Communication Officer
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Libya supports national health authorities in strengthening the health system and improving population health. WHO provides technical assistance, coordinates the health sector, and leads public health and humanitarian responses. The office focuses on disease prevention, health system strengthening, emergency preparedness, and equitable access to essential health services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Job Purpose
The Communication Officer will develop and implement communication strategies to enhance advocacy and awareness of WHO's programs and achievements in Libya. This role involves creating communication and advocacy products, managing outreach through various media channels including social media, and organizing media events. The officer will also build media networks, manage the country office website content, monitor public perception, and advise leadership on communication matters. A key responsibility includes delivering specialized communication plans during public health crises and emergencies, ensuring effective risk communication and social mobilization.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement country-level communication strategies and plans in coordination with regional and headquarters focal points, ensuring alignment with WHO's corporate communication strategy. Identify success stories and develop communication and advocacy products, establishing content identification processes. Manage outreach and dissemination of products through suitable media channels, including social media. Organize media events, campaigns, and technical briefings. Prepare communication materials for partnerships to support health sector initiatives. Build and maintain relationships with media and national communication counterparts for optimal coverage of WHO's work. Manage the country office website content and social media engagement. Conduct media monitoring, track audience perceptions, identify information deficits, and develop strategies for risk-mitigation communications. Collaborate with national stakeholders, partners, and UN Information Officers on health strategies and represent WHO in the UN Communication Group. Deliver specialized emergency risk communication and social mobilization plans during public health crises. Advise country office leadership and staff on communication matters. Coordinate communication and media sensitization training for WHO country office staff.
Work Experience
Essential: At least five years of relevant experience in communication and/or advocacy, including experience supporting humanitarian emergencies or health outbreak response. Proven experience in writing advocacy documents and producing communication materials. Desirable: Prior experience with WHO/UN or international NGOs, experience in organizing advocacy campaigns, and managing publishing processes.
Skills
Essential: Thorough understanding of public health and international development issues. Proven skills in developing and implementing communication/media products, including strong writing abilities. Excellent interpersonal and networking skills. Ability to represent and promote the WHO brand in virtual communities. Ability to develop messaging and positioning for an international organization, elicit success stories, and transform technical information for diverse audiences. Desirable: Knowledge of WHO/UN programs and practices, and understanding of WHO's mandate in emergency incident management.