Risk Communications Officer

The mission of WHE is to build the capacity of Member States to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are overwhelmed, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and to provide effective relief and recovery to affected populations. WHE brings together and enhances WHO's operational, technical and normative capacities in outbreaks, emergencies and risk analysis to address all health hazards across the risk management cycle in a predictable, capable, dependable, adaptable and accountable manner. It is designed to operate within the broader humanitarian and emergency management architecture in support of people at risk of, or affected by, outbreaks and emergencies, consistent with ways that strengthen local and national capabilities. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Support the development and implementation of office-wide health risk communication, strategic health communication and corporate communication plans of the WHO Country Office in Viet Nam;
Support the development, implementation and updating, if needed. national strategies and action plans on health risk communication and strategic health communication of the Ministry of Health and other health authorities in Viet Nam. Those will include but not limited to: a. The Master Plan on Health Risk Communication, period 2020-2025, vision to 2030

b. Health risk communication component of the National Plan for Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) in Viet Nam c. Health risk communication component of the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan

Support capacity-strengthening in health risk communication and strategic health communication to the Ministry of Health and other health authorities in Viet Nam;
Support resource mobilization for health risk communication, strategic health communication and corporate communication plans of the WHO Country Office in Viet Nam;
Represent the WHO Country Office in Viet Nam at the UN Communications Team in Viet Nam; and
Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education

Essential: University degree in communications, journalism, public health, social science, or related field from a recognized university.
Desirable: Training on risk communication in the context of emergencies, public health communication, communication in the context of international organizations, or other related training from a recognized institution.

Experience

Essential: At least five years' experience in communications or public health related field. Work experience related to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
Desirable: Experience working with governments in Asia, especially in Viet Nam. Work experience or knowledge of policy development with the government. Work experience in international organizations and NGOs, preferably on health-related issues.

Skills

Demonstrated knowledge and experience of using strategic communications to improve public health in emergency.
Knowledge or understanding of WHO mandate and goals in the emergency incident management context.
Knowledge of WHO, its key partners and health media, and experience of working with them.
Ability to 'think out of the box' and to make innovative proposals related to communication.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Excellent writing skills.
Ability to demonstrate gender equity and cultural appropriateness in the delivery of services to the national counterparts.
Effective negotiation, facilitation and consensus building skills.
Ability to work under pressure while producing results.
Independence and ability to take initiative and responsibility.
Systematic approach and attention to detail.
Ability to act with tact, discretion and diplomacy, ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.

WHO Competencies Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Knowing and managing yourself Producing results Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of written and spoken English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of other 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 60,233 (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 1175 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.