Consultant for Communication Strategies

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 has a mission 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 work is guided by the principles of equity, inclusiveness, and respect for diversity, aiming to ensure that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest possible level of health.

Job Overview:
The consultant will strategically lead the development and implementation of communication strategies for the WHO Country Office in Timor-Leste. This role is crucial in enhancing the visibility and understanding of WHO's work among national stakeholders, partners, and the public. The consultant will oversee a communication team, ensuring effective public engagement and dissemination of key health messages through various channels, including digital media, print materials, and press engagements. The position requires a proactive approach to public health communication, aiming to increase awareness of WHO's programs and initiatives, and to foster collaboration with health communication partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise and lead the communication team, ensuring clear work plans and regular coaching for professional development.
• Develop a strategic digital content pipeline that includes social media campaigns, impact stories, and website updates to highlight WHO's achievements.
• Redesign and optimize the WCO website to serve as a key public information hub, increasing user traffic and engagement.
• Formalize partnerships with the Ministry of Health and other agencies to co-create advocacy materials and align social mobilization efforts.
• Expand and engage a network of journalists to enhance media coverage of WHO's work through systematic outreach and press releases.
• Produce timely and polished communications products for high-level national and international forums.
• Support regional campaigns and participate in UN country team initiatives to ensure WHO's voice is included in broader health advocacy efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a university degree in communications, social/health science, public health, or a related field from a recognized institution. Desirable qualifications include an advanced degree in medicine or a related field. Candidates must have at least 5 years of professional experience in health communications or health journalism, with experience in public sector or international health organizations being an asset. Essential skills include considerable experience with social media platforms for mass communication, the ability to develop technical reports related to public health, and the capability to support junior communications assistants.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in communications, social/health science, public health, or a related field from a recognized university. An advanced degree in a relevant field is desirable, particularly in medicine or public health.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in health communications or health journalism. Experience working with public sector entities, government, or international health organizations, such as the UN, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory, with excellent communication and writing skills. Basic knowledge of Tetum and/or Portuguese is considered desirable but not essential.

Additional Notes:
The position is based on-site at the WHO Country Office in Dili, Timor-Leste. The contract is expected to last for 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The remuneration for the position ranges from USD 3,955 to 6,980 per month, depending on the consultant's experience and educational qualifications. Local travel within the country will be arranged by the WHO Country Office, and full medical clearance is required for any travel involved. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.