Consultant – Technical and Strategic Communications

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the World Health Organization (WHO), which was established in 194

• The WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. It operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. The organization focuses on global health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and health equity. The AVAREF (AdVancing ClinicAl TRials Excellence in AFrica) program is a network established by WHO to enhance the capacity of National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) and National Ethics Committees (NECs) in Africa, aiming to improve the clinical trial ecosystem across the continent.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Technical and Strategic Communications will play a crucial role in enhancing the communication strategies of the AVAREF program. This position involves working closely with the Coordinator of the AVAREF Secretariat and other staff to develop a variety of communication and marketing products. The primary goal is to reposition AVAREF, advocate for its mission, and support fundraising efforts. The consultant will be responsible for creating public-facing documents that highlight AVAREF's accomplishments over the past two decades and its strategic vision for the future. This includes producing biennial reports, strategic frameworks, and other communication products aimed at various stakeholders, including donors and partners. The consultant will also need to ensure that AVAREF's role in advancing clinical trials excellence is effectively communicated, especially in light of the operationalization of the African Medicines Agency and the evolving landscape of public health in Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Developing a biennial report for 2024 and 2025 that showcases AVAREF's achievements and future plans.
• Creating a strategic framework document that outlines the AVAREF program's objectives and how it will enhance research and development through clinical trials.
• Producing a business case for the AVAREF program that articulates its value and impact on public health in Africa.
• Generating a variety of communication products, such as fact sheets and impact stories, tailored for external audiences to support the implementation of the communication strategy.
• Collaborating with the AVAREF Secretariat staff to ensure that all communication materials align with the organization's goals and messaging.
• Performing any additional tasks assigned by supervisors to support the overall mission of AVAREF.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in public health, medicine, international relations, social sciences, or humanities. A degree in communication, media arts, literature, anthropology, or related disciplines is also required. Desirable qualifications include a degree in sciences, health, public health, or related biomedical sciences. Extensive experience in writing public-facing documents for advocacy, fundraising, and executive communication is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong networking skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to multitask and prioritize effectively. A thorough understanding of public health and international development issues is crucial, along with a proven track record of academic publications in peer-reviewed journals and the ability to work independently and collaboratively under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as public health, medicine, international relations, social sciences, or humanities. Additionally, a degree in communication or related disciplines is essential. Candidates with a background in sciences or health-related fields are preferred, as they will have a better understanding of the context in which AVAREF operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in writing across various styles, with a focus on developing messaging and positioning for international organizations. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in producing public-facing documents and a strong understanding of public health issues, particularly in the African context. Experience working in low- and middle-income countries, as well as advanced economies, is highly desirable. The ability to plan, execute, collaborate, and work independently is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French is mandatory, with excellent knowledge of one language and working knowledge of the other being an asset. This bilingual capability is crucial for effective communication within the diverse contexts in which AVAREF operates.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based, allowing for flexibility in work location. The consultant will be compensated at a band level B, with a monthly salary ranging from USD 7,000 to 9,980, excluding travel costs. The initial contract duration is set for 3 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. Candidates should be aware that this vacancy notice may also be used to identify candidates for similar consultancies at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be part of the screening process. Candidates selected for an interview will need to provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications in advance. WHO emphasizes workforce diversity and encourages applications from women and nationals of underrepresented Member States.