National Professional Officer (Communication)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees in more than 150 countries, WHO works in various areas including disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency response. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on improving health outcomes globally through collaboration with governments and other partners.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Communication) position is designed to enhance public awareness of health issues and WHO's initiatives in the Philippines. The role involves developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that align with WHO guidelines and policies. The incumbent will be responsible for disseminating findings from health initiatives, promoting health education, and advocating for policy actions. This position requires effective coordination of communication activities, especially during health emergencies, and ensuring that the WHO workforce is informed about key developments. The officer will also engage with media and stakeholders to enhance the visibility of WHO's work and foster partnerships for resource mobilization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing communication strategies to raise awareness of health issues, coordinating with WHO staff and national health authorities, implementing WHO's corporate communication strategy, identifying and promoting success stories, managing outreach through various media channels, organizing events and media briefings, building relationships with media and communication counterparts, monitoring media coverage and public perception, collaborating with national stakeholders for health campaigns, advocating for organizational priorities, and providing training on communication and media engagement to WHO staff. The role also involves supporting emergency communications and community engagement during public health crises.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in communication, journalism, marketing, public health, political science, international relations, or a related field. An advanced degree or formal qualification in communication or public health is desirable. Training in strategic communication, graphic design, and community engagement is also beneficial. WHO only recognizes higher educational qualifications from accredited institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree is essential for this position, with a preference for candidates holding an advanced degree in relevant fields. The educational background should include courses in communication, public health, or related areas, with additional training in health promotion and risk communication being advantageous. Candidates must ensure their qualifications are from recognized institutions as per WHO standards.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in delivering communication strategies and products at the national level is required. Experience with WHO, other UN agencies, government bodies, or NGOs is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of public health communication and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Proficiency in Filipino is desirable, as it will aid in communication with local stakeholders and audiences. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their language skills in both written and verbal forms, ensuring effective communication across various platforms.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of the Philippines will be considered. The remuneration package includes an annual base salary starting at PHP 1,827,954, with mandatory deductions for pension and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The position may involve a written test or video assessment as part of the selection process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups. The organization maintains a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and abuse. Candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before employment.