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Communications Officer (Media) Grade: P4

The Department of Communications (DCO) objectives are to: ensure timely production and dissemination of high quality public information on longstanding and emerging public health issues through various platforms (print, web, broadcast, social media, etc.) and in multiple languages; define and promote a consistent corporate identity for WHO internally and externally; create a 21st century "culture of communications" at WHO by strengthening capacity at every level; contribute to managing WHO's reputation by monitoring public opinion and concerns, and responding to them strategically; and lead the strategic communications response to epidemics and pandemics, public health emergencies and for the health aspects of humanitarian crises.
Description of duties:
External media
- Represent WHO while working with the media.
- Coordinate and handle media visits to WHO.
- Answer media inquiries received by phone and email.
- Draft press releases, notes for the media and media advisories for WHO events, products and issues.
- Prepare external media events, such as press conferences for guideline launches, key public health days and major media issues.
- Ensure that technical staff are fully prepared to brief media and provide media training when necessary.
- Advise WHO staff, including senior staff, on media outreach strategies.
- Contribute to the development of briefings and panels for the media to present WHO issues and experts.
- Proactively reach out to media through the development of panel discussions, editorial boards and other opportunities to educate them about public health issues and introduce them to WHO experts.

Surge capacity
- Provide communications surge capacity as needed in the case of public health or humanitarian emergencies or in other situations.

Focal point for cluster/department
- Act as the liaison between technical departments (as assigned), and the Department, regularly attending departmental meetings.
- Proactively keep abreast of success stories, upcoming events and other potentially significant developments in the departments covered so that content that could be developed for both off- and online dissemination.
- Keep up to date on latest public health developments in the area of work assigned to as focal point.
- Ensure communications plans and strategies are developed for events as needed.
- Ensure the timely production of 'talking points' and other written products and oversee required clearance processes.
- Contribute to the writing of media products for the cluster and/or department as needed.

Other duties as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Essential
University degree in communications, journalism, public health or political or international relations.
Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Ability to write well in English and to juggle competing priorities under deadline pressure.
Comfortable working with all forms of media in all situations, including under pressure.
Demonstrated networking skills.
Thorough understanding of public health and international development issues, and the ability to quickly understand, process and communicate about new public health information.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to develop, communicate, analyse and evaluate media content.
Attention to details.
Proficient computer skills including Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Photoshop.
Ability to use online tools for media monitoring.

WHO Competencies:
1. Communicating in a credible and effective way
2. Ensuring the effective use of resources
3. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
4. Moving forward in a changing environment.
Experience:
Essential
At least 7 years experience working as a journalist or working with the media on behalf of an international organization, including at least 5 years experience in writing press releases, talking points, FAQs and other products for the media.

Desirable
Experience working in the field in emergencies or in developing countries.
Experience serving as a spokesperson for an international or public health organization.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of English or French is essential. A working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset.
Additional Information:
Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this Vacancy Notice. This vacancy is published in English only.

The following priority order will be observed in the screening of candidates: 1. WHO staff members (Continuing, Fixed-term and Temporary appointments), 2. External candidates.
Annual salary: (Net of tax)
USD 67395 at single rate
USD 72373 with primary dependants
Post Adjustment: 110.6 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening

Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.