Communications Officer (Emergencies)

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.

Afghanistan is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and its fragile health system remains in need of critical support. Over the past months, WHO Afghanistan has been delivering health programs for the people of Afghanistan and working closely with partners and donors to reach the most vulnerable and those who have limited access to health services.

WHO Afghanistan is committed to fully leverage the power of strategic communications as a tool for promoting health and informing the public, partners, donors and the media on WHO’s work in the country. It is also imperative for WHO to proactively communicate about public health issues, gaps in the response and how can partners contribute.

With this in view, this UNV assignment will provide an opportunity for an international specialist to join a team of experts to support risk communication, community engagement and communication response to public health emergencies in the country.

Within the delegated authority and under the overall supervision of the Team Lead for Emergencies and technical supervision of Head of Communications or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV [Communication Officer, Emergencies] will:

• Serve as focal point for communication in the Health Emergency Team of WHO, supporting all public health emergencies and disease outbreaks. • Support in the risk communication and community engagement in the Incident Management Team for outbreaks and emergencies. • Develop/update a communication strategy and workplan for WHO health emergency response, and implement activities based on the workplan. • Develop regular communication products of WHE team, including external situation reports, field updates and stories and social media content. • Represent WHO, with guidance from the WHE Health Emergency Team Leader and Head of Communications in the inter-agency Working Group on RCCE and other working groups related to communication. • Liaise with WHO field offices and partner organizations in joint messaging and activities on communication. • Write stories of impact on the WHO emergency response, in cooperation with the field offices. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers Programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment

• Communications, journalism, public relations, public health or related field from a recognized university. • Advanced training demonstrated in journalism, mass communication, communications, public relations, media communication public health or related fields. • At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in health, development work, or other relevant programmes; experience with Afghanistan or similar context is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization. • Strong writing and analytical skills – especially on documenting stories of impact. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • 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; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in X [women in development], volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Afghanistan is a unique country and WHO is a unique (humanitarian) operation. 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.

The position is based in Kabul. WHO will facilitate accommodation for IUNV within UNOCA.