OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

To increase awareness of the Polio Eradication Initiative’s (PEI) work in EMR, with special emphasize on key programming, through the design and implementation of a comprehensive communication policy and strategy for the region.2. To help ensure updated external messaging and narrative for the programme in polio affected countries and in the region.3. To promote improvements in programmmes communications design and advocate for policy action.4. To strengthen capacity for effective coordination and communication activities (including relations with the media) during outbreaks and emergencies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform the following duties: Contribute to development of a media and communications strategy for the polio eradication programme in the region and polio-affected and at-risk countries of the region Ensure that the strategies are aligned with and complement the Global Polio Eradication Initiative strategies. Work closely with the Media and Communications Units in the Regional Office and at HQ to make sure all communication approaches and products are aligned with the Regional and WHO Global standards and are all in compliance with WHO corporate regulations .In consultation with senior management, identify and prioritize topics within the work of the polio programme that should be promoted through media communications and organize all the media events such as press briefings, journalists’ trips, interviews, photo exhibits, etc. Support the Unit in producing and compiling reports and contribute to the development of monthly and annual reports. Assist the programme in designing and editing publication material. Monitor and analyze the news coverage and updates of the region’s mainstream media, particularly in the fields related to health and polio eradication work, and provide support in preparation of periodical analytical clipping reports. Develop WHO messages, media talking points, press releases, position statements, IEC, other communication materials and other types of media supporting documents to facilitate dissemination of key messages to the public and other stake holders. Contribute to developing country specific training materials and communication guidelines for WHO staff working in PEl and ensure that these are incorporated in WHO global and Regional training curricula, organize and facilitate communication capacity building training programmes for the country team on how to reach out to, and work effectively with, the media to promote the WHO role in PEl. Work closely with regional and country teams and the cross-partnership Incident Management Support Team to support development and implementation of regional and country specific advocacy plans.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in journalism, communications, social sciences or business administration.
Desirable: Studies or experience-based knowledge of advocacy and communications methods and technique.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years experience as a journalist or in a media organization (television, radio and/or print), with international exposure, or in the organization involved in information and communications projects and/or tactics related to humanitarian crises and response relief interventions.
Desirable: Experience in planning and implementing media and communications projects tactics, including the development of audio and visual materials and tools. Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals of PEl or experience in similar positions in the UN or NGOs.

Skills

Proven skills in development and implementation of communications/media products and tactics, including relations with the press and media. Excellent interpersonal skills complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and promote consensus. Ability to work in emergency situation under pressure while producing results. Knowledge or sound understanding of the social, political and economic contexts and their impact on communication and advocacy strategies. Ability to “think out of the box” and to make innovative proposals as related to communication and advocacy. Tact, discretion and diplomacy.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment

WHO global Competencies model at http://www.who.int/employment/WHO_competencies_EN.pdf?ua=1

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 64,121 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 2068 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an 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: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• • The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (

https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion 

• ) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• • Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to

reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. 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.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• *For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.

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