Media Intelligence Officer

Volunteering Admin

Overview

Manage and develop communication strategies to enhance the visibility of WHO AFRO's emergency preparedness.

You have:

• At least 3-5 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in communications, public relations, or other relevant programs; experience with emergency response is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organizations.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas to a lay audience.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with a proven track record of creating, facilitating, and strengthening partnerships.
• Ability to work and produce results under pressure.
• Sound understanding of the impact of emergencies and crises on social and economic development, and its burden on populations.
• Experience working in Africa and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities working in a diverse workplace.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

Contract

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The mission of the WHO/AFRO Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Cluster is to strengthen Member States' capacity to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are exceeded, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and provide effective relief and recovery for affected populations.

This mission includes addressing over 100 health emergencies annually across the region, aiming to reduce suffering and save lives in areas impacted by natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and complex crises. Current EPR priorities focus on building resilient health systems; upholding health security through the International Health Regulations; enhancing integrated disease surveillance and response; and ensuring reliable health information and evidence are available to guide decision-making, especially during emergencies.

The Cluster is advancing the Regional Strategy for Health Security and Emergencies (2022-2030), which was endorsed at the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. This strategy mandates Member States to achieve 12 targets by 2030, strengthening their preparedness, detection, and response capacities for present and future health emergencies. To support Member States, three flagship initiatives have been launched (2022-2026), promoting a Member States-led, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach that unites diverse disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally for optimal health outcomes for people, animals, and the environment.

Given the increasing scale, complexity, and visibility of public health emergencies across the Region, there is a growing need for strengthened strategic communications, executive visibility, stakeholder engagement, and digital outreach support within the RED’s Office and generally the EPR Cluster. Effective communication has become central to emergency preparedness and response operations, leadership positioning, donor engagement, advocacy, risk communication, and public trust. The RED’s Office requires dedicated communications support to strengthen the visibility of EPR priorities, leadership engagements, regional initiatives, emergency operations, and strategic partnerships through high-quality content development, media engagement, executive messaging, and proactive management of digital and social media platforms, including X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and other relevant channels. This support will contribute to enhancing institutional visibility, strengthening stakeholder confidence, promoting strategic advocacy, and ensuring coherent, timely, and impactful communication of WHO AFRO’s emergency preparedness and response agenda.

The duties may be modified, based upon the needs of the Programme. Reporting to the EPR Director and the EPR Programme Management Officer, and working closely with counterparts within the EPR programme and the respective Regional Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1- CONTENT DEVELOPMENT AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION • Support the development, packaging, and dissemination of high-impact communication products highlighting the priorities, achievements, operations, and impact of the EPR Cluster and the RED’s Office. • Draft and review speeches, talking points, briefing notes, key messages, donor visibility materials, newsletters, situation updates, web stories, press lines, and success stories for internal and external audiences. • Develop compelling technical and non-technical content for multiple platforms, including social media, newsletters, presentations, reports, and advocacy materials. • Support emergency risk communication, advocacy, and strategic messaging during outbreaks, humanitarian crises, and public health emergencies in line with WHO standards and communication protocols. • Ensure timely dissemination of key information, achievements, operational updates, and strategic priorities to relevant stakeholders and audiences.

2- STRATEGIC VISIBILITY AND ADVOCACY • Support implementation of the EPR communication and visibility strategy aligned with WHO AFRO priorities and the broader global health security agenda. • Provide strategic communication support to the RED’s Office, including preparation of executive-level communication materials, presentations, high-level engagement packages, and visibility products. • Support the positioning of the EPR Cluster and RED’s Office through proactive communication initiatives that elevate preparedness, response operations, innovations, partnerships, and resource mobilization efforts. • Develop communication and advocacy plans for high-level meetings, donor engagements, conferences, missions, campaigns, and flagship EPR initiatives.

3- COORDINATION, MEDIA RELATIONS AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT • Coordinate closely with the WHO AFRO Communications Unit to ensure alignment of messaging, branding, media engagement, and external communication approaches. • Support strategic outreach and dissemination of communication products to donors, Member States, partners, media, and other key stakeholders. • Support in developing and maintaining strategic relationships with media outlets and communication partners to strengthen visibility of EPR priorities and emergency operations. • Support media monitoring and analysis of audience perceptions and communication risks related to public health emergencies and outbreaks. • Coordinate communication support for regional initiatives, donor briefings, bilateral engagements, and flagship programmes, including JEAP and preparedness initiatives.

4- DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT • Manage and maintain the RED’s official social media platforms, including X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and other relevant digital channels, ensuring consistent strategic messaging and visibility of leadership engagements and priorities. • Support management and optimization of EPR digital communication platforms and social media assets to strengthen awareness and visibility of preparedness and response operations across the Region. • Develop, schedule, and disseminate strategic digital content to increase engagement and visibility of EPR priorities, leadership missions, donor engagements, advocacy campaigns, and emergency operations. • Monitor social media trends, analytics, audience engagement, and emerging communication opportunities to strengthen the digital positioning of the RED’s Office and EPR Cluster.

5- DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT • Create, manage and utilize EPR social media assets (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) • Create and schedule posts, engage with followers, and monitor trends. • Coordinate and support communication and media sensitization initiatives for EPR staff to strengthen institutional communication capacities during emergencies and high-level engagements.

• Problem-solving and critical thinking. • Adaptability and flexibility. • Strong interpersonal and networking skills. • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Professionalism • Self-management

• At least 3-5 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in communications, public relations, or other relevant programs; experience with emergency response is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organizations. • Exceptional writing and communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas to a lay audience. • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with a proven track record of creating, facilitating, and strengthening partnerships. • Ability to work and produce results under pressure. • Sound understanding of the impact of emergencies and crises on social and economic development, and its burden on populations. • Experience working in Africa and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities working in a diverse workplace. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • 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; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, with the ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region. The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in the North and Northeast, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South. Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas. Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious. According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure. The Republic of Congo is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

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Added 12 days ago - Updated 2 hours ago - Source: unv.org