Communications Officer

Job Title: Communications Officer

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: WHO

Assignment country: Mozambique

Expected start date: 28/08/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 3. Good health and well-being

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Maputo

Details

Mission and objectives

Our values, our DNA WHO, as the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations system, adheres to the UN values of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity. The values of the WHO workforce furthermore reflect the principles of human rights, universality and equity established in WHO’s Constitution as well as the ethical standards of the Organization. These values are inspired by the WHO vision of a world in which all peoples attain the highest possible level of health, and our mission to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable, with measurable impact for people at country level. We are individually and collectively committed to put these values into practice.

Context

In the context of the WHO strategic direction at the country level, the incumbent will deliver a well-rounded communications plan, and contribute to the regional and global communications strategies; identify subjects of interest to develop advocacy/communications activities; ensure the accurate and timely production and dissemination of high quality public information products to highlight WHO’s work on the ground; promote achievements and results towards reaching the WHO triple billion targets; build contacts with the press/media and optimize networking opportunities. In the context of the WHO strategic direction at the country level, the incumbent will deliver a well-rounded communications plan, and contribute to the regional and global communications strategies; identify subjects of interest to develop advocacy/communications activities; ensure the accurate and timely production and dissemination of high quality public information products to highlight WHO’s work on the ground; promote achievements and results towards reaching the WHO triple billion targets; build contacts with the press/media and optimize networking opportunities

Task description

Under the overall supervision of the Representative in the Country office or the Technical Cluster Director in the Regional Office. The officer will collaborate with the Regional Communications Manager. The first line responsibility involves promoting effective communication strategies and establishing press/media networks. S/he will engage with subject matter experts in the organization to agree on best tactics to advocate WHO’s work, goals and achievements. The incumbent will also liaise with a broad range of officials from the press and media, partner organizations and institutions, target audiences, health cluster partners and official representatives from the national authorities to obtain information and, as necessary, provide advice on communication opportunities. The incumbent, being the communication and advocacy focal point, will report directly to the Partnership, Planning and Performance Lead, under the matrix reporting to the AFRO Regional Communications Manager and under the overall guidance of the WHO Representative in the Country office.The officers will collaborate with relevant technical officers in the RO. The first line responsibility involves promoting effective communication strategies and establishing press/media networks. S/he will engage with subject matter experts in the organization to agree on best tactics to advocate WHO’s work, goals and achievements. The incumbent will also liaise with a broad range of officials from the press and media, partner organizations and institutions, target audiences, health cluster partners and official representatives from the national authorities to obtain information and, as necessary, provide advice on communication opportunities. Summary of Assigned Duties Develop and implement communications plans which includes a timeline of key communications products. Identify subjects/stories of interest pertaining to WHO efforts at the country.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in at the national and international level, in external communications. Proven experience in writing engaging communications materials Desirable Experience: Prior working experience with WHO/UN or with an international nongovernmental organization; experience in organizing advocacy campaigns and experience in managing publishing processes. Proven experience in writing advocacy documents. Proven experience in taking photographs or filming video which are of professional quality

Area(s) of expertise

Communication, Development programmes, Health

Driving license

-

Languages

Portuguese, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Communication, journalism, political science or international relations or related field from an accredited/recognized institute. public health; Courses in communication techniques such as graphic design, visual language and in the use of social media. Training in risk communication is an asset.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Mozambique has a total population of about 29 million people and is located on the southeast coast of Africa. To the East, is the Indian Ocean, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia is to the north, to the west is Zimbabwe and South Africa and to the South, Swaziland and South Africa. The total area of Mozambique is 799 380 Km square from North to South. It is tropical hot and humid. The hottest and wettest months in Maputo are December to February, when the average daily minimum temperatures are around 22°c and the average daily highs of 30°c. The rain season is between October and April. Winters (June to August) are mild with the average daily temperature ranging from 13°c to 24°c. Basic health facilities and food are available everywhere. The security situation is reliable, but some precaution is needed at the same time. Communication and transport services are available at various costs. Regarding accommodation and food, houses and apartments can be rented from US$ 600 to US$ 1,000 per month and meals at the restaurant cost between US$ 10 and US$ 30. Food, household commodities and clothing can be found in shops and local markets at reasonable prices. An entry visa is required for all travellers and must be obtained from Mozambican Embassy prior to travelling. The metical is the local currency and exchange rate stands at USD 1 equivalent to about 66.89 meticais (MZM) as per April 2020. Commercial banks are operational in the country and Visa cards are accepted in very limited hotels. Maputo is categorized as a family duty station offering a variety of different accommodation options. It has a vibrant international community whilst also providing excellent opportunities to work in a national, Mozambican context. https://www.unv.org/

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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