UN Associate Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the leading authority for global public health within the United Nations system. Established in 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. In China, WHO acts as a strategic technical partner to the government, focusing on delivering high-level international expertise and evidence-based policy advice to improve health outcomes across the nation. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to public health initiatives. WHO's work in China is guided by the China-WHO Country Cooperation Strategy, which aims to strengthen the national healthcare system and ensure equitable access to essential services for all citizens, including those in remote areas. WHO China plays a crucial role in aligning national health priorities with global health standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), impacting the health of approximately 1.4 billion people.

Job Overview:
The UN Associate Volunteer position is integrated into the WHO China Communications Team, with the primary objective of translating complex technical guidance into engaging narratives that effectively communicate WHO's work in China. The volunteer will contribute to policy support and behavior change initiatives by collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including the National Health Commission, media outlets, and digital influencers. The role involves implementing a multichannel communication strategy, managing high-visibility social media platforms, monitoring public perception, and developing feature stories that highlight the impact of WHO's initiatives. The volunteer will also play a key role in managing risk communications during public health emergencies and advocating for healthy lifestyles and policy changes. This position is vital for ensuring that WHO's evidence-based advice is accessible and engaging for the Chinese public, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Associate Volunteer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: 1) Supporting the implementation of communication strategies and plans to enhance public health outcomes through the Communications for Health framework. 2) Raising awareness of WHO's programs and achievements at the country level in coordination with regional and headquarters communication focal points. 3) Managing WHO's social media platforms in China to ensure effective communication. 4) Conducting regular media monitoring and tracking audience perceptions to propose risk mitigation communications. 5) Designing and implementing promotional activities and campaigns to position WHO as a leader in public health. 6) Supporting the implementation of WHO's corporate communication strategy at global and regional levels. 7) Identifying marketable subjects and success stories to develop communications and advocacy products. 8) Ensuring optimal outreach and dissemination of information to target audiences through suitable media channels. 9) Organizing media events, campaigns, and technical briefings, coordinating between media and WHO experts. 10) Supporting specialized emergency communications and advocacy plans during public health crises. 11) Collaborating with national stakeholders and UN Information Officers to promote national health strategies. 12) Performing any other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor. Additionally, UN Volunteers are encouraged to engage with communities and promote voluntary action through various activities, including participating in UNV events and contributing to publications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN Associate Volunteer position should possess a strong understanding of public health communication and the operations relevant to WHO. They should demonstrate technical capabilities or knowledge that can be transferred to WHO procedures and rules. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to liaise with various stakeholders, and a high degree of autonomy and personal initiative. They should be resourceful, willing to accept wide responsibilities, and able to work independently under established procedures. A commitment to professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and respect for diversity is essential, as is the ability to manage information confidentially and accurately. Candidates should also demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability to changes in the work environment.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in communications, public health, social sciences, or a related field is required for this position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in public health communication or related areas would be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid understanding of health communication principles and practices, as well as experience in developing communication strategies and materials.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in communications, public health, or a related field. Experience in managing social media platforms, conducting media monitoring, and developing communication strategies is highly desirable. Familiarity with public health issues and the ability to work in a multicultural environment will be beneficial. Previous experience working with international organizations or in a UN context is a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Mandarin is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages would be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the target audience.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Beijing, China. The volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position is full-time, and the volunteer will be part of the malicious insurance plan provided by the UN. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service can be found on the UNV website. The volunteer is encouraged to engage in activities that promote volunteerism and contribute to the local community.