National Communication Consultant

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1. BACKGROUND

Since 31 December 2019, the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) has been responding to control the outbreak that would eventually become the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO is working with countries across the Region, analysing the latest data and science, informing and engaging the public, providing updates on the current situation, coordinating with partners, distributing life-saving supplies, advancing preparedness and strengthening health systems.

In the Western Pacific Region, the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies (APSED III) is a common strategic framework guiding the joint action of Member States, WHO and partners to advance implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005). Through strengthening the core capacities required under the IHR (2005), including risk communication and community engagement, countries can save lives and protect health during outbreaks and health emergencies such as with the current COVID-19 pandemic.

2. PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

This consultancy will support WHO Representative Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore and the Ministries of Health with developing communications products related to COVID-19 response and recovery of routine health services.

3. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT / METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Under the supervision of the Risk Communication Pillar Lead in WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific and guidance by the WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, the consultant will be responsible for delivering the following:

Output 1: Support the country office in external communication and media relations in response to COVID-19:

• Deliverable 1.1: Manage social media accounts and prepare digital and social media plans in line with Regional guidance and in-country specific context and priority topics;
• Deliverable 1.2: Proactively create communication and outreach content including human interest stories, case studies, commentaries and op-ed’s;
• Deliverable 1.3: Respond to media inquiries, prepare press releases, media briefs and talking points;
• Deliverable 1.4: Support country office in placing content in different media outlets and coordinate editorial content of the CO’s website;
• Deliverable 1.5: Support internal communications across the CO work programmes and activities;

Output 2: Support the Ministries of Health and the WHO with RCCE activities:

• Deliverable 1.1: Support the RCCE working group in Malaysia with the strengthening of RCCE strategy and planning, focussing on COVID-19 response and vaccine booster rollout;
• Deliverable 1.2: Develop IEC materials and messaging in line with WHO global and Regional guidance and facilitate/provide translation to local languages as needed;
• Deliverable 1.3: Support the implementation of RCCE campaigns and projects in Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam;
• Deliverable 1.4: Support coordination with partners and stakeholders to share information, exchange knowledge and data, ensure consistency of messaging and materials, and collaborate on various projects in Brunei and Malaysia;
• Deliverable 1.5: Support capacity building activities such as trainings, workshops and webinars in the field of risk communication and community engagement;

4. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Health, Political Science, International Relations or a related field.
• Desirable: Masters degree is desirable.

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• Minimum of five years of experience in strategic communications including experience in developing social media content and managing social media content.

Desirable: Experience of working within the UN system or with UN partners.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge and skills in developing social media content for communication and community engagement.

LANGUAGES

• Written and spoken fluency in Bahasa Malaysia and English is essential.

COMPETENCIES

• Teamwork
• Producing results
• Communication
• Ensuring effective use of resources
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Place of assignment

Malaysia. Local Malaysians are encouraged to apply.

Medical clearance

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

• 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.