FRANCOPHONE COMMUNICATION OFFICER (COUNTRY SUPPORT)

Mission and objectives

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations Public Health Organization established in 1948. The objective of the World Health Organization shall be the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. World Health Organization achieves its goals by performing its essential functions:

1. Take a leadership role in key health issues and create partnerships when joint action is needed;

2. Set research priorities and encourage the acquisition, application and dissemination of useful knowledge;

3. Setting standards and criteria and encouraging and monitoring them;

4. Develop ethical and evidence-based policies

5. Provide technical support, be an agent of change and build institutional capacity in a sustainable way;

6. Monitor health status and assess health trends.

Context

The incumbent will support communication activities at country level, within the framework of WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work and its Triple Billion strategy. Key deliverables include: Individual coaching to upskill communication officers in French-speaking country offices and support the development of quality communication products; accurate and timely production and dissemination of high-quality public information products that highlight the work of WHO and its partners in the field; promotion of achievements and results of key public health initiatives by building a solid database of media/press contacts and key partners; and optimizing networking opportunities. The incumbent will work with country office colleagues to improve visibility of WHO’s work and of health issues generally among partners, the general public, the media and other key stakeholders

Task description

1. Provide personalized coaching to upskill communications officers in French-speaking country offices and support country offices to ensure the dissemination of high-quality communications products.

2. Monitor all external platforms of the 19 French-speaking country offices.

3. Produce communication material for French-speaking countries remotely and in the field.

4. Manage relations with French-speaking African media at country and regional level.

5. Provide urgent translations from English to French of communications content and support the revision of French content.

6.Any other work that supports the communication needs of the Regional Office.

Living conditions and remarks

The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region. The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-West, Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in the North and Northeast, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South. Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove to the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas. Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and Pointe-Noire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious. According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other areas major are secure. The Republic of Congo is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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