Communications Officer

Job Title: Communications Officer

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: WHO

Assignment country: Rwanda

Expected start date: 01/09/2023

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

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Kigali

Details

Mission and objectives

To promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable, with measurable impact for people at country level. The organization’s strategic priorities are to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages: achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations.

Context

In the context of the WHO Rwanda Country Office Operations, the incumbent shall work closely with the External Relations Officer and in the development and implementation of a communications strategy and advocacy products; overseeing the development and targeted distribution of news items to media and networks and nurturing trustful and productive relation-ships across the full range of public media at the local level to ensure a positive, relevant and up-to-date public image of WHO, achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the WHO Representative, the international UN Vol-unteer will undertake the following tasks: • Identify subjects of interest to develop and improve media/communication activi-ties at the country level and develop a communications plan for the country office, which works in synergy with the global and regional communications strategies. • Produce public information materials such as press releases and media advisories on WHO events, products and issues for dissemination to the print, electronic and online media, as well as media talking points for WR and other country spokes-people, taking into account outputs provided by the SSA RCCE/HPR Officer • Build relations with the national media and ensure that WHO issues, and work are regularly profiled by the national, regional and international media. • Monitor media coverage on WHO relevant issues, including misinformation, and provide regular reports to the Regional Office and respond as appropriate. • Organize photographic shoots and interviews and filming opportunities to support high visibility of WHO achievements through television, radio and newspapers, and all WHO public facing platforms • Manage the WCO website and social media accounts in compliance with guide-lines and standards used throughout the Organization, to ensure consistency of ap-proach. Regularly update content on these platforms • Research and write feature stories and messages, ideally bringing in a human ele-ment from real life experiences in collaboration with technical programmes • Work with external relations officer in the country office or in the regional office to prepare communication and advocacy products and statements to be used by the Resource Mobilization team in convincing and encouraging donors to rapidly fund the overall health sector response. • Collaborate with all relevant actors, including the health Sector Working Groups , regional and other WHO departments, UN agencies, and other partners to identify and create communication opportunities and prepare communication campaigns on specific topics. • Support development of WHO Country Office Newsletter and UN in country in collaboration with technical teams on quarterly basis. • Work with the external relations officer to ensure donor visibility in WHO work • Collaborate with Risk Communication & Community Engagement (RCCE)/Health Promotions (HPR) as necessary individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service

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 as a Communications Specialist, the UNV should possess the following skills and experience: • Experience in communications and information management • Excellent written communication • Strong verbal communication skills • Able to build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, etc • Strategic thinking skills, • Interpersonal skills: able to work collaboratively with diverse teams and possess diplomacy and tac when dealing with sensitive issues

Area(s) of expertise

Communication, Translation and interpretation

Driving license

-

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Information management, communication, international relations

Competencies and values

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has undergone an incredible period of rejuvenation and stability that is clearly visible the moment you step out into this beautiful city. Concerning transport, even though motorcycle taxis are not recommended, they are the fastest way to get around this metropolis. Helmets are provided, but it is better to have your own helmet. You can also take a standard taxi. Those with a yellow stripe will be run by individuals, while the majority will belong to either Kigali Taxi Service (3122) or Kigali Airport Taxis (476586). Public transportation is the cheapest way to get around Kigali, and many of the buses are new and well-maintained. You can also take these buses farther afield; expect to pay a fare based on distance. Transport prepaid cards are available for passengers at each bus station, and you can load a minimum amount of two hundred Rwandan francs (200RWF). If public transport isn’t your style, cars are available for rent or purchase in Kigali. Major investment has been made in infrastructure, including roads, and congestion in this city has never been particularly bad. Accommodations are found easily and at the relevant standards and recreation infrastructures (swimming pools, aerobics, etc…) can be found in the various places. Shops and markets are available with necessary items including imported goods, home furnishings and electrical appliances and vehicles spare parts. Public and private health facilities are available in Kigali and some of them such as King Faisal Hospital, Legacy Clinic, Hôpital la Croix du Sud, etc …work with CIGNA insurance. The above Hospitals have necessary health equipment; ambulances, adequate health services and can handle any emergency. Kigali is an exceptionally safe city. However, in case of emergency, there are several emergency numbers in Kigali, so be sure to know which to call. You can reach the police on a special line by dialling 999. Fire fighters can be reached at 111 and the emergency services are at 112. If you have or see a traffic accident, call 113. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications, and other basic needs. Unified Conditions of Service for UN Volun-teers can be accessed on the following link: https://www.unv.org/sites/default/files/unvpf/UNVcos2021%20Complete%20hi-res- fi-nal_compressed_30.08.2021.pdf UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Ser-vice, including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate

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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