications Group and provide appropriate technical support as and when required.
8. Organize advocacy events, press conferences, round tables and meetings to increase the visibility of WHO and raise awareness of the work of the WCO.
9. At the request of the Minister, support the Ministry of Health of Wellness’ public communications in times of health crisis, including developing talking points, press releases and other media products
10. Network and manage the contacts of main communication counterparts among various authorities and communication channels at national level, including regular media monitoring
11. At the request of the Health Promotion Officer or colleagues at the country office, assist and advise in the development of selected public health and health care campaigns (e.g. non-communicable diseases, universal health coverage) including messages, written and multimedia materials, dissemination and follow-up
12. Perform any other communication-related duties as requested by supervisors.

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Recruitment Profile Competencies:

1. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
2. Producing results
3. Teamwork
4. Communication.
5. Moving forward in a changing environment.

Education

Essential: A first university degree in communication, public relations, journalism, political science or international relations or related field from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable: Formal qualification in public health and courses in communication techniques such as graphic design, visual language, and the use of social media, courses in photography and videography.

Experience

Essential: At least two (2) years of professional experience related to arranging and coordinating information sharing, communication activities, media relations and messages development. Proven experience in producing written material, such as brochures, reports and online communications, including web and social media. Experience in organizing advocacy campaigns, press conferences and briefings

Desirable: Experience working with the United Nations system or with an international non-governmental organization

Organizational skills

1. Proven skills in the development and implementation of communications/media products and tactics.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and advocate for consensus.
3. Excellent presentation skills
4. Ability to “think outside the box” " and to make innovative communication proposals.
5. Knowledge/understanding of WHO's mandate, charter, objectives, cooperation strategy and plans.

IT skills

1. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
2. Familiarity with the use of graphic design, visual design, social media, website development and publishing software.

Use of Language Skills

Expert knowledge of English and French.