National Professional Officer (Communication)

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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO's Health Emergencies Programme aims to help countries prevent, prepare for, detect, respond to, and recover from health emergencies, including outbreaks and natural disasters.

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer (Communication) position is integral to the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, particularly in the context of strengthening national capacities against COVID-19 and other public health emergencies in Türkiye. The role involves developing and executing a comprehensive communication plan that aligns with the project's objectives. The officer will be responsible for producing high-quality content that communicates the project's progress and achievements, including news releases, articles, newsletters, and social media posts. Additionally, the officer will coordinate events, trainings, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance the visibility of the project and engage with affected communities. The position requires a strategic approach to media engagement and the development of risk communication plans to raise awareness about communicable diseases among vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Professional Officer (Communication) include:

• Developing and executing a communication plan that aligns with the project's objectives.
• Producing and disseminating high-quality content, including news releases, articles, newsletters, and social media posts.
• Identifying and developing success stories and advocacy products.
• Creating informational materials such as brochures, infographics, and fact sheets.
• Coordinating technical arrangements for project events, trainings, and audio-visual settings.
• Organizing knowledge-sharing events like webinars and workshops to disseminate project findings.
• Enhancing project visibility through strategic media engagement.
• Developing specialized emergency risk communication and community engagement plans.
• Coordinating and delivering training for health workers and communities in earthquake-affected regions.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• A first university degree (bachelor's level or equivalent) in a relevant field such as communication, audio-visual design, or marketing.
• An advanced university degree in related fields is desirable.
• Courses in communication techniques, graphic design, or visual language in social media are preferred.
• Training in risk communication is also desirable.
• Solid knowledge of EU visibility rules and familiarity with EU guidelines is essential.
• Proven skills in developing and implementing communication/media products and approaches, including strong writing skills.
• Experience in risk communication and community engagement is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as communication, audio-visual design, or marketing. An advanced degree in these areas is desirable, along with additional training in communication techniques, graphic design, or social media usage. Training in risk communication is also beneficial for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of work experience with donor-related projects in an international organization, specifically in delivering communications services and products at the national level. Experience working with WHO or other UN agencies, as well as with Ministries of Health or civil society organizations, is desirable.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Turkish is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, meaning that only applications from nationals of Türkiye will be accepted. The remuneration for this position starts at an annual base salary of USD 36,813, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The role includes 30 days of annual leave. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented Member States. Candidates may be required to undergo a written test or video assessment as part of the selection process. The WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users. Additionally, candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking any assignment.