OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The overall objectives of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) are to lead the global eradication efforts of national governments and the global polio eradication partnership in interrupting the transmission of poliovirus worldwide, to help integrate polio eradication broader immunization and emergency efforts to certify eradication, and to eventually stop the use of all oral poliovirus vaccines. The immediate strategic objective is to implement WHO’s contribution to the GPEI Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategy 2019-2023 in collaboration with GPEI partners and in support of national eradication efforts. The immediate strategic objective is to implement WHO’s contribution to the GPEI Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategy 2019-2023 in collaboration with GPEI partners and in support of national eradication efforts.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Assist and coordinate with the editing and production of human-interest stories and ensure their timely dissemination and publication in the GPEI website, WHO website, and other global platforms.
• Provide editorial and project management support to country and regional offices to achieve regular web stories.
• Liaise regularly with other GPEI partners, in the context of the Global Communications Group (GCG), as well as with regional office and country officers, to provide extra communications support as needed.
• Work closely with the gender advisor and gender lead to promote gender workstreams and support gender-sensitive communications.
• Work with external PR agency counterparts to map out, draft and edit monthly newsletter – PolioNews.
• Ensure smooth planning, production and publication of the programme newsletter, incorporating suggestions from senior members of the Resource Mobilization & Communication (RMC) team.
• Serve as social media officer for RMC team.
• Support communications officers with technical communications tasks, including on roll-out of novel oral polio vaccine type 2, governing body meetings, communications-related aspects around development of new GPEI strategy, around wild poliovirus (WPV) and circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) epidemiology post COVID-19.
• Support communications outreach for World Polio Day (24 October) and other high-profile events.
• Support revitalization of GPEI internal communications.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: First level degree in communications, political or social science, public health or other field relevant to the functions of the position..
Desirable: Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in public health, social science or communications.

Experience

Essential: At least two years of experience in health communications or other relevant area. Previous experience working in a multinational environment or in a public health setting.
Desirable: Demonstrated exposure at the international level.

Skills

Ability to grasp complex technical and epidemiological data and translate technical issues into content for non-specialist audiences. Ability to research a story, write well and provide fast and accurate copy to tight deadlines, multitask, prioritize and manage workflows. Demonstrated ability for strong, clear writing based on technical material.

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.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

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 48,805 (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 3510 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.

• 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.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO’s workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

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

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. 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.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

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

How to apply:

Job Description – Technical Officer (Communications) (2101192) (who.int)