Communications Officer

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.

The mission of the WHO/AFRO Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Cluster is to strengthen Member States' capacity to manage health emergency risks and, when national capacities are exceeded, to lead and coordinate the international health response to contain outbreaks and provide effective relief and recovery for affected populations.

This mission includes addressing over 100 health emergencies annually across the region, aiming to reduce suffering and save lives in areas impacted by natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and complex crises. Current EPR priorities focus on building resilient health systems; upholding health security through the International Health Regulations; enhancing integrated disease surveillance and response; and ensuring reliable health information and evidence are available to guide decision-making, especially during emergencies.

The Cluster is advancing the Regional Strategy for Health Security and Emergencies (2022-2030), which was endorsed at the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa. This strategy mandates Member States to achieve 12 targets by 2030, strengthening their preparedness, detection, and response capacities for present and future health emergencies. To support Member States, three flagship initiatives have been launched (2022-2026), promoting a Member States-led, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach that unites diverse disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally for optimal health outcomes for people, animals, and the environment.

To further extend its impact, WHO AFRO (Regional Office for Africa) joined forces with WHO EMRO (Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean) and Africa CDC in May 2023 to establish the five-year Joint Emergency Preparedness and Response Action Plan (JEAP). This collaboration, designed to tackle long-standing EPR challenges in Africa, focuses on eight priority areas for partnership and coordinated action. (https://www.afro.who.int/news/who-africa-cdc-bolster-partnership-tackle-health-emergencies-africa)

Reporting to the EPR Director and the EPR Strategic Support Manager, and working closely with counterparts in the EPR programme, WHO AFRO communications team and the Nairobi EPR Hub, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Strategic planning and branding

Serve as the communication focal person for the JEAP.
Finalize and implement the communication plan for the JEAP in coordination with Africa CDC and WHO EMRO counterparts.
Support the finalization of the JEAP branding and style guide in coordination with Africa CDC and WHO EMRO counterparts.
Develop and implement a communication strategy, and ongoing event-based communications plans, to ensure visibility for WHO EPR work and impact.
Produce branding material for WHO EPR using WHO branding guidelines and WHO editorial style guide.

Content production

Produce compelling content, including web stories, photo stories, photo galleries and/or libraries, video stories, newsletters, bulletins and other written and/or other audiovisual content for publication on WHO and/or JEAP online and social media platforms to ensure visibility of WHO’s EPR programme.
In coordination with the WHO AFRO communication team, effectively use communication products to inform donors about WHO EPR.
Support specialized emergency or multi hazard risk communications, social mobilization and advocacy plans, during public health crises, emergencies, and outbreaks.
Organize photographic and video shoots, interviews and filming opportunities to support high-visibility of WHO EPR and/or JEAP achievements for dissemination on social media platforms and regional and country websites.
Take photographs of important events, people, and WHO work in the field for publication on the WHO and/or JEAP social media platforms and websites.

Online and social media management

Produce regular content for WHO social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram), including compelling captions, photos, social media cards, carousels, videos, reels and any other relevant formats or content.
Create and manage additional WHO EPR and/or JEAP social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) as necessary.
Oversee JEAP website content, ensuring it is up-to-date and aligned with branding and communication strategies in coordination with Africa CDC and EMRO counterparts.

Media relations

In coordination with WHO AFRO’s communication team, conduct media relations including organizing press conferences or media briefings, writing media advisories, press releases and media talking points; facilitating one-on-one interviews for WHO EPR spokespeople with international, regional or national media; and building and maintaining relationships with trusted journalists.
In coordination with the AFRO communication team, support regular media monitoring, monitor audience perceptions of WHO EPR and/or JEAP and conduct crisis communications as necessary.

Capacity building

Build and manage a designated pool of EPR spokespeople from WHO regional and country offices.
Coordinate and deliver communication and media sensitization training for EPR staff.

Other

During deployment, duties may be modified, based upon the needs of the programme.