Consultancy - Communication Officer

Contract

This is a No grade contract. More about No grade contracts.

1. Background & Purpose of consultancy

To document WHO’s response and the on-going complex emergency in Syria, with the aim of maximizing visibility among the public as well as in local, regional and international media.

2. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to do the following:

Outputs:

Output 1: Document WHO’s response and the on-going complex emergency in Syria, with the aim of maximizing visibility among the public as well as in local, regional and international media; acknowledge donors and attract funds, in collaboration with Head of Office, reports officer, RCCE focal point and RO as required. Produce content with clear use, audiences and end-product in mind. Review production of content for external visibility/fundraising. Produce audio-visual/multimedia products, printed material, presentations, social media content, press releases, human interest stories, feature stories, key messages, talking points etc.

Deliverables

Deliverable 1.1: Ensure donor/partner visibility in all content when applicable and produce/support specific donor/partner content. Make available content production at time of resource mobilization products, including routine reporting and donor visits.

Deliverable 1.2: Maintain an archive of visual, captioned content. Critically review content, brand use and design. Ensure content is in compliance with WHO style guide/brand guidelines, and that informed consent is attained.

Deliverable 1.3: Regularly update or draft an overall as well as case-specific communication strategies, reflecting the fluid humanitarian environment in which WHO Syria operates. Conceptualize, update and maintain a set of advocacy documents to inform humanitarian and development stakeholders and the public about WHO's response.

Deliverable 1.4: Occasionally travel within Syria for content-gathering and support planning and implementation of media/WHO visits.

Deliverable 1.5: Collaborate with the Health Cluster Advocacy and Communication Working Group and facilitate regular meetings and information sharing. Support and advise on partners’ communication strategy. Keep abreast of WHO position on latest development in the area of responsibility.

Deliverable 1.6: Prepare/edit monthly reports in cooperation with reports and planning officers. Support with monthly CO report inputs, as well as support to regular donor updates and – when required – WR presentations. Participate in the production of an annual report.

Deliverable 1.7: Proactively identify communication/media opportunities. Provide technical advice to WR and/or technical staff, before interacting with media. Advise WR on media relations, risk and crisis communication. Timely flag issues and prepare reactive lines in case of potential reputational risk.

Deliverable 1.8: Carry out regular/ad-hoc media monitoring and maintain a contact list of media professionals. Interact with media and prepare and pitch stories. Organize/pitch interviews and media opportunities to support WHO visibility. Liaise with the media to disseminate information on prevention, preparedness, recovery, response strategies and efforts as well as WHO campaigns.

Deliverable 1.9: Provide multimedia/communication capacity training of WHO staff and partners, if and when needed.

Planned timelines (subject to confirmation):

Start date: 15/06/2023

End date: 31/12/2023

5. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or equivalent university degree in a related field.

Experience

From 5 to 10 years of relevant work experience in crises and emergency communication, print, broadcast media or interactive digital media. International experience is mandatory.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Strong written communications in English.
• Proven ability to research, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information.
• Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products and tactics showcasing the organization's work and impact.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure to achieve multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrated Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals in the emergency incident management context.
• Proven Knowledge of public health sector and issues.
• Strong skills and track record in feature writing and human-interest/storytelling products

Languages and level required :

• Excellent knowledge of English.

6. Location

On site: Damascus, Syria

7. Travel

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.

Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

8. Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

   1. Remuneration: Payband level – B
   2. Expected duration of contract: 6 months

   (Maximum contract duration is 11 months per calendar year)

9. Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

The selected Consultant will work under the supervision of:

Responsible Officer:

Inas HAMAM, Communication Officer

Manager:

Iman SHANKITI, HWCO Syria

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.

• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.

• Consultants working in Switzerland must register with the applicable Swiss cantonal tax authorities and social security authorities, within the prescribed timeframes (Guidelines issued by the Swiss Mission are available at: <https://www.eda.admin.ch/missions/mission-onu-geneve/en/home/manual-regime-privileges-and-immunities/introduction/Manuel-personnes-sans-privileges-et-immunites-carte-H/Non fonctionnaires et stagiaires.html>