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Communications Specialist

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Manila
  • 14d left

AI generated summary

  • You need an advanced degree in communications or health, 7+ years' experience in communications, excellent writing skills, and fluency in English; knowledge of public health is desirable.
  • You will develop and implement communication strategies, create advocacy materials, manage media relations, oversee social media, coordinate events, and support public health awareness in the region.

Requirements

  • REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Education
  • Essential: Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, marketing, political or international relations, or health. Desirable: Formal qualification in public health. Courses in communication techniques, graphic design, or social media. Training in risk communication.
  • 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/.
  • Experience
  • Essential: A minimum of seven years work experience in communications strategy development and implementation, including delivery of communications services and products, with some obtained in an international work environment. Desirable: Some of the above-listed experience to have been obtained in the health field.
  • Skills
  • Knowledge and understanding of WHO’s mandate and goals
  • Thorough understanding of public health and international development issues
  • Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication/media products and approaches including solid writing ability
  • Skills and ability to represent and promote the WHO brand in virtual communities and networks
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to develop messaging and positioning for an international organization
  • Ability to elicit and communicate success stories
  • Ability to transform technical information for different target audiences
  • Desirable:
  • Knowledge of WHO/United Nations programmes and practices
  • Knowledge of the Western Pacific Region
  • WHO Competencies Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: who-enhanced-competence.pdf
  • Teamwork
  • Respecting & promoting individual and cultural differences
  • Communication
  • Creating and empowering and motivating environment
  • Producing results
  • Promoting the Organization’s position in health leadership
  • Use of Language Skills
  • Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Desirable: Knowledge of French and/or Chinese is an advantage.

Responsibilities

  • In coordination with relevant staff in the Regional Office, country offices and headquarters, develop and steer the implementation of comprehensive communication strategies and plans to advocate for and ensure public awareness of key health issues, WHO’s leadership, programmes and achievements in countries and areas of the Western Pacific Region.
  • Support the implementation of the WHO corporate communication strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and key health initiatives.
  • Identify marketable subjects, success stories, and health-related trends, and develop a wide range of communications and advocacy products including for partnerships’ initiatives, to promote the regional public health agenda.
  • Oversee office processes for identifying, producing, disseminating and measuring the impact of communication content, ensuring high-quality materials and optimal outreach across suitable channels and platforms.
  • Ensure active communication support for the Regional Director, and from the Regional Office to COs and GDSOs in the Western Pacific.
  • Coordinate across the three levels of the Organization and with key partners on editorial issues, media relations, and digital engagement to ensure consistency and strategic alignment.
  • Organize events, campaigns, and media briefings, coordinating between media and WHO experts, as required.
  • Endeavour to create new and strategically important networks and contacts with the media, communication counterparts at relevant government agencies and partner organizations, and other key players to ensure strong knowledge of health issues and trust in WHO’s work in the Region.
  • Manage the development/updating of content on the WHO Regional and country websites in the Western Pacific and the regional intranet presence, and chair regular meetings of the regional web working group, ensuring regular updates and measurement, evaluation and learning.
  • Oversee the design and delivery of effective social media engagement strategies.
  • Ensure regular media monitoring, tracking audience/target group perceptions of the organization. Develop strategies to address deficiencies and manage risk-mitigation communications.
  • Collaborate with regional stakeholders, development and other strategic partners to produce and disseminate information on regional health strategies. Advocate for organizational priorities, foster related initiatives, and represent WHO in relevant fora.
  • Coordinate closely with the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) to develop and deliver specialized emergency or multi-hazard risk communications, social mobilization and advocacy plans before, during and after public health crises, emergencies, and outbreaks.
  • Advise Regional Office leadership and support implementation of strategic external and internal communications.
  • Coordinate and deliver communication and media-sensitization training for WHO staff, contributing to capacity building in the Region.
  • Perform other communication-related tasks as requested by the supervisor.

FAQs

What is the contractual arrangement for this position?

The position is offered as a fixed-term appointment.

What is the duration of the contract for this job?

The contract duration is 2 years.

Where is this job located?

The primary location for this job is Manila, Philippines.

What are the key objectives of the Communications Specialist role?

The role aims to use strategic communications to promote, provide, and protect health, ensuring stakeholders in the Western Pacific Region are aware of and support WHO's work.

What educational qualifications are required for this position?

An advanced university degree in communications, journalism, marketing, political or international relations, or health is essential. A formal qualification in public health and training in communication techniques is desirable.

How much experience is required for the Communications Specialist role?

A minimum of seven years of work experience in communications strategy development and implementation is required, with some experience in an international work environment.

What skills are essential for this position?

Essential skills include knowledge of WHO’s mandate, understanding of public health issues, strong writing abilities, excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to develop messaging for an international organization.

Is knowledge of languages other than English beneficial for this role?

Yes, knowledge of French and/or Chinese is considered an advantage for this position.

What is the salary for the Communications Specialist position?

The annual base salary starts at USD 77,326, with additional post adjustments that reflect living costs in the duty station.

Are there any specific WHO competencies required for this role?

Yes, required competencies include teamwork, communication, producing results, and promoting the Organization's position in health leadership.

Will candidates receive training in communication and media?

Yes, the role includes coordinating and delivering communication and media-sensitization training for WHO staff.

What is the process for applying to this position?

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online, ensuring their profile is properly completed and all required details regarding qualifications and experience are provided.

Will candidates be subjected to a background check?

Yes, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates to ensure adherence to ethical and professional standards.

Is there a policy regarding tobacco use for employees?

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

We are the United Nations’ health agency. We are committed to achieve better health for everyone, everywhere.

Government
Industry
5001-10,000
Employees
1948
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations dedicated to international public health. The organisation works to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable by setting global health standards, providing leadership on international health matters, and coordinating responses to health emergencies. WHO's ultimate mission is to ensure that all people achieve the highest possible standard of health, addressing health inequities and strengthening health systems worldwide. Their purpose is to lead and coordinate international efforts to improve health and well-being, prevent and respond to health crises, and support sustainable health development globally.