Communications Specialist

This opening expired 2 years ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

WHO - World Health Organization

Open positions at WHO
Logo of WHO

Application deadline 2 years ago: Monday 10 Jan 2022 at 00:00 UTC

Open application form

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.

The World Health Organization (WHO), established in 1948 is the authority responsible for public health within the United Nations system. The Organization seeks “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.”

The WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) is one of WHO’s six regional offices around the world. It serves the WHO European Region, which comprises 53 countries, covering a vast geographical region from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. WHO/Europe staff are public health, scientific and technical experts, based in the main office in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 6 technical centres and in country offices in 30 Member States.

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 review the national social media landscape, identify appropriate platform(s) to build a WHO Country Office presence, and maintain this presence through regular postings and engagement on such accounts/platforms. • To network, coordinate and manage the contacts of key communications counterparts among UN partners, authorities and communications outlets at national level. • To maintain an up-to-date media database for national media, liaise with them on a regular basis, and undertake regular media monitoring and an overview of the national communications landscape.
• 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.

As an active WHO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the WHO Country Office and Regional Office for Europe and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Development of one-year EPW country communications plan. o Establishment of communications calendar of campaigns, events, initiatives and opportunities. o Production of communications materials on relevant EPW/national and regional health issues. o Weekly attendance at WHO/Europe communications meeting and collaboration when needed. o Participation at national UN communications meetings. o Maintenance of office social media channels. o Maintenance of media contacts list. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• 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.

communications at national and/or international level, 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.

The Republic of Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia. It gained independence in 1991 after being part of former Soviet Union since 1924. The population of Uzbekistan is about 32 million (at the beginning of 2017). The culture and history of the country are closely related to the Silk Road, and its natural and historical attractions are among the most attractive in the entire Central Asian region

Uzbekistan underwent sweeping reforms starting in late 2016. The new leadership has aimed to drive growth by breaking Uzbekistan out of its international isolation and economic stagnation and reorienting the public sector to provide high quality services to citizens across the whole country. The main drivers of the Uzbek economy are gold, oil and gas. The official language of the country is Uzbek, although Russian is largely spoken. Few Uzbek peoples speak fluent English, so a basic knowledge of Russian or Uzbek is recommended.

The capital and largest city of Uzbekistan is Tashkent. It’s a wealthy and multifaceted city that has seen considerable development in recent years. This wonderful city has its own unique flavor. It tastefully combines medieval buildings, similar to the pages of ancient oriental fairy tales, with elegant European architecture.

The cost of living in Uzbekistan is $434, which is 1.7 times less expensive than the world average. Uzbekistan ranked 187th out of 197 countries by cost of living and the 129th best country to live in (re: livingcost.org). National currency is Uzbek soum (UZS). The exchange rate of Central Bank of Uzbekistan is regularly updated on http://bank.uz/currency/cb.html site. Most of the hotels in Tashkent accept VISA and Master Card. Withdrawal of cash from cash dispenser is possible, but only in local currency. VISA Card is working better, then Master. It is advisable to bring enough cash in either of the following currencies: US Dollars, Euro or English Pounds. Exchange offices are available in most hotels and working round o’clock.

Crime level in Uzbekistan is relatively low. The situation in Tashkent city especially at public places even at night is controlled quite well. Road safety is one of significant issues. Car accidents are quite frequent. Both drivers and pedestrians do not follow traffic rules strictly, so one should be very careful both while driving and crossing streets and crossroads.

Visitors have many accommodation options from hotels to apartments or houses. The services and facilities at most hotels are not generally up to western standard. However, there are Western-style hotels owned by foreign companies (Hayat, Radisson, Windham, etc.).

Food safety situation requires seeking for advices from local staff where, what and how to eat and drink. The national Uzbek food is characterized with wide use of meat: mutton, beef and horse meat, supplemented with vegetables and spices. Tap water is not safe to drink without boiling. Bottled water is safe and available nearly everywhere by reasonable price (about $0,5 for 1,5 L bottle).

The quality of healthcare in Uzbekistan is not as good as it was during the Soviet era. However, the visitors can easily access all health facilities in Uzbekistan. They also have the option of choosing from several international hospitals and clinics like Tashkent International Clinic (https://www.tashclinic.org), AKFA Medline (http://www.akfamedline.uz), VITAMED Medical (www.vitamed.uz) etc. Generally, availing superior healthcare in Uzbekistan in private hospitals and clinics are rather costly in the country and foreigners must pay higher prices as compared to those paid by locals. Therefore, visitors traveling to Uzbekistan must be covered by an international health insurance policy before entering the country.

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

Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unv.org