Media Communication Specialist and Spokesperson - PN448383

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 97,118 USD and 127,169 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.

Purpose of the Position

To deliver a well-rounded media communication plan as part of the regional communication strategy; identify subjects of interest and develop media-related activities; and ensure the accurate and timely production and dissemination of high-quality public information products to the media highlighting WHO’s work.

Summary of Assigned Duties

1. Transform technical content into high quality media communication materials such as media advisories, press releases, Op-eds, interview responses, talking points and feature stories in accordance with WHO communications and editorial standards; ensure that all these products are well-written, news-worthy, factually correct, appropriately presented and effectively engaging for the intended audiences.
2. Foster new and existing media contacts, building institutional credibility and establishing effective working relationships with media representatives across the Region; optimize networking opportunities and amplify the work of the Regional Office by pitching topics and events to regional media outlets.
3. Address media queries in coordination with concerned technical units, programme and emergency communications teams as well as WHO country offices, and produce talking points (TPs), holding lines, questions and answers (Q/As) and other briefing materials as deemed necessary.
4. Conduct regular media monitoring to analyse current events and public opinion with the aim of advising supervisors on emerging media opportunities and/or appropriate action or responses related to rumours, misinformation or adverse publicity that may appear in the media and may pose a reputational risk for WHO in the Region.
5. Organize in-person and virtual media conferences and serve as the master of ceremonies or spokesperson when needed during these press events or during news media interviews.
6. Arrange for interviews and filming opportunities to raise the visibility of WHO achievements and success stories through television, radio, newspapers and relevant digital media outlets.
7. Facilitate and organize media communications training workshops to support knowledge transfer and communication capacity building at the Regional Office, country offices and ministries of health.
8. Collaborate with other members of the Communication Channels and Platforms team to coordinate and synchronize media, social media and web activities at the Regional Office.
9. Work closely with communication officers and focal points at country offices, in liaison with their ministries of health, UN partner organizations, media and other stakeholders, to disseminate information on WHO campaigns, events and public health messages.

Recruitment Profile

Competencies: Generic

1. Teamwork*
2. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences*
3. Communication*
4. Producing results
5. Moving forward in a changing environment

Functional Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to produce engaging media communication materials in Arabic and English. • Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products, plans 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 including when responding to public health emergencies. • Ability to "think out of the box" and to make innovative proposals to extend communication reach. • Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals. • Knowledge of public health sector and issues. • Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge and build communication capacity.

Education Qualifications

* Essential University degree in communication, journalism, political science, social sciences, international relations or related field from an accredited/recognized academic institution.

Desirable

Formal qualification in public health.

Experience

*Essential • At least five years of relevant experience, including international exposure, in journalism, communication, or media relations, preferably in the context of health and development. • Proven experience in writing and developing content for digital and traditional media.

Desirable

• Working experience with WHO, UN agencies or with international nongovernmental organizations.

Use of Language Skills

Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic. Knowledge of French will be an asset.

Other Skills (e.g. IT)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Hands-on skills to take photo and video shots for media use, and familiarity with use of visuals or images for presentation and web purposes.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 64,121 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 4205 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

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 and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
• In the event 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.
• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and E-Manual.
• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics. The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its workforce . Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to [email protected]
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. 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 (https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values) 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 short-listed candidates.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int
• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the Professional category with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.
• *For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.
• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].
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