Emergency Communications Officer
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting health, ensuring global safety, and serving vulnerable populations. WHO leads efforts in universal health coverage, coordinates global health emergency responses, and advocates for healthier lives from pregnancy through old age. The organization operates within a dynamic humanitarian and health emergency context, requiring adaptability in communication strategies.
Job Purpose
The Emergency Communications Officer will support WHO's emergency preparedness and response efforts in Yemen. This role involves developing and disseminating communication materials through various channels, managing online content for emergency-related websites, and creating media tools to enhance WHO's visibility. The officer will collaborate with internal and external partners, including the press and other UN agencies, to advocate for health strategies and mobilize resources. A key contribution will be to ensure timely and effective communication during health emergencies, including documenting field stories and supporting incident reporting.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will identify communication needs for emergency preparedness and response, designing and disseminating media materials via traditional and social channels. Responsibilities include managing and harmonizing content for emergency websites, ensuring adherence to organizational standards. The role involves co-developing high-quality media tools such as audio-visuals, print materials, and press releases to promote WHO's work. The officer will liaise with the press and media to advocate for emergency prevention, preparedness, and response strategies, organizing interviews and media opportunities. Additionally, the role requires preparing communication products for resource mobilization, collaborating with health cluster partners and other UN agencies on communication campaigns, and supporting communication elements of situation reports and field stories.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant experience at national and international levels in communication and/or advocacy is required. This experience should include supporting humanitarian emergency or health outbreak response and recovery activities. Proven experience in writing advocacy documents and producing communication materials is essential. Prior experience with WHO/UN, international NGOs, organizing advocacy campaigns, or managing publishing processes is desirable.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Essential technical skills and expertise areas encompass communication, advocacy, public information, emergency preparedness, and crisis response.