Communication Officer (P3)

The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.
Vacancy Notice No: SEARO/14/ROST/TA1 Title: Temporary International Professional - Communication Officer (P3) Grade: P3 Contract type: Rosters Duration of contract:  From 1 month to 24 months	Date: 24 March 2014 Application Deadline: 14 April 2014 (8 day(s) until closing deadline) Currently accepting applications Duty Station:  Multiple duty stations   Organization unit: SEARO Regional Office for the South East Asia (SE/RGO) / SE/DPM Director - Programme Management (SE/DPM) SE/PIA - Public Information and Advocacy
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME : Purpose of the Post: Provide support to Public Information and Advocacy unit. To assist in advocacy and communication support for WHO Campaigns and meetings. To assist Public Information and Advocacy Officer in internal and external communication. Objectives: To increase the awareness in Member States of WHO's policies and public health issues in general, and to gain public support for its achievement.
Description of duties: Under the overall guidance of Director, Programme Management (DPM) and supervision of the Public Information and Advocacy Officer (PIA), the incumbent will assist in creating a range of public information and advocacy products. The specific terms of reference of the assignment includes: 1. Assist PIA in implementing WHO Regional Communication Strategy by: a. Supporting WHO country offices operationalize Regional communication strategy. b. Implementing communication procedures and systems to support the WHO SEAR Communication strategy c. Ensuring that all Regional and Country office communication activities are aligned with the Regional communication strategy and policies d. Operationalizing Internal and external communication strategy and policies 2. Assist PIA in providing support for WHO campaigns and events by: a. Liaising with technical experts/units and creating communication plans for WHO days and meetings. b. Creating advocacy products ranging from posters, pamphlets, newsletter, factsheets, video films, radio messages, photo stories etc. c. Supporting WHO country office requests for communication assistance when needed. 3. Assist PIA in strengthening WHO's media relations by: a. Facilitating timely and accurate response to media queries with guidance from WHO technical experts. b. Generate media interest on health issues to support WHO Campaigns and meetings c. Conducting media workshops in Member States to sensitize media to health issues. d. Conducting a range of activities like workshops and training. e. Writing draft press releases, talking points, media advisories and organizing media briefings and interactions for WHO experts 4. Assist PIA in building communication capacity in the Region by: a. Conducting WHO communication training with risk communication focus for WHO staff in Regional and Country offices and Ministry of health experts in Member States. b. Assist in organizing training for WHO communication officers and focal points in WHO South-East Asia Region. 5. Any other duties as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Essential: University Degree Desirable: Post Graduate Degree / Diploma in Mass Communication, Journalism or a related field.
Skills:  Functional Skills and Knowledge 1. Writing skills 2. Familiarity with media 3. Experience as a trainer 4. Experience in conducting communication campaigns  Desirable: Knowledge of WHO/UN rules and regulations and good knowledge of working of UN and other international agencies. Competencies: 1. Communicating in a credible and effective way 2. Moving forward in a changing environment 3.Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond Other Skills: Excellent Computer skills, familiarity with online/social media.
Experience: Essential: At least 5 years of professional experience in Public information and advocacy. Desirable: Relevant national and international experience in communication in the health sector in developing countries, preferably in communication campaigns, media, social media and communication capacity building. Experience in a large UN or International organization is desirable.
Languages: Excellent command of spoken and written English.
Additional Information: The purpose of this vacancy notice is to invite qualified professionals with expertise in the field of Communication and Advocacy for possible temporary assignments which may arise from time to time at the WHO Regional Office for South East Asia or any of the WHO country offices located in the Member States of the Region namely: Bangladesh, Bhutan, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste. The duration of specific assignments may vary from one month up to a maximum of 24 months. The applications of qualified candidates (evaluated by the screening committee) will be kept in active roster and a competitive selection will be made as and when required for each specific assignment. The selected candidate will be informed accordingly. All applicants are requested to refrain from enquiring about the status of their applications. Their enquiry will not be entertained.
Annual salary: (Net of tax) USD 56,198 at single rate USD 60, 205 with primary dependants	Post Adjustment: 36.90 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
A written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.