Community Preparedness Innovation Implementation National UNV

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established in 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's initiatives focus on various health issues, including disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency preparedness and response, particularly in the African region where it aims to strengthen health systems and enhance community engagement in health emergencies.

Job Overview:
The position of Community Preparedness Innovation Implementation National UNV is designed to support the WHO African Region's initiative to institutionalize community engagement through the rollout of the REACH AFRICA preparedness initiatives. This role is crucial in translating regional commitments into accessible tools and narratives that community actors can easily understand and apply. The incumbent will be responsible for producing a series of podcasts and community dialogues that elevate the voices of local communities and enhance their participation in health emergency preparedness. The position emphasizes the importance of community-led approaches and aims to foster public dialogue across all tiers of society, ensuring that community perspectives are integrated into national and regional health priorities. The role requires creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to engage diverse audiences in meaningful discussions about health preparedness and resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Community Preparedness Innovation Implementation National UNV include:

• Producing at least 15 podcasts that highlight community experiences and solutions related to health emergencies, ensuring dissemination across WHO networks and beyond.
• Creating community dialogues on wheels (EngageMobile) to facilitate face-to-face interactions between national and local decision-makers and community members.
• Developing preparedness pulses to enhance early community response capacities, with at least 15 produced and disseminated.
• Managing the REACH-AFRICA initiatives, including the podcast series and community engagement tools.
• Documenting an end-of-assignment report with recommendations and lessons learned for future phases of the initiative.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders, including community health workers, traditional leaders, and policymakers, to ensure inclusive and effective communication strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree in communication, journalism, media production, or related fields, or have equivalent professional experience. Additionally, a minimum of 3–5 years of experience in audio and video production, podcasting, or community engagement is required. A portfolio showcasing previous podcasts, audio content, or community dialogue outputs is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate proven technical production skills, including proficiency with audio production tools and experience in managing podcasting equipment. Strong project management skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to community engagement are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in communication, journalism, media production, or related fields. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered. Candidates should have a strong foundation in audio and video production, as well as experience in community engagement and communication strategies.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 3–5 years of relevant experience in audio and video production, podcasting, or community engagement. This experience should include managing the end-to-end production cycle, from planning and scheduling to recording, editing, and publishing content. Familiarity with public health, risk communication, and community engagement principles is also advantageous, particularly in emergency preparedness contexts.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in at least one WHO relevant language, such as English or French. Knowledge of a second language is desirable, as it can enhance communication with diverse community groups and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open only to Kenyan nationals who are legally authorized to work in Kenya at the time of application. The role may require travel to Member States and regional events, accounting for up to 25% of the appointment period, and will be subject to WHO regulations and guidance. The WHO is committed to achieving gender equality and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace, encouraging women to apply. The organization maintains a strict policy of non-discrimination and ensures fair and equitable opportunities for all qualified candidates.