Communications and Media Relations Officer
Organizational Context
The Communications Unit within WHO/AFRO leads and coordinates efforts to advocate for health issues in the African Region, showcasing the impact of WHO's work and shaping health policies. It also manages internal communications to foster an optimal work environment. The unit implements a Regional Communications Strategy, targeting stakeholders and building communication capacity across WHO offices.
Job Purpose
This role supports the Regional Director in the efficient and effective management of the Office of the Regional Director. The Communications and Media Relations Officer is responsible for drafting and editing strategic communications documents, developing multimedia content, facilitating media interviews, building media partnerships, and organizing communication events. The role also involves media monitoring, advising on media products, and supporting communications for missions. The ultimate goal is to enhance WHO AFRO's visibility and impact in the region through strategic communication efforts.
Responsibilities
Draft and edit strategic communications documents, including press releases, talking points, briefing documents, reports, booklets, opinion pieces, and advocacy materials. Develop multimedia content for the WHO website, such as feature stories, photo stories, and videos. Facilitate interviews with senior managers and connect media with WHO subject matter experts. Review and advise on media products for advocacy materials. Build and maintain partnerships with media houses at regional and country levels. Develop the capacity of WHO experts to respond to media queries and conduct interviews. Organize events like roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefings. Proactively identify and pitch success stories and significant developments across the AFRO region. Generate materials for outreach to partners and donors to highlight the impact of their contributions. Conduct media monitoring and evaluate media products. Collaborate with country focal points and technical clusters to identify communication opportunities. Support the Regional Director's communications on missions.
Work Experience
Essential: At least five years of relevant experience at national or international levels, with specific experience in developing communications products, particularly writing for speeches. Desirable: Additional experience in media relations or public health communications.
Skills
Thorough knowledge of communication channels (print, web, broadcast, campaigns, online). Understanding of the impact of communications on organizational reputation and image. Familiarity with public health and international development issues. Ability to translate technical information for diverse audiences. Excellent analytical, writing, and editing skills. WHO Competencies: Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Moving forward in a changing environment, Creating an empowering and motivating environment. Language: Expert English, Intermediate French.