Information & Communications Officer (NO-B), Fixed Term, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Contract

This is a NO-B contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 2,519 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

1. Use communication as a tool to contribute to better health outcomes in Papua New Guinea—targeting particular audiences for specific purposes; responding to gaps in understanding and other barriers to the adoption of health-protecting behaviours; designing, testing and using the right messages, platforms and products; measuring and evaluating results and applying learning to future communication interventions;

2. Use a "grounds up" approach, listening and responding to real needs and preferences among target audiences; and

3. Draw on a broad range of disciplines and skills and leverage collaboration with the Government, other WHO technical programmes and strategic partners in Papua New Guinea to create, implement and measure communication strategies for maximum public health impact.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision and guidance of the Head of WHO Country Office in Papua New Guinea and Regional Communications Manager for the Western Pacific, the incumbent performs the following functions:

1. Plan, implement and evaluate Communication for Health (C4H) interventions in line with For the Future and country priorities. This includes assessment of barriers/gaps/needs (e.g. through multisource listening covering social media, surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews, etc.) to inform planning of appropriate communication interventions, testing these and adapting as needed, and undertaking measurement and evaluation of campaigns (setting targets and indicators, measuring outputs, outcomes and impact, analysing and reporting on these, and applying learning to future activities);

2. Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health, other government units and implementing partners on C4H approaches, including capacity building on the use of relevant methods, tools and materials, and providing strategic advice;

3. Apply strategic communication principles and processes, drawing on relevant evidence and techniques (e.g. from social and behavioural change communication, health promotion, behavioural insights, community engagement and risk communication) to plan and implement communications as part of responses to outbreaks and other health emergencies and in relation to WHO-mandated campaigns, release of new guidance and recommendations, major reports, etc.;

4. Work collaboratively with other WHO staff, Government, and key partners (including other UN agencies and civil society organizations working on health) to ensure the effectiveness of C4H programmes in Papua New Guinea, and document lessons, achievements and best practices to build the evidence base and contribute to resource mobilization;

5. Engage with communities and other target audiences in Papua New Guinea to understand their needs and deliver effective interventions;

6. Gather, develop and disseminate stories on health issues affecting Papua New Guineans and the impact of WHO’s work with the Government and partners on health in the country; this may include news, features, photo stories, videos, newsletters, donor reports, etc.;

7. Advise on, craft and evaluate traditional media content and activities including talking points, Q&As, media releases, statements, speeches, as well as spokesperson preparation and press conferences, and foster good relationships with key journalists (e.g. enabling timely and accurate responses to inquiries, organizing interviews, etc.), so that WHO is a trusted source for information on public health in Papua New Guinea;

8. Advise on, and as needed craft, test, disseminate and evaluate content (in English and Pidgin) in digital and hardcopy formats for a range of channels, according to what will be most effective; this may include production of posters, videos, audio, graphics or other materials as well as the management of WHO Papua New Guinea’s web site and social media accounts, and input for the joint UN in Papua New Guinea website;

9. Support strategic communication aspects of preparedness for, response to and recovery from outbreaks and other health emergencies in Papua New Guinea; and

10. Perform other related duties, as requested by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in communication, journalism, international relations, political science, social science, health promotion or a related area from a recognized university.

Desirable: Advanced studies in a relevant field.

Experience

Essential: At least two years’ experience in strategic communications and/or community engagement. Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating communications strategies. Knowledge of and experience working in Papua New Guinea, with at least some international exposure.

Desirable: Experience in public health; experience with WHO or other UN or an international organization. Experience working on large projects/programmes with a range of stakeholders.

Skills

• Expertise in strategic communication, including demonstrated skills in writing and editing in English and Pidgin; • Skills and knowledge on working with traditional and social media; • Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize, research and write within short deadlines; • Capacity to work well as part of a team, motivate others and deliver results under pressure; • Sound analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills, including proposing and executing innovative solutions; • Skills in measuring and evaluating communication activities and applying learning to future activities; • Ability to apply storytelling techniques and behavioural science to communications; • Skills in capacity building; • Excellent interpersonal skills and capacity for effective engagement with a range of stakeholders; • Tact, discretion and diplomacy; and • Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct in line with WHO Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Producing results Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Excellent spoken and written English and Pidgin.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at PGK 107,386 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an 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.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• 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.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.