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)

During deployment, the duties may be modified, based upon the needs of the Programme. Reporting to the EPR Director and the EPR Strategic Support Manager, and working closely with counterparts within the EPR programme and the respective Nairobi -Hub, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Content Creation:
o Systematically ensure awareness coverage of EPR work and achievements, developing and disseminating technical and non-technical articles, press releases and success stories and drafting responses to articles as relevant.
o Support the development of content for the Joint Emergency Action Plan (JEAP) partnership between Africa CDC and WHO and EPR dedicated websites.
o Develop compelling content for various channels (JEAP website, social media, newsletters) to highlight EPR initiatives and impact.
o Support specialized emergency or multi hazard risk communications, social mobilization, and advocacy plans, during public health crises, emergencies, and outbreaks.

• Strategic Planning and Brand Management:
o Finalize the communication plan for the JEAP in coordination with the Africa CDC and WHO EMRO counterparts.
o Support the finalization of the JEAP and brand and Style guide in coordination with Africa CDC and WHO EMRO counterparts.
o Evaluate proactive coherent regional communications strategies and develop an EPR specific communication strategy to promote, advocate and increase the awareness of the EPR goals, work and achievements.
o Implement the communications strategy and develop communications tools (traditional + digital).
o Serve as the communications Focal Points for the JEAP.
o Develop communication plans for EPR events and initiatives/projects.

• Coordination and Collaboration:
o In coordination with the AFRO communications team, effectively utilize communication products to inform donors about EPR.
o Support optimal outreach and dissemination to target audiences on suitable media channels and platforms, including social media.
o In coordination with the AFRO communication unit, provide expertise on effective media strategies and implement proactive
communications with media building long-term relationships.
o In coordination with the AFRO communication unit, support regular media monitoring, tracking audience/target group perceptions
of the programme proposing risk-mitigation communications.
o In collaboration with the AFRO communication unit, write and distribute press releases, coordinate media inquiries, interviews for
the EPR team, and keep track of media coverage for the EPR Cluster and for JEAP.

• Digital and Social Media Management:
o Create/Manage and utilize EPR social media assets (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
o Create and schedule posts, engage with followers, and monitor trends.
o Oversee the JEAP website content, ensuring it is up-to-date and aligned with branding and communication strategies in
coordination with the Africa CDC and EMRO counterparts.

• Capacity Building:
o Support the creation of an “ambassadors” network – i.e. designated pool of spokespersons (from Regional Office and Country
Offices + Triple E)
o Coordinate and deliver communication and media-sensitization training for EPR staff.