Communications Associate

Volunteering Communications & PR Medical & Health

Overview

Support WHO communication efforts and enhance public health visibility.

You have:

• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in communications, digital media, storytelling, or development work (0–3 years or equivalent volunteer experience preferred).
• Strong writing and editing skills in English; knowledge of local languages is an asset.
• Familiarity with social media platforms, multimedia content creation (photography/video), and basic digital analytics.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience or interest in public health, NCDs, climate and health, or community engagement in island or resource-constrained settings is an asset.
• Spoken and written English is required; Any of the FSM local languages is an advantage.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on 7 April 1948 as the directing and coordinating authority for international health within the United Nations system. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) joined WHO on 14 August 1991 as a Member State. In August 2010, WHO opened a Country Liaison Office in Palikir, Pohnpei to provide country-level support to the Government of FSM, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau and coordinate technical assistance and partnerships across priority public health areas. In FSM, WHO’s mandate is to support the Ministry/Department of Health and Social Affairs and partners to strengthen health systems, prevent and control communicable and noncommunicable diseases, improve preparedness and response to outbreaks and emergencies, and advance universal health coverage and health security in line with national priorities and the WHO Constitution.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Partnerships and External Relations Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communications Associate will:

• Communications, Visibility, and Storytelling o Support the development and implementation of WHO country communication plans aligned with regional and global strategies. o Draft, edit, and produce communication materials, including news stories, press releases, briefs, talking points, and human-interest/impact stories. o Document WHO-supported activities, including success stories and best practices, demonstrating contributions to health outcomes and SDGs. o Ensure consistent application of WHO corporate branding and visibility guidelines across all outputs.

• Digital and Social Media Management o Manage and regularly update WHO country digital platforms, including the website and approved social media channels (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn). o Develop engaging multimedia content (text, photography, and short videos) to promote WHO programmes, campaigns, and events. o Monitor social media engagement, respond to basic inquiries where appropriate, and provide basic analytics and insights to inform communication activities.

• Media, Advocacy, and Outreach o Support media engagement activities, including coordination of interviews, press briefings, and media outreach. o Maintain and regularly update media and partner contact lists. o Contribute to the development of advocacy materials such as information sheets, promotional content, and campaign materials. o Support communication-related activities during outreach events and campaigns.

• Programme and Emergency Communication Support o Work closely with technical teams to translate complex health information into clear and accessible messages for diverse audiences. o Assist in communication activities during public health emergencies, campaigns, and high-visibility events, under supervision. o Capture and produce multimedia content (photos/videos) of WHO-supported activities for visibility and reporting purposes.

• Coordination, Partnerships, and Reporting o Support coordination with WHO Regional Office and Headquarters communications teams to ensure alignment and consistency. o Support engagement with UN communication networks (e.g., UN Communications Group) and joint communication initiatives where relevant. o Support coordination with partners on communication aspects of joint events and campaigns, as required. o Support reporting on communication outputs and results. o Perform other related duties as required. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

•Accountability and Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WHO; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WHO 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; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; •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 implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; •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 and storytelling for impact: 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; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; •Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

c) Language skills Choose an item. spoken and written English is required; Choose an item. Any of the FSM local languages is an advantage;

• Demonstrated experience or strong interest in communications, digital media, storytelling, or development work (0–3 years or equivalent volunteer experience preferred). • Strong writing and editing skills in English; knowledge of local languages is an asset. • Familiarity with social media platforms, multimedia content creation (photography/video), and basic digital analytics. • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. • Experience or interest in public health, NCDs, climate and health, or community engagement in island or resource-constrained settings is an asset.

Pohnpei is a tropical island environment with warm temperatures year-round, high humidity and frequent rainfall. Access is primarily via Pohnpei International Airport (PNI), with limited flight frequencies and onward travel to outer islands mainly by boat/occasional services; travel plans should allow flexibility. Accommodation is available in Kolonia/Palikir and surrounding areas, though options can be limited and costs for imported goods and services may be comparatively high. Electricity and telecommunications are available in the main population centres, but power and connectivity interruptions can occur. Basic goods and food are available locally, with a mix of local produce and imported items. Medical services are provided through Pohnpei State Hospital and a small number of private clinics; for complex care, medical referral/evacuation to off-island facilities (e.g., Guam/Hawai‘i) may be required. The US dollar is used; banking services and ATMs are available, but cash is recommended as card acceptance may be limited and ATMs can be intermittently unavailable.

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Potential interview questions

Added 19 days ago - Updated 5 days ago - Source: unv.org