Communications Specialist

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.

This UNV assignment will contribute to delivering WHO’s European Programme of Work, 2020-2025, “United Action for Better Health”, which has three core priorities: moving towards universal health coverage, protecting against health emergencies, and promoting health and well-being. Strengthening capacity at country level in communications is key to achieving this. https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-policy/european-programme-of-work

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the WHO Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communications Specialist will:

The purpose of this assignment is to support the WHO Country Office in communicating on relevant health issues, developments and findings; promoting the work of WHO at national level; and contributing to communications activities on delivering the European Programme of Work at country and regional levels. Key duties include: • To develop, coordinate, implement and evaluate an EPW communications action plan for the WHO Country Office. • To plan and develop, with support from Country Office (CO) and RO (Regional Office) staff when necessary, communications messages and products on country work for public and professional groups (policy-makers and health professionals, media, web and social media audiences, and the public). • To develop and deliver selected public health and health care campaigns (e.g. communicable and non-communicable diseases, vaccination, mental health, digital health, health care workers, health system developments, universal health coverage, the Sustainable Development Goals), including messages, written and multimedia materials, dissemination and follow-up. • To contribute to Regional communications strategies and plans, and coordinate/ share information with the Regional communications team on key communications activities including capacity-building. • To network, coordinate and manage the contacts of key communications counterparts among UN partners, authorities and communications outlets at national level. • To ensure proper visibility and support to partner engagement initiatives and collaboration (including development partners and donors) through development and dissemination of relevant communications products. • To provide support to CO/RO in managing resource partner engagement including assisting in proposal development and reporting. • To support the WHO Representative on strategic external and internal communications. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Communication: 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; 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, producing results: 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; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards WHO’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

the national and/or international level in communications, or other relevant programmes; experience with social media, web communications, resource mobilization, and media relations is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; Excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including NGOs, UN partners, national authorities, media, resource partners; 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; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in public health and the sustainable development agenda, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Turkmenistan is an upper middle-income country. The country is relatively safe, but the country does not publish crime statistics or information about crime, so it is difficult to assess crime trends. Turkmenistan is located in an active seismic zone and so is subject to occasional earthquakes. Climate has been always one of the most severe factors influencing the life of people especially in summer. The summer is exceptionally hot when in some days the temperatures can reach 45-47 C in shadow / 55 C in the sun. Official currency is Turkmen Manat (TMT). Official exchange rate is 1 USD = 3.5 TMT. Turkmenistan is cash-based country. Payment by credit cards is not common and can be only done in a few hotels and some foreign air companies. So, it is advisable to carry with you a sufficient amount of cash that will cover your stay/visit.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.