OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The WHO Academy is a priority of the WHO transformation agenda and will deliver advanced digital and classroom training to WHO staff and health stakeholders around the world. The Academy will be a globally accessible school for the future which combines the latest technologies in digital and remote learning with advancements in adult learning science to offer innovative,personalized and multilingual training that meets priority needs.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the leadership and guidance of the Executive Director (EXD), the purpose of the position is to develop and implement communication, visibility and advocacy strategies related to the establishment and growth of the WHO Academy’s goals. Generic responsibilities include supporting communication and visibility around the progress in achieving the strategic objectives and work plans of the WHO Academy. Key specific responsibilities include:

• Developing a communication plan and implementing key products (advocacy messages, documents, tools, multimedia and infographics) and events of the Academy which promotes the technical soundness of its work and maximizes the impact of its key messages.
• Ensure the timely implementation of the plan in collaboration with key technical stakeholders and counterparts in the regions and HQ.
• Maintaining and continuously modernizing social media outreach for internal and external communications of the Academy’s work.
• Developing and coordinating the relevant communication work at key events involving the Academy such as regional/global campaigns to promote training programmes, success stories, targeted learners outreach.
• Developing and maintaining the necessary linkages across relevant technical teams in HQ/regional offices and also with relevant external stakeholders.
• Strengthening the Academy’s media coverage by establishing and nurturing productive relationships with the media to improve the quality and quantity of coverage in crucial areas of our work.
• Assist the Executive Director in the preparation and organization of speaking engagements, which involves creating background materials, drafting talking points, speeches, and presentations.
• In coordination with the Web team supports the Executive Director in developing and promoting news stories for the Academy on the external website.
• Contribute to other relevant activities as requested by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in communications, journalism, political or social sciences.
Desirable: Advanced level degree in any of the above areas. Certificate in public health studies.

Experience

Essential: At least five years of professional experience in the area of communications, writing, editing, publishing and/or media relations, including at least one year of experience at the international level.
Desirable: Previous relevant working experience in WHO and/ or UN. Demonstrated experience with web-writing and production of publications and social media communication in the domain of public health.

Skills

• Ability to communicate and negotiate with a wide variety of people including WHO officials, journalists, senior editors and other representatives of the media; and service providers within a multicultural environment.
• Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize, research and write to short deadlines.
• Sound advocacy skills complemented by the ability to plan and evaluate situations and propose innovative communications options.
• Excellent writing skills and ability to tailor-writing to a range of audiences.

WHO Competencies

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

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of French.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of UN language.

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 2837 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 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.

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

• 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 for WHO jobs. 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 [email protected].

• 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.

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

• *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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