UN Volunteer - Communications Support

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, its mission is to lead global efforts to achieve better health for all. The organization connects countries, people, and partners to ensure that everyone has an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. WHO operates in 150+ locations and collaborates with 194 member states to tackle health challenges such as emerging epidemics, communicable diseases, and chronic diseases. The organization is dedicated to advancing the well-being of the world’s population through various health initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer will provide essential communications support to the WHO Country Office in Sri Lanka (WCO-SRL). This role involves close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including WHO staff, other UN organizations, and local health authorities. The primary objective is to effectively communicate the work of WCO-SRL to the public, translating complex health information into accessible language. The volunteer will be responsible for creating content for various platforms, coordinating communication campaigns, and enhancing the organization's capacity in communications and advocacy. This position requires a proactive approach to content creation, media relations, and social media management, ensuring that WHO's visibility and achievements are effectively highlighted.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Content Creation: Proactively create editorial content such as stories, photos, infographics, and videos in collaboration with WCO technical officers. Adapt content for media pitching, web, and social media, and support print production when necessary. Highlight WHO's visibility and success stories in communication products. Design templates for standard communication products.
• Website Update and Social Media Management: Develop content for the WCO website and social media platforms to maintain a strong online presence. Ensure timely dissemination of content and coordinate the implementation of the communication plan and standard operating procedures (SOP), including social media engagement strategies.
• Media Relations: Facilitate responses to media inquiries, arrange interviews, and collaborate with WCO staff to develop speeches, talking points, and messages. Ensure quality and adherence to WHO style guides for public information materials and obtain necessary internal clearances before publication.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong technical expertise in communications, including content creation, media relations, and social media management. A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment is essential, along with excellent communication skills. Respect for individual and cultural differences is a core value that candidates must embody. The ability to adapt content for diverse audiences and platforms is crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field is required. Additional training or certifications in health communication or public health would be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid understanding of communication strategies and tools, as well as experience in creating engaging content for various media formats.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, ideally within a health or non-profit organization. Experience working with government agencies or international organizations is highly desirable. The role requires a proactive individual who can work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative and creativity in developing communication strategies and materials.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Proficiency in Sinhala or Tamil would be considered an asset, as it would enhance the ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position is based in Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, which has a temperate climate but experiences high humidity and monsoon seasons. The UN Volunteer will have access to various entitlements and benefits as outlined in the UN Volunteer Conditions of Service.