Technical Officer, Communications & Knowledge Management

Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
Location: Washington D.C. (United States of America)
Grade: P-2, International Professional - Internationally recruited position - Junior level
Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
- Education, Learning and Training
Closing Date: 2021-08-21

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Revolving Fund Special Program for Access to Vaccines (RFV) provides technical cooperation to the Member States of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) as a key contributor to the success in eliminating vaccine preventable diseases. RFV provides leadership, direction, support and assistance to Member States for the continuous supply of quality vaccines and related supplies and promotes rapid introduction of new life-saving vaccines. It also provides strategic direction on vaccine procurement to PAHO Executive Management, PAHO/WHO Representatives (PWRs) and Department Directors and develops strategies and leads negotiations with suppliers to ensure best pricing for Member States.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Chief, Revolving Fund Special Program for Vaccine Procurement (RFV) and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Strategic Communications (RFV), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

a) Provide technical support for the development and implementation of the RFV Communications Strategy; provide support for communications activities related to the RFV program of work and Plan of Action, working in close coordination with the Communications Department (CMU); collaborate and coordinate communications initiatives with internal entities and external partners; define and develop information sharing strategies and activities for the RFV, in collaboration with the Chief and technical staff;

b) Collaborate and coordinate with other departments that support the work of RFV, for the development of communication products that most effectively convey the desired information and messages to target audiences;

c) Provide support to RFV’s technical team, developing strategies to manage messaging to corresponding audiences: partners, donors, national health authorities of Member States and relevant PAHO Advisors;

d) Supervise, guide and assist communications Focal Points in Country Offices to transmit messaging of the Revolving Fund in an effective and timely manner;

e) Prepare periodic monitoring reports of press coverage to detect opportunities and implement risk mitigation;

f) Serve as the focal point for communications in RFV and main point of contact with CMU, providing strategic support and input to develop the principal communication products and services, organized by the following areas of work:

Internal Communications: Develop and maintain the Intranet/Website for RFV; coordinate and support content management activities, ensuring quality and integrity of information published on both sites;

Editorial Services: provide editorial support for scientific, technical and/or promotional materials produced by RFV for specific internal/external audiences, ensuring the quality and integrity of information;

Multimedia Relations and Services: act as contact person and work closely with the CMU Multimedia team to coordinate timely response to external media requests (interviews, press releases, etc); edit content for press releases, fact sheets, campaign materials, video scripts, etc; review these materials for content, accuracy, and consistency in terminology and style; provide training to RFV’s technical staff in external communication methods, including media training; support and reinforce internal and external communications actions;

Institutional Branding: coordinate and provide data regarding the production of the RFV’s information products, based on the guidelines of the PAHO Publishing Policy and the Institutional Branding principles and standards;

g) Support the design and implementation of RFV’s communications plan and coordinate the publication of key information to promote the technical cooperation aspect of the RFV through the development of education and advocacy materials;

h) Collaborate with technical teams in adapting content in different forms appropriate for each dissemination platform (e.g. print, media lists, web, social media) and consistent with the Organization’s brand and style;

i) Develop user friendly materials and identify special cases in need of particular tactics such as reputation crises and/or the participation of the organization in global initiatives;

j) Collaborate in the development of key presentations to help maintain visual consistency and engaging messaging;

k) Support preparation of meeting materials such Q&As and meeting reports.;

l) Disseminate communication products for targeted audiences;

m) Develop key performance indicators to allow the creation of final reports and project evaluations; Prepare and present periodic reports on project status;

n) Design high-level appropriate materials and graphic aids to execute the communications plan or assist in identifying and procuring subconsultants to assist when and if needed;

o) Maintain effective partnerships with all project stakeholders to exchange critical and technical information and resolve program/project implementation issues to achieved planned results;

p) Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor's degree in journalism, information sciences, media studies, communications or in any of the areas related to the functions of the position, from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master’s degree in a health-related area, communications, marketing or business administration.

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/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Five years of combined national and international professional experience working in the area of communications, marketing, business, advertising.

Desirable: Experience working in/with large multi-disciplinary teams.

SKILLS:

PAHO Competencies:

Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.

Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others. - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.

Communication: Express oneself clearly when speaking/Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge - Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience. Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers. Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans). Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.

Producing Results: Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own timelines effectively and efficiently. Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project’s expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary. Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.

Moving forward in a changing environment: Propose change/Adapt to change - Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise. Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

Technical expertise in emerging information and communication technologies for health information and knowledge management sharing and virtual collaboration.

Technical expertise and proven skills in the design, planning and implementation of strategies and communication campaigns.

Expertise in the development and conceptualization of multimedia contents.

Excellent organizational and analytical skills combined with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently and to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.

Strong communications skills (oral, written, visual), including the development of persuasive communication material and documents.

Strong knowledge and skills for the design, organization, and coordination of complex special events and communication campaigns.

Languages:

Essential: Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and SharePoint. Other IT skills and knowledge of the other software programs such as Drupal, Joomla, adobe creative suite (photoshop, illustrator, acrobat reader) or final cut, would be an asset.

Please refer to this link for application and more details.