Specialist, Communications & Knowledge Management

Job Title: Specialist, Communications & Knowledge Management 

Organization: World Health Organization (WHO)

Grade: P2

Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment

Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): One year, first year probationary period. Post of limited duration.

Closing Date: Oct 19, 2023, 12:59:00 AM

Primary Location: United States-Washington, D.C.

Organization Unit: Innovation, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies

Schedule: Full-time  

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings. 

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OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Innovation, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies Department (IMT) is responsible for promoting, coordinating, and implementing the Organization’s technical cooperation in access to and rational use of quality medicines and other health technologies. IMT works across all categories of medicines and health technologies, including medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, medical equipment, blood products, and organs for transplantation. IMT supports countries in addressing barriers to access, addressing challenges across the medical product full life cycle, strengthening regulatory capacity and supporting evidence-based decision making and rational use through health technology assessment. IMT consolidates action in the development of pharmaceutical and other health technology related services and leads efforts in innovation through the regional platform to advance the manufacturing of vaccines and other health technologies, increasing regional capacity in the research and development of priority health products, and supporting the generation of ecosystems to enable development, production and access to medicines and other health technologies.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Communications (CMU), and the direct supervision of the Director, Innovation, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies (IMT), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to,the following assigned duties:

1. Coordinate the adoption and implementation of the Knowledge Management and Communications Strategy within the Department, in close coordination with the Department of Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health (EIH) and the Department of Communications (CMU); address the established general priorities to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with modern information technology tools and improved methodologies of information sharing and knowledge management initiatives
2. Take the lead in the development of the Department’s communication and advocacy activities to support and promote the Department’s biennial work plan (BWP) and strategic objectives; assist in the development of education and advocacy materials provide strategic support to develop and strengthen a consolidated approach to synchronize and harmonize knowledge management and communications initiatives
3. Develop, implement, coordinate and evaluate the knowledge management and information sharing strategies and activities for the Department, in collaboration with the Director, Unit Chiefs, and technical staff in the Department; assist in the design and implementation of an integrated management approach of the Department’s dissemination, communication and publication policies/guidelines to promote the technical cooperation projects and the production of project-specific technical publications and promotional materials
4. Serve as the EIH and CMU’s focal point in the Department to provide strategic support and inputs to develop the principal EIH and CMU’s products and services, organized by the following areas of work
1. Knowledge Management & Organizational Learning: conduct face-to-face and/or virtual orientation/training sessions for the Department’s staff regarding the use and best practices of virtual tools; assist in identifying, developing and implementing Communities of Practice (CoPs);develop and maintain the Intranet/Website for the Department; coordinate and support the content management activities, ensuring quality and integrity of information published on both sites
2. Editorial Services: provide editorial support for scientific, technical and/or promotional materials produced by the Department for specific internal/external audiences, ensuring quality and integrity of information
3. Library and Information Networks: participate in the review process to update the Organization’s taxonomy and information architecture; coordinate and work with the Library to provide to the Department staff the accessibility to scientific articles and bibliographic databases, etc;  develop and promote digital literacy initiatives for the Department staff and within the program of work, based on EIH guidelines and Learning Board; promote the integration with the institutional repository initiative and promote the operation of the Virtual Health Library related to the Department’s production, in coordination with EIH/BIREME
4. Multimedia Relations and Services: following the relevant CMU’s SOPs, act as contact person and work closely with CMU’s teams to support the timely response to  external media requests (interviews, press releases, etc); edit content for press releases, fact sheets, campaign materials, video scripts, etc; review these materials for content, accuracy, and consistency in terminology and style; provide training to the Department’s technical staff in external communication methods, including media training;support and reinforce internal and external communications actions
5. Institutional Branding: provide technical support in the promotion of a focused branding and strategic approach to the Organization’s name, visual recognition, public relations efforts, and campaigns across all Department’s visual communication, media and associated networks; coordinate and provide data regarding the production of the Department’s information products, based on the guidelines of the Publishing Policy and the Institutional Branding principles and standards
6. Campaigns and initiatives: ensure IMT visibility in Organization’s thematic campaigns, including World Health Days of significance for the Department.
5. Support and promote the correct and innovative use of the virtual resources and platforms, and the social and institutional networks; develop and maintain a database of professionals who work with Knowledge Management and Communications within the Department and externally; identify opportunities for and forge strategic partnerships to improve dialogue and outreach activities to promote the Department’s program of work
6. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential:  A bachelor’s degree in information sciences, information management, knowledge management, communications or any other field related to the functions of the post from a recognized institution. 

Desirable:  Training in emerging technologies and methodologies for knowledge management and communication would be an asset.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position.  WHO, only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Five years of combined national and international experience working in the area of information and knowledge management and/or communication projects.

SKILLS:

PAHO Competencies:

Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.

Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others. - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.

Communication:Express oneself clearly when speaking/Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge -Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience.  Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers.  Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans).  Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.

Knowing and managing yourself:Manages stress/Invite feedback/Continuously learn - Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance.    Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps. 

Producing Results:Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own timelines effectively and efficiently.  Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project’s expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary.   Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.  

Moving forward in a changing environment: Propose change/Adapt to change - Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise.  Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

Theoretical knowledge of the principles and practices of knowledge management and communication, organization, distribution, dissemination, collaboration and refinement of information and “best practices”.

Proven ability to develop and deliver knowledge management programs and/or content management systems and information architecture.

Knowledge and skills in emerging information and communication technologies for knowledge management sharing and virtual collaboration; skills in electronic/digital library systems and methodologies.

In-depth knowledge and understanding of knowledge sharing methodologies, concepts, and tools and their role to become a cross-cutting knowledge based learning organization.

Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships within and outside the Organization.

Mature judgment, strong technical, analytical and conceptual skills; demonstrated ability to assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendation on key managerial and administrative issues.

Ability to integrate managerial and administrative inputs into recommendations for decision-making processes; ability to work independently and to manage multiple assignments simultaneously in a complex organizational environment.

Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of Spanish or English with a working knowledge of the other language.  Knowledge of French or Portuguese will be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential. Knowledge of Web 2.0 concepts, Virtual Collaboration tools; open-source tools such as Joomla, etc.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

US $50,377.00 + post adjustment

Post Adjustment: 63.5% of the above figure(s).  This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

THIS VACANCY NOTICE MAY BE USED TO FILL OTHER SIMILAR POSITIONS AT THE SAME GRADE LEVEL.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual. For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org

PAHO/WHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities. PAHO/WHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct. PAHO/WHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution. PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity. PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco. PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance).  Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy. Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world. All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post. Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post.  The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.

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