Communication Officer (MULTIPLE CONTRACT MODALITIES)

Описание

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The purpose of the position is to communicate relevant health issues and results, as well as the work of all three levels of WHO to national audiences and promote communications about national health issues and developments (including the work of the WHO Country Office) at regional and global levels. This will be achieved through actively supporting the country's work and BCA (Biennial Collaborative Agreement) through the implementation of the core and project-related activities, including preparatory processes and gathering background information from the country, supporting missions and other means to deliver results, follow-up on agreements, changes and developments and actively participate in WHO related country level activities. The specific objectives relate to continuously improved ability to communicate results and advocate for health and on the path towards Universal Health Coverage.

Summary of Assigned Duties

1. Carry out additional tasks as required to support WHO’s internal and external communication goals in the country office.

2. Provide strategic communication support to the Head of WHO Country Office and technical teams, including but not limited to speechwriting, presentations, and internal briefing materials.

3. Ensure visibility and branding of WHO and its partnerships, including the use of appropriate emblems, banners, and acknowledgement across all communication products.

4. Coordinate and deliver media sensitization and internal communication training for WHO staff on key topics such as media handling, brand use, strategic messaging, publication, and online activities related to communications.

5. Contribute to the production and dissemination of bulletins, situation reports, and stakeholder briefs, tailored for health cluster partners, donors, and the public.

6. Monitor media coverage and public perception trends, recommending risk-mitigating communication strategies and proactively addressing reputational challenges.

7. Support the development and curation of WHO’s country office website and ensure effective digital presence and visibility through regular updates and alignment with global standards.

8. Represent WHO in the UN Communications Group (UNCG) to coordinate inter-agency messaging and align health communication within the broader UN response.

9. Collaborate with national stakeholders, UN agencies, and development partners to develop joint communication products, ensure coherent messaging, and support donor visibility requirements.

10. Maintain and manage media relations, including building a media database, organizing field visits, and ensuring accurate coverage through proactive engagement with journalists.

11. Plan and execute public awareness campaigns, media events, and press briefings to amplify health messaging and increase WHO visibility at national and international levels.

12. Fulfill the role of the country's communication focal point as needed during acute health emergencies, coordinating real-time messaging and ensuring alignment with WHO’s crisis protocols.

13. Create compelling, audience-appropriate content, including news articles, interviews, press releases, social media posts, bulletins, multimedia materials, and human-interest stories.

14. Develop and implement a country-specific communication action plan to support WHO’s programmes and emergency response initiatives.

15. Develop and maintain emergency communication plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure readiness for rapid deployment of public messaging in response to disease outbreaks, conflict escalations, or natural disasters.

16. Coordinate the local rollout of WHO regional and global health communication campaigns, adapt messaging and formats for national audiences, and ensure visibility through appropriate channels.

17. As required, support WHO in the health cluster and contribute to inter-agency public health messaging, including coordination of joint communication products and messaging with humanitarian health partners.

18. Design and apply communication monitoring tools and feedback mechanisms to assess audience reach, engagement levels, and behavioral influence; refine strategies based on insights and lessons learned.

19. Support internal staff engagement through regular newsletters, internal briefings, and content that promotes a shared understanding of WHO’s priorities and achievements across teams.

20. Any other related tasks assigned by the WCO Representative or delegated manager.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: 
A university degree (Bachelor’s level) in communications, journalism, public relations, political
science, international relations, marketing, public health communication, or related social sciences from a recognized institution.

Desirable: 

• Master’s degree in one of the above fields. 
• Professional coursework or certifications in graphic design, multimedia production, public health, communication, techniques, emergency/risk communication or related area.

Experience

Essential: 

• A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in public information, media relations, journalism, or communication work at the national or international level.
• Proven experience in content creation (written and multimedia), communication planning, and organizing press events and campaigns.
• Experience supporting communication functions during emergencies or large-scale humanitarian/health operations

Desirable: 

• Prior work experience within the UN system, WHO, or similar international organizations.
• Experience supporting national health communications or working in the field of public health communication.
• Practical exposure to donor communications, advocacy, and visibility requirements of multilateral partnerships.

WHO Competencies

*1) Teamwork
*2) Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
*3) Communication

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Ukranian.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Other Official WHO.