Communications Officer

Volunteering Medical & Health Crisis & Emergency Response Communications & PR

Overview

Drive awareness and communication of health emergency initiatives.

You have:

• Experience in communications, public relations, or other relevant programs at the national and/or international level.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas to a lay audience.
• Experience with emergency response is an asset.
• Ability to work and produce results under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with a proven track record of creating, facilitating, and strengthening partnerships.
• Knowledge of the impact of emergencies and crises on social and economic development.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications, email/internet, and familiarity with database management.
• Ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions.

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.

The mission of the WHO/AFRO Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Cluster is to strengthen Member States' capacity to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are exceeded, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and provide effective relief and recovery for affected populations.

This mission includes addressing over 100 health emergencies annually across the region, aiming to reduce suffering and save lives in areas impacted by natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and complex crises. Current EPR priorities focus on building resilient health systems; upholding health security through the International Health Regulations; enhancing integrated disease surveillance and response; and ensuring reliable health information and evidence are available to guide decision-making, especially during emergencies.

The Cluster is advancing the Regional Strategy for Health Security and Emergencies (2022-2030), which was endorsed at the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. This strategy mandates Member States to achieve 12 targets by 2030, strengthening their preparedness, detection, and response capacities for present and future health emergencies. To support Member States, three flagship initiatives have been launched (2022-2026), promoting a Member States-led, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach that unites diverse disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally for optimal health outcomes for people, animals, and the environment.

To further extend its impact, WHO AFRO (Regional Office for Africa) joined forces with WHO EMRO (Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean) and Africa CDC in May 2023 to establish the five-year Joint Emergency Preparedness and Response Action Plan (JEAP). This collaboration, designed to tackle long-standing EPR challenges in Africa, focuses on eight priority areas for partnership and coordinated action. (https://www.afro.who.int/news/who-africa-cdc-bolster-partnership-tackle-health-emergencies-africa)

During deployment, the duties may be modified, based upon the needs of the Programme. Reporting to the EPR Director and the EPR Strategic Support Manager, and working closely with counterparts within the EPR programme and the respective Regional Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Content Creation: o Systematically ensure awareness coverage of EPR work and achievements, developing and disseminating technical and non-technical articles, press releases and success stories and drafting responses to articles as relevant. o Support the development of content for the Joint Emergency Action Plan (JEAP) partnership between Africa CDC and WHO and EPR dedicated websites. o Develop compelling content for various channels (JEAP website, social media, newsletters) to highlight EPR initiatives and impact. o Support specialized emergency or multi hazard risk communications, social mobilization, and advocacy plans, during public health crises, emergencies, and outbreaks.

• Strategic Planning and Brand Management: o Finalize the communication plan for the JEAP in coordination with the Africa CDC and WHO EMRO counterparts. o Support the finalization of the JEAP and brand and Style guide in coordination with Africa CDC and WHO EMRO counterparts. o Evaluate proactive coherent regional communications strategies and develop an EPR specific communication strategy to promote, advocate and increase the awareness of the EPR goals, work and achievements. o Implement the communications strategy and develop communications tools (traditional + digital). o Serve as the communications Focal Points for the JEAP. o Develop communication plans for EPR events and initiatives/projects.

• Coordination and Collaboration: o In coordination with the AFRO communications team, effectively utilize communication products to inform donors about EPR.
o Support optimal outreach and dissemination to target audiences on suitable media channels and platforms, including social media. o In coordination with the AFRO communication unit, provide expertise on effective media strategies and implement proactive communications with media building long-term relationships. o In coordination with the AFRO communication unit, support regular media monitoring, tracking audience/target group perceptions of the programme proposing risk-mitigation communications. o In collaboration with the AFRO communication unit, write and distribute press releases, coordinate media inquiries, interviews for the EPR team, and keep track of media coverage for the EPR Cluster and for JEAP.

• Digital and Social Media Management: o Create/Manage and utilize EPR social media assets (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) o Create and schedule posts, engage with followers, and monitor trends. o Oversee the JEAP website content, ensuring it is up-to-date and aligned with branding and communication strategies in coordination with the Africa CDC and EMRO counterparts.

• Capacity Building: o Support the creation of an “ambassadors” network – i.e. designated pool of spokespersons (from Regional Office and Country Offices + Triple E) o Coordinate and deliver communication and media-sensitization training for EPR staff.

• Problem-solving and critical thinking. • Adaptability and flexibility. • Strong interpersonal and networking skills. • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Professionalism • Self-management

communications, public relations, or other relevant programs at the national and/or international level; experience with emergency response is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organizations.

• Exceptional writing and communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas to a lay audience. • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with a proven track record of creating, facilitating, and strengthening partnerships. • Ability to work and produce results under pressure. • Sound understanding of the impact of emergencies and crises on social and economic development, and its burden on populations. • Experience working in Africa and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities working in a diverse workplace. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region. The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in the North and Northeast, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South. Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas. Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious. According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure. The Republic of Congo is a unique country. 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org