Specialist, Communications & Visibility

.

Qualifications

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

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

The incumbent is responsible for providing support for the development and implementation of communication plans and actions, and capacity-building support in the areas of work related to communications and information management in health for the Belize Country Office, in collaboration and coordination with technical staff in the Country Office and in the Department of Communications (CMU). He/she will create and utilize high-quality communication narratives, platforms and capacity-building approaches to strengthen, safeguard and advance the Organization’s brand, mission, visibility and strategic priorities to improve health outcomes. The incumbent will facilitate technical support and training at subregional and national levels for the execution of communication plans, campaigns, information management and reporting on prioritized health issues and initiatives. The incumbent provides technical support in communication initiatives within the general framework of the Organization’s mission, including CMU strategic objectives. He/she recommends communication actions to support the technical cooperation work plan. The incumbent must exercise a high degree of independent judgment and initiative, make recommendations, and is required to assume initiative in the areas of responsibility with colleagues both internal and external to the Organization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR) and the general guidance of the Director, Communications (CMU), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

a)   Develop and implement a communications plan tailored for the Belize Country Office, aligned with the PAHO Communications Strategy and Belize’s Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), in collaboration with the technical personnel in the CO;

b)   Collaborate on the proposal and development of new and effective communication approaches and activities; support the access and dissemination of technical and scientific information in the country, in accordance with technical cooperation priorities; promote knowledge sharing initiatives aimed at improving demand for and easy access to technical-scientific information on health;

c)    Prepare national communication campaigns in line with CMU’s framework for a storytelling culture amongst leadership and staff, in order to highlight the Organization’s work of technical cooperation in the country; develop and maintain communication channels between PAHO staff and partners to ensure monthly flow of content for inclusion in stories, news media, reports, and other publications;

d)   Provide guidance and training to promote and ensure effective communication mechanisms; maintain effective partnerships with stakeholders to exchange critical and technical communication information and resolve implementation issues to ensure results are achieved as planned;

e)   Collaborate and provide support to the Country Office and technical personnel to assess and address their key communication needs and opportunities, to help advance the Organization’s strategic objectives, and stimulate greater interest in and awareness of the Organization and its work in the country;

f)    Prepare and edit press releases, web news, features, fact sheets, talking points and Q&A. Prepare periodic bulletins and update written materials as needed. Manage social media accounts, upload content to the local website, organize press conferences and write/edit opinion pieces and articles aimed at disseminating the work of the Organization at the country level;

g)   Support media inquiries by arranging interviews, researching specific issues, and contacting technical personnel; coordinate with management on sensitive issues; collaborate with management and technical officers on media relations and promotion of their activities to external audiences using a public relations approach;

h)   Monitor the press/media and elaborate distribution lists of journalists and strategic partners;

i)     Support the capacity building activities to effectively communicate leading health issues and PAHO’s program impact at country level, support policy advocacy, technical and scientific cooperation, partnerships and resource mobilization;

j)    Support the PAHO Belize CO in building effective communications to position PAHO as a preferred partner, news source, thought leader and opinion maker on public health in the country;

k)   Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, media studies, digital media communication, advertising, or in any other discipline related to the functions of the position, from a recognized university.

Desirable: Training in public health 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: Three (3) years of national professional experience in communications or journalism, with practical experience in corporate and/or strategic communications.

Desirable: Experience working in health promotion would be an asset.

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: Collaborates and cooperates 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: Relates well to diversity in others and capitalizes 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: Expresses oneself clearly when speaking/Writes effectively/Listens/Shares knowledge - Foresees communication needs of audience and targets message accordingly.  Facilitates open communication; encourages others to share their views openly and takes time to understand and consider their views.  Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures.  Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.

·       Producing Results: Delivers quality results/Takes 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: Proposes change/Adapts 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:

–         Thorough knowledge of and proven ability in communications, media, public relations and journalistic writing.

–         Technical knowledge of tools and techniques used to design, maintain and manage social media networks; proven ability to develop and integrate content into websites and blogs; theoretical and practical knowledge of mobile technologies.

–         Excellent writing and reporting skills with demonstrated experience in content production.

–         Training or experience in risk communication, crisis communications and/or behavior change communications.

–         Excellent organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills; ability to prioritize and multitask when required.

–         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; ability to present in a clear and concise, diplomatic, tactful, and courteous manner.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English. Knowledge of Spanish would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use software such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, and Adobe Master suite. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software, 3D visualization modeling and digital social media products development, Visio and Project would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

BZD $63,769.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Local Recruitment)