Communications Manager

Contract

This is a P-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education. More about P-6 contracts.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The overall objective of the Communication steam is to lead WHO/AFRO's communications' capacity to advocate for key health issues and showcase the impact of its work on health outcomes, securing the organization's position as the regional health leader and facilitating its ability to shape health policies. The team also manages the internal communications function to create an optimal work environment reinforcing the common purpose of staff members. The unit achieves this by leading advocacy campaigns on health issues and implementing a regional communications strategy, which targets key stakeholders including partners and Governing Bodies, using multiple channels, and building the communications capacity of country offices and ISTs to produce quality communications products.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will be expected to perform the following duties: Coordinate and facilitate the development and implementation of the plan of work for the Unit, including a Regional Communications strategy, incorporating corporate branding, reputation management, internal communications, and capacity building in the region; Act as expert advisor to the Regional Director and senior officials on external communications, particularly in media relations, and on strategic communications' responses to public health issues, as well as to public opinion and concerns; Supervise the drafting of key communications products including press releases, talking points and supervise the production and distribution of public health information and advocacy materials, both publications and web-based, including information on controversial or sensitive issues; Provide backup to the Senior Writer in the preparation of speeches/statements/messages/talking points for the Regional Director, and other communication materials as needed; Supervise the production of multimedia material including social videos, institutional and other videos, and animations; Support team members who working in collaboration with Clusters and country offices ensure a dynamic and up-to-date web site; In collaboration with TIP, provide guidance on issues of copyrights, data privacy, or other branding aspects of AFRO communications; Facilitate consistent and cohesive communications through working with a network of country-based and regional communication and public information officers in the WHO African region; Lead capacity building for communications; oversee the development and implementation of staff training in communications across the region; provide senior leadership media coaching to support stakeholder engagement; Supervise the Internal Communications Officer in the delivery of priority organizational communications and in advising technical units at the regional and country offices on internal communications; Support enhanced communication linkages between all levels of the Organization including through regular exchanges and support the Internal Communications Officer in maintaining a comprehensive, cohesive and well-maintained Intranet site and e-platforms for staff knowledge and learning exchanges in communities of practice; Provide leadership to and manage the staff under his/her responsibility; ensure their performance, continuous development and engagement, promoting a culture of working across boundaries, and integrity in accordance with the Organization's policies, rules, procedures, and values; In coordination with HRT, lead the recruitment & staffing of positions in the Unit. Establish work objectives for all personnel in the Unit and conduct staff performance evaluations in accordance with established procedures and deadlines; Facilitate cross-cluster collaboration of team members across the RO for delivering organizational results; Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree in Communications, Marketing, Political or international relations, health communications or related fields Desirable:

Experience

Essential: At least fifteen (15) years' relevant experience at national and international levels in developing and implementing public information initiatives for health programmes, health communication and advocacy Experience in the development of communications and/or advocacy material for mass media and policy makers; Experience as organizational spokesperson on health issues. Desirable:

Skills

Thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of a wide range of communications channels (print, web, broadcast); Thorough understanding of the impact of communications on the reputation, image, and success of an organization, as well as the role of media and social media to communicate information about organizational programs, policies, initiatives and other relevant information; Proven ability and skills as a strong professional writer, including speeches, media products, and information material; Proven ability and skills to write professionally, including speeches, media products, and information material; Ability to engage directly and communicate articulately and diplomatically with the press, colleagues and senior leaders; Articulate and willing to serve as a public figure for the organization; Proven ability to maintain poise articulateness; Proven ability to maintain poise; Working knowledge of leading the execution of an International Organization's role, mandates, strategies and action plans.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Producing results Driving the Organization to a Successful Future Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French. Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Portuguese. The above language requirements are interchangeable.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 106,023 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 4479 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)are strongly encouraged to apply for WHO jobs.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

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