National consultant - Communications

1. Purpose of the Position

The WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care (PHC) located in Almaty, Kazakhstan is seeking a national consultant to plan and organize communications strategy, to provide communications support to events of the Center, and to ensure on-going visibility of the work of the WHO European Centre for PHC in transforming and strengthening primary health care provision in the region. The consultant is expected to contribute to these efforts in coordination and agreement with the Division of Country Health Policies and Systems (CPS Division) communications officer under the overall branding of the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The Center’s products are important to advance the priority areas defined by the European Program of Work (EPW). The publications and products target a range of audiences and require an in- depth knowledge of framing discussions about primary health care as a cornerstone of the Universal Health Coverage agenda to four key audiences: policy makers, health practitioners, academics and the public.

2. Organizational context

The WHO European Centre for PHC in Almaty, Kazakhstan, supports Member States in reforming systems to deliver people-centered, integrated health services. It provides technical support to strengthening the delivery of services that are based on a primary health care approach and focuses on the integration of primary care with public health, hospitals and the social sector.

The Centre operates in the context of the priorities identified in the European Framework for Action on Integrated Health Services Delivery and the WHO European Region’s commitment to strengthening people-centered health systems as envisioned in Health 2020.

The WHO European Centre for PHC is hosted by the Government of Kazakhstan and has a multidisciplinary staff with diverse expertise and hands-on experience across countries in the European Region.

3. Description of duties

Objectives

The objective of this consultancy is to plan and develop communications products to (1) continue to build political support for primary health care reform in the WHO European region; (2) highlight country impact and country success stories, and (3) ensure on-going visibility of the work of the Center as part of the overall communication efforts of the WHO Regional Office for Europe/CPS Division.

Activities

The scope of the work will include:

Communications Strategy: development of a new communication strategy in line with the new strategy of the Center and the EPW. This strategy will be coordinated carefully with the CPS Division communications officer.

Multimedia: production of a series of short explainer videos, photo stories, and other audio-visual products to visually showcase the impact of WHO’s work on primary health care in the region and highlight country impact in both English and Russian languages.

Digital media: Hosting a monthly talk show “Let’s talk primary health care” to connect PHC policy enthusiasts in the region. This talk show will be a platform for a live conversation between experts, decision-makers, and health managers from countries. The consultant will work on the branding of the talk show, marketing, and stage managing each edition.

Publications. Issuance of a range of written publication products like Policy Paper series and Good Practice Brief series targeting various audiences. The consultant will develop a design concept for the Policy Paper series and Good Practice Brief series and work to ensure adequate design of each.

Events branding. Facilitation/hosting of range of events both physical and virtual and the consultant will lead branding, design, stage management and marketing under the overall communication strategy.

Social media. Leading the Center’s social media and visibility strategy.

4. Recruitment Profile

Functional Knowledge and Skills

Essential • Demonstrated ability to produce high quality, creative communications materials including on social media and proven track record of previous communication achievements; • An understanding of key policy issues health system strengthening for UHC with a focus on primary health care.

Desirable • Good communication, networking and negotiation skills; • Excellent computer skills and experience in preparing and maintaining communication materials; • Demonstrated ability to work with minimum supervision, be dynamic, proactive and • creative.

Education Qualifications

Essential University degree in communications, or journalism, international relations or other field relevant to the position.

Experience

Essential • A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in communications related areas. • Experience in developing communications plan for events organized by international organizations. • Experience managing a range of contractors including designers, videographers, and film crews.

Desirable • Experience working with the UN or other international organizations and donors on communication and branding. • Proven experience as an editor

Languages

Essential • Working knowledge of English and Russian (Read –Write –Speak)

Desirable • Knowledge of another UN language

5. Contract duration

May –December 2021

6. Location

The location of the consultancy is in Almaty, Kazakhstan with full time physical presence required.

7. Remuneration

Remuneration is based on classified requirements of the Terms of Reference of the Individual Consultant Contract with related academic and professional experience applied for the grade in accordance with WHO’s consultant’s pay band ranges.