Overview
The Communications Support Officer will liaise with the media and the general public on health-related issues and achievements, and on WHO activities at the country level.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the implementation of communication strategies and plans to raise awareness of WHO programmes and achievements at country level.
- Support the implementation of the WHO corporate communication strategy.
- Identify marketable subjects/success stories, and develop communications and advocacy products.
- Support outreach and dissemination to target audiences on suitable media channels and platforms, including social media.
- Organize media events, campaigns and media technical briefings.
- Build and maintain productive networks and contacts with the press/media and key national communication counterparts.
- Apply knowledge of cultural norms to support website content development and social media engagements.
- Support regular media monitoring and propose risk-mitigation communications.
- Collaborate with national stakeholders, development partners, and UN Information Officers on health strategies.
- Advocate for organizational priorities and represent WHO in the UN Communication Group.
- Support emergency or multi-hazard risk communications, social mobilization, and advocacy plans during public health crises.
- Support country office leadership on strategic, external and internal communications.
- Coordinate and deliver communication and media-sensitization training for WHO country office staff.
Required Experience
A minimum of two years of work experience relevant to the position (delivering communications services and products) at the national level.
Qualifications
- Essential: A university degree (bachelor's) in a relevant field (such as communication, journalism, marketing, health communications, political science or international relations).
- Desirable: Formal qualification in public health. Courses in communication techniques and/or graphic design and/or visual language in the use of social media. Training in risk communication.
