Communications Specialist
Support WHO communications efforts for Health Security in Türkiye.
Overview
Support WHO communications efforts for Health Security in Türkiye.
You have:
- Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience with a bachelor’s degree;
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, e.g. communications, public relations, journalism, language and literature, visual arts or related social sciences;
- At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in communications, design and editing;
- Experience with photography and documentary is an asset;
- Knowledge of graphic design, photoshop software’s, video production is an asset;
- Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
- 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;
- Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
- Have affinity with or interest in Good Health, Public Health, Health and Humanitarian Emergencies;
- Working experience with UN Agencies is desirable;
Contract
This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.
With its establishment on 7 April 1948, WHO works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
WHO’s goal is to ensure that a billion more people have universal health coverage, to protect a billion more people from health emergencies, and provide a further billion people with better health and well-being.
This UNV assignment is part of WHO’s flagship projects namely the “Health Security in Türkiye” Project. The Health Security project aims to strengthen Health Security in Türkiye, through integrated preparedness and response to epidemic threats of all origins in line with international standards.
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communications Specialist will:
• Guides and supports the projects to ensure compliance and timely delivery of the Project’s communication and visibility plan to enhance the quality and effectiveness of communication efforts in progress reports
• Develops and designs content material for Project visibility and WHO advocacy efforts including infographics, documentaries/videos, print, electronic and visual media, etc.
• Prepares and updates communication and social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X Linkedin…etc) to strengthen and visibility of the Project.
• Identifies storylines and achievements to develop newsletters, web stories, media content and reports for publication of EURO RAP Daily Insights while ensuring adherence to EU visibility requirements and guidelines.
• Reviews health, humanitarian, health emergencies and development related media analysis and screening reports to prepare snapshots and overviews.
• Oversees the translation, adaptation, or localization of information to ensure relevance and accuracy for the local context;
• Conducts researches, compiles data and produces reports on web statistics and electronic surveys on a regular basis; Coordinates with service providers (e.g. printers, designers, photographers, writers, editors, advertising/marketing/event coordination agencies) and supports organization of events, workshops, meetings, trainings and conferences;
• Establish and maintains close working relationships with communication officers and focal points to ensure effective dissemination information of WHO activities and supports consistent information sharing;
• Manage and updates the information database and photo library for WHO
• Files and archives all relevant correspondence
• Preparation of minutes from meetings
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required.
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, 5th of December). • 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 (for instance at https://vra.unv.org), • Contribute articles/wrjte-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.
• Communication • Teamwork • Overall attitude at work • Technical Expertise • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences • Producing Results
• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience with a bachelor’s degree; • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, e.g. communications, public relations, journalism, language and literature, visual arts or related social sciences; • At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in communications, design and editing; experience with photography and documentary is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization including managing visibility and communication for EU-funded projects in compliance with EU guidelines. Experience working with central authorities, such as ministries or other government institutions, is an asset. • Knowledge of graphic design, photoshop software’s, video production is an asset; • 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 Good Health, Public Health, Health and Humanitarian Emergencies, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System. • Working experience with UN Agencies is desirable.
This is a volunteer assignment, not an employment. By sharing your time, energy, and talents, you can support communities in need and become part of something greater than yourself — a global movement for peace, development and humanitarian aid. Volunteering strengthens trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens, and it can promote a sense of belonging and purpose.
The UN Volunteer will be based in Ankara with full time engagement and responsible for arranging her/his own housing and other living essentials. The full entitlements at the duty station: https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service: https://explore.unv.org/cos
Summary of National UN Volunteer Specialist Entitlements: (paid in local currency) • Current Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) is USD 1,360 (paid in Turkish Lira) • Private insurance: Health, dental, life and dismemberment (coverage by CIGNA) As per UN’s diplomatic mission status, it is not included in National Security Institution’s (SGK) system but can be only initiated on private basis. • Entry allowance: USD 400 •Exit allowance: USD 113 per month and upon the satisfactory completion of assignment • Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month • Free access to different learning platforms and UN & UNV network
Notes: 1) The allowances are in no way to be understood as a compensation, reward or salary in exchange for the volunteer work. 2) It's important to note that UNV assignments are volunteer assignments, not employment.
The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment, and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos).
Potential interview questions
| Describe a situation where you managed a communication project successfully. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? | The interviewer wants to assess your project management and problem-solving skills in a communication context. | Describe the project overview, your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved. |
| Can you give an example of how you adapted a message for different audiences? | They are looking for your ability to understand audience needs and tailor communications accordingly. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure the accuracy and relevance of information you distribute? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you employ to increase visibility for a project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle tight deadlines in communication tasks? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of how you collaborated with a team on a communications project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What tools do you use for managing social media and communication content? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Discuss your experience working with graphic design or multimedia tools. How have they enhanced your work? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |