External Communications Officer

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.

Following the 3-level grading of the emergency in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, an IMST structure has been put in place to respond to the emergency in Ukraine and surrounding countries. This includes a Communication Pillar to the IMST at regional and country level.

Communication specialists are needed in Ukraine’s surrounding countries to coordinate the development, implementation and evaluation of communications strategies in the context of Ukraine’s emergency by sharing relevant, timely, credible and accurate health information on the situation of refugees in Romania and showcasing WHO’s work in in support the health systems and positive health impacts to a number of audiences

Reporting to the WHO Representative (WR) and/or Head of the Country Office (HoCO), and under the regular guidance of the Communication Manager RDD/EURO and Risk Communication and Community Engagement Regional Adviser WHE/EURO, the incumbent is expected to coordinate external communications in support to WHO/Europe response to the emergency in Ukraine. S/he strategically put heath high in UN communications and coordinates health partners’ communications. • Coordinate WHO external communications in the context of Ukraine’s emergency with the development, implementation and evaluation of a communications and advocacy strategy for WHO office in Romania • Establish/maintain a communication coordination group among health partners, coordinating and supporting their communications and advocacy activities, and represent WHO UN communications, providing heath input to and putting health high in overall UN agenda; • Identify subjects of interest for communications products and activities pertaining to the emergency response efforts at the country level. Design communication materials and tools and ensure the rapid and timely dissemination of information to all partners, through traditional and social media channels; • Produce and disseminate high quality communications materials and tools, including audio-visual, photographic and printed materials, television and radio programs, multimedia presentations, videos, press releases, talking points, newsletters, bulletins, webstories, reports, briefings, etc., to showcase health situations and needs of refugees and promote WHO’s work, achievements and success stories; ensure they are in line with WHO communications strategies, and bring in a human element from personal experience; • Working closely with regional Communication Officers, establish and maintain a network of contacts in the press/media to ensure and promote the dissemination of information; organize interviews and filming opportunities to support high-visibility of WHO achievements through television, radio and newspapers, web and social media, and provide support to broadcast media and journalists and facilitate their access to related information, as appropriate; • Act as spokesperson as required, preferably in national language, arrange media interviews and press conferences with international and national media in Romania. • Write for and oversee WHO in Romania's social media platforms, with content in national language. • Prepare communication and advocacy products and statements to be used to mobilize resource for overall health sector response to affected populations. • Provide strategic communication advise and support to WR and/or HoCO in his/her public and media appearances, prepping media intreviews and promting WHO voice in the media landscape; • Perform any other duty as requested by supervisors.

Results/expected outputs:

• Produce and disseminate high quality communications materials and tools, including audio-visual, photographic and printed materials, television and radio programs, multimedia presentations, videos, press releases, talking points, newsletters, bulletins, webstories, reports, briefings, etc., to showcase health situations and needs of refugees and promote WHO’s work, achievements and success stories; ensure they are in line with WHO communications strategies, and bring in a human element from personal experience; • 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

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

communication and/or advocacy, part of which should include supporting humanitarian emergency or health outbreak response and recovery activities. Proven experience in writing advocacy documents and in the production of communication materials and products.

Experience in planning and implementing communications strategies in an emergency setting, including behavioral change and media communications. Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals in emergency response relief or experience in similar positions in the UNs are advantage.

Functional Skills and Knowledge • Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products and tactics. • Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and advocate consensus. • Excellent presentation skills • Demonstrated ability to work under pressure to achieve multiple deadlines. • Ability to "think out of the box" and to make innovative proposals to extend communication reach. • Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals in the emergency incident management context. • Knowledge of public health sector and issues. • Ability to write well in English and produce engaging communication materials. • Demonstrated ability to work within an emergency context at the country level.

Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. It borders Bulgaria to the south, Ukraine to the north, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Moldova to the east and the Black Sea to the southeast. It has a predominantly temperate-continental climate, and an area of 238,397 km2 (92,046 sq mi), with a population of around 19 million. Romania is the twelfth-largest country in Europe, and the sixth-most populous member state of the European Union. Its capital and largest city is Bucharest, and other major urban areas include Iași, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Constanța, Craiova, Brașov, and Galați.

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