(6)
Any other tasks as assigned by the WR-I.Senior Communications Officer, WHO
(WCO, New Delhi)
1. POSITION VACANT: Senior Communications Officer (SCO), WHO, (WCO, New Delhi)
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) mandate revolves around six core functions:
(1) Providing leadership on global health matters;
(2) Shaping the health research agenda;
(3) Setting norms and standards;
(4) Articulating evidence-based policy options;
(5) Providing technical support to countries; and
(6) Monitoring and assessing health trends.
The WHO Country Office in India (WCO-India) provides wide-ranging policy inputs and technical assistance to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), in the area of health and health systems, to support a range of health initiatives that include National Rural Health Mission, Universal Coverage, Polio Surveillance, TB Control, HIV/AIDS, Roll Back Malaria, Tobacco Free Initiative, Health Financing, Trade Agreements and Health, Non-communicable Diseases, Environment and Health etc.
For more information please visit, http://whoindia.org/
3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under overall supervision of the WHO Representative to India (WR-I), the SCO will be responsible for enhancing the public image and perception of the organization by publicizing WHO India programmes to the media and general public. S/he will serve the communication and advocacy needs of the WHO India Country Office (WCO) by disseminating WHO advocacy messages to the media and other partners in an effective and coordinated manner on a regular basis and during public health emergencies.
(A) Managing Public Information Assignments
(1) Conceptualizing, designing and implementing WCO’s communication strategies (including the dissemination of public information), ensuring that the latter support the Country office's programs and objectives;
(2) Advising on the country-wide planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization’s policy and strategies in the field of public information and education for health;
(3) Maintaining contact with mass media, other UN Information Officers, governmental organizations and Non-governmental organizations, with the aim of encouraging the production and dissemination of information relevant to the implementation of national health strategies;
(4) Planning, drafting and preparing press releases, feature articles and fact sheets in consultation with technical teams. Also assisting with the preparation of other written materials directed at the media, organizing the preparation of pamphlets, booklets and articles of national, regional and global health activities and problems in cooperation with WHO technical staff and national specialists;
(5) Ensuring production of quality communication materials such as print, electronic materials and website updates by soliciting information from sources within and outside WCO. Also providing consulting in puts on their design and layout;
(6) Briefing visitors on WHO public information policies, strategies and activities and keeping WHO India staff informed of news items concerning WHO and related matters;
(7) Supporting the documentation of success stories, case studies and best practices, as required:
(a) Contributing to the development of IEC/BCC material for use at multiple levels, including grassroots level;
(b) Supporting the generation and/or maintenance of research and specialized information at the request of WR-I and direct reports, to support programs;
(c) Communicating brand guidelines to employees and partners.
(B) Other Important Responsibility Areas:
(1) Assuming responsibility for managing WCO India’s website, formalizing a web team and structure for regular/ timely updates and reviewing website content;
(2) Developing and coordinating communication training for staff.
(C) Media Activities
(1) Organizing and moderating press/ technical briefings for the media and coordinating between media and WHO experts to ensure timely, efficient provision of information to the press, participating in WHO India health-related conferences, strengthening capacity to assist media representatives and answering their queries. Also maintaining and improving contacts with journalists and media in order to stimulate their interest in health problems in general and WHO India activities in particular; and organizing orientation sessions for the media and media skills training programmes for the technical staff and country professionals;
(2) Facilitate networking and providing support for advocacy and profile-building activities of WCO;
(3) Coverage of WHO India activities and meetings, and acting as press officer for major policy events such as World Health Day as well as other national meetings involving WHO;
(4) Liaising with donors. MoHFW/ GOI, HQ and other UN agencies for information inputs -Building and maintaining media relations and providing support for media relations to WR-I for this purpose;
(5) Maintaining, updating and using the WHO India homepage, as an essential tool of communication with general public and media during emergencies;
(6)
Any other tasks as assigned by the WR-I.
4. QUALIFICATIONS:
(1) Applicants must have a degree/diploma in journalism/mass communication with exposure to advocacy and communications work in the area of health and/or development;
(2) A master’s degree or equivalent would be preferred.
5. EXPERIENCE:
Relevant work experience of 10 years or more, out of which at least three years must be in networking and liaison-building activities with national and international organizations.
6. SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:
(1) Skillful in maintaining relations with a range of stakeholders;
(2) Access to networks of NGOs, corporate sector and other relevant groups preferred;
(3) Some experience in the UN system is desirable;
(4) Excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated ability to write media articles, features and write-up;
(5) Demonstrated ability to articulate issues affecting the marginalized groups
(6) Results orientation;
(7) Planning and facilitation skills;
(8) Excellent PR and negotiation skills;
(9) Ability to manage cross-functional issues/complexities.
7. COMPENSATION OFFERED:
Approximate initial taxable remuneration for the vacancy shall be INR 183,400/- pm.
8. LOCATION:
WHO Country Office, New Delhi.
9. VACANCY REFERENCE:
SCO-WCO
10. CONTACT INFORMATION:
The Administrative Officer
Office of the WHO Representative to India
Room No.537,"A" Wing
Nirman Bhavan
Maulana Azad Road
New Delhi- 110011
Email: sco-wco@whoindia.org
11. LAST DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:
Eligible candidates interested in this position are requested to submit a personal history form (downloadable from www.whoindia.org), as well as a brief resume, providing details of relevant experience/ skills and other qualifications. Applications must be submitted to the above email id, by or before September 7, 2011, accompanied by a cover letter, giving reasons in support of the candidate’s suitability for the position.
NOTES:
WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or other tobacco users.
THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO LOCAL RECRUITMENT AND WILL BE FILLED BY PERSONS FROM WITHIN INDIA.
Applications from women are encouraged.
Only candidates qualifying for interviews shall be corresponded with further.