Communication Officer P3

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 and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including emergency preparedness and response, which is critical in managing health emergencies and outbreaks.

Job Overview:
The Communication Officer within the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Cluster plays a vital role in supporting the planning, coordination, and implementation of communication and advocacy strategies at both regional and country levels. This position is essential for promoting WHO's mandate and achievements in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. The incumbent is responsible for producing and disseminating high-quality communication products, including media content, digital outputs, advocacy materials, and public information tailored for diverse audiences such as governments, partners, donors, and the general public. The role also involves ensuring that communication outputs align with WHO's global communication strategies and external relations priorities, thereby enhancing visibility, credibility, and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, the Communication Officer is expected to support risk communication during emergencies and may be deployed to field operations as required, making this position critical in times of crisis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the development and implementation of communication and advocacy strategies that align with WHO's global priorities, identifying key communication opportunities to enhance program visibility and impact.
• Producing and disseminating high-quality communication materials such as press releases, web stories, situation reports, newsletters, briefs, and social media content.
• Developing multimedia products, including videos, photo stories, and infographics.
• Providing editorial support, including drafting, copy-editing, and proofreading communication and technical materials to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency with WHO standards.
• Building and maintaining relationships with media, facilitating press briefings, interviews, and media coverage, and preparing talking points, key messages, and speeches.
• Managing and updating web and digital communication platforms, ensuring consistency of messaging and compliance with WHO branding and communication guidelines.
• Contributing to risk communication and public information efforts during emergencies, adapting communication strategies to evolving operational contexts.
• Preparing communication products and advocacy materials to support donor engagement and resource mobilization efforts.
• Collaborating with UN agencies, NGOs, health cluster partners, and national authorities to identify communication opportunities and ensure coordinated messaging. 1
• Performing additional communication-related duties as required, including supporting emergency deployments and adapting responsibilities to program needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong writing and storytelling skills for advocacy materials, along with the ability to develop and implement effective communication strategies and products. Excellent media relations and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, as is the ability to translate technical content into accessible public messages. Familiarity with multimedia and digital communication tools is required, along with strong organizational and multitasking skills under pressure. Knowledge of public health and emergency response contexts is also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
The essential educational requirement for this position is a first university degree in communications, journalism, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. An advanced training in public health communication, digital media, or visual communication is desirable, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communications, media, or advocacy. Experience in developing communication products and strategies, as well as supporting emergency or humanitarian response communication, is essential. Desirable experience includes working with WHO, UN agencies, or international NGOs, and involvement in advocacy campaigns and donor communication.

Languages:
The essential language requirement for this position is expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as both languages are interchangeable for the role, allowing for effective communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, with an annual base salary starting at USD 71,335, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Additionally, a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Brazzaville is provided, currently amounting to USD 2,698 per month. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The position is subject to WHO Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background, as WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce.