International Leadership Communications Specialist

Mission and objectives

Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance to live a healthy life. Learn more: www.who.int/about

Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for health. It has six regions, of which one is the Western Pacific, with its Regional Office in Manila, Philippines. WHO’s Western Pacific Region includes 37 countries and areas across Asia and the Pacific. The Regional Director, who is elected by the Member States, is the most senior representative of the Organization in the Region. The Office of the Regional Director (RDO) provides leadership, strengthens governance and fosters communication, partnership, and collaboration with countries, the United Nations system, and other stakeholders in order to fulfil WHO’s mandate within the Western Pacific Region. Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala is WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. He was nominated through a vote by Member States at the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in October 2023, and following his appointment by the WHO Executive Board, took office on 1 February 2024. Dr Piukala is the first Pacific islander to take up this role. From the outset of his initial 5-year term, it is vital to establish visibility of the Regional Director as the Organization’s most senior representative in the Region and sustain his position as a top public health leader and authoritative voice on regional health issues; this is critical to ensuring strong understanding of, trust in and support for WHO’s work in the Western Pacific. In this context, the engagement of a specialist with strong experience of working with leadership on communications in similar contexts is required. They will support the Regional Director with speeches, social media and other internal and external communication.

Task description

Working under the supervision of the Executive Officer to the Regional Director and Coordinator for Communications, External Relations and Partnerships, and working closely with the Regional Director, the Communications unit (COM), the External Relations and Partnerships unit (ERP), and the Regional Director’s Office Administration and Governing Bodies unit (RDO), the international UNV Leadership Communications Specialist will assist with the drafting, refinement, and finalization of the Regional Director’s speeches, video scripts, op-eds, messages to the workforce, and other high-quality, relevant communication material that requires expeditious delivery with minimal oversight. S/he will be responsible for delivering the following outputs:

• Draft, consult relevant colleagues, incorporate feedback and finalize speeches for the Regional Director, in coordination with technical units, ERP, COM and RDO.

• Develop and help to finalize content for social media, including for the Regional Director’s account on X in coordination with ERP, COM and RDO.

• Create scripts for Regional Director video messages on various health topics and related issues intended for use at events, and on social media and the WHO website.

• Draft and finalize opinion editorials on priority health issues in the Region, in coordination with technical units, COM and RDO. • Draft and finalize internal messages from the Regional Director to the WHO workforce.

• Work closely with WHO technical units, RDO and ERP to develop briefing notes for the Regional Director in relation to key meetings and engagements.

• Develop other communication materials for the Regional Director, as required.

• Contribute to strategic advice for WHO leadership on matters related to communication and advocacy.

Nationality

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

Required experience

8 years of experience in the national and/or international level in the field of communication, public affairs, public relations, media, public health or other relevant fields;

• Experience with WHO is an asset, as is experience working in other UN and international development organizations;

• Experience in public health is an asset;

• Strong understanding of the political and policymaking environment and experience working with governments and partners in Asia and/or the Pacific is an asset.

• Proven ability to write engaging, high-level speeches in English on tight deadlines;

• Proven ability to develop relevant, flawless social media copy in English;

• Excellent oral and written skills in English; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;

• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

• Ability to work professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to be adaptable and resilient in fast-paced environments;

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, etc.) and office technology equipment;

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimal supervision; ability to work well with tight deadlines; and

• Diplomacy, discretion and sound security awareness.

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, International Relations, Public Health, or a related field.