Polio Eradication Programme Roster - External/Communications Officer

Contract

This is a Multiple grade levels contract. More about Multiple grade levels contracts.

Purpose of the Position

In the context of the GPEI support to the outbreak response at the country level, the incumbent will support the development and implementation of a communication plan, in line with the global Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-26; identify subjects of interest to develop advocacy/communication activities and products; promote achievements and results in emergency prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts; ensure the accurate and timely production and dissemination of high-quality public information products to highlight WHO’s work on the ground; and build contacts with the press/media and optimize networking opportunities. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Outbreak Coordinator in collaboration with health authorities, and with GPEI partners.

Please note that opportunities exist at P3 and P4 levels.

Objectives of the Programme and of the immediate Strategic Objective

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) aims to protect future generations of children from the threat of polio paralysis. The primary means of achieving this goal is to halt poliovirus transmission in countries where the disease is still endemic and to ensure a rapid and effective response to poliovirus outbreaks in polio-free countries.

Organizational context

The incumbent will act as a focal point for communication and advocacy, will report directly to the Outbreak Coordinator, and will have a functional line to GPEI communications teams. S/he will work closely with relevant technical officers and communications focal points in the respective Regional Office and HQ. S/he will engage with local subject matter experts to agree on best tactics to advocate GPEI work, goals and achievements, and feed this information back to regional and headquarter colleagues. The incumbent will liaise with a broad range of officials from the press and media, partner organizations and institutions, target audiences and official representatives from the national authorities to obtain information and, as necessary, provide advice on communication opportunities.

Summary of Assigned Duties

• During deployment, the duty station may change, and duties may be modified, based upon the technical needs of the Programme.
• Identify subjects of interest to develop and improve media/communication activities and products pertaining to the polio outbreak response and eradication at the country level. Design communication materials and tools and ensure the rapid and timely dissemination of information to all partners, through traditional and social media channels.
• Manage the development and harmonization of content for the polio related websites, in compliance with guidelines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of approach. Review and improve content and liaise with the web team at all levels on the appropriate channels for and presentation of materials and messages and materials.
• Co-develop, as relevant, high-quality media tools, including audio-visual, photographic and printed materials, television and radio programmes, multimedia presentations, social media, videos and press releases, etc., to promote polio outbreak response / GPEI visibility, achievements and success stories.
• Work closely with the country and regional Communication Officers, if any, in liaising with the press/media to advocate and disseminate information on emergency prevention, preparedness, recovery and response strategies and efforts. Organize interviews and filming opportunities to support high-visibility of GPEI achievements through television, radio and newspapers, etc.
• Prepare communication and advocacy products and statements to be used by the Resource Mobilization team to convince and encourage donors to rapidly fund the overall health sector response to affected populations.
• Collaborate with all relevant counterparts within the regional and field offices, other UN agencies, and other partners to identify and create communication opportunities and prepare communication campaigns on specific topics.
• Perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication

Functional Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to write well in English/French and produce engaging communication materials.
• Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products 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.
• Ability for creative and innovative thinking and to make innovative proposals to extend communication reach.
• Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals in the emergency incident management context.
• Knowledge of public health sector and issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work within an emergency context at the country level.

Education Qualifications

For the P3 level

Essential: A first level university degree in communication, journalism, political science, social sciences, international relations or related field from an accredited/recognized institute

Desirable: Courses in communication techniques such as graphic design, visual language and the use of social media.

For the P4 level

Essential: An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in communication, journalism, political science, social sciences, international relations or related field from an accredited/recognized institute

Desirable: Courses in communication techniques such as graphic design, visual language and the use of social media.

Experience

For the P3 level

Essential:

• At least five (5) years’ relevant experience at national and international levels in communication and/or advocacy, part of which should include supporting humanitarian emergency or health outbreak response and recovery activities.
• Proven experience in writing advocacy documents and in the production of communication materials and products.

For the P4 level

Essential:

• At least seven (7) years’ relevant experience at national and international levels in communication and/or advocacy, part of which should include supporting humanitarian emergency or health outbreak response and recovery activities.
• Proven experience in writing advocacy documents and in the production of communication materials and products.

Desirable:

• Prior working experience with WHO/UN or with an international nongovernmental organization.
• Experience in organizing advocacy campaigns.
• Experience in managing publishing and clearance processes.

Use of Language Skills

• Excellent knowledge of English or French (depending on the country of assignment).
• Knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic would be an asset.

Other Skills

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Excel).
• Familiarity with the use of graphic design, visual design, social media, website development and publishing software.

Additional Information

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for 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: https://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review. For information on WHO's operations please visit: https://www.who.int.
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice - https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values
• 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.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant. WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
• The purpose of this vacancy is to develop a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in this advertised roster. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently may be selected for consultancy assignments falling in this area of work or for similar requirements/tasks/deliverables. Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee selection to a consultant contract. There is no commitment on either side.