International Consultant – Strategic Communications for Health (SCH)

Purpose of consultancy

The consultant will support the Communications for Health (CFH) programme under the department of Communication, Resource Mobilization and Partnership (CRP) to edit and produce high quality communication products including web materials, social media content, press releases, speeches, op-eds and campaigns.

Background

The technical departments and country offices of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region create high-quality communication content for publication and distribution across the web, media and social media. The consultant will work within CRP/CFH, in coordination with the Publishing, Editorial and Graphic Design (PEG) team to ensure the timely production of these strategic communication products.

Objectives

The communications programme’s Strategic Objective is to reinforce WHO’s role as the trusted health authority, and to share evidence-based health information in the Region.

The programme’s specific objectives are to:

• Reach the public, donors, media and other stakeholders with accurate, timely and appealing information through traditional and innovative platforms to:
  • Promote WHO’s impact and credibility as the leading voice for public health;
  • Highlight heath needs across the Region through human stories; and
  • Communicate health risks and dispel misinformation.
• Enhance WHO’s capacity to communicate for health, foster partnerships with the media and other key stakeholders, and attract resources for strategic priorities.
• Reaffirm WHO staff’s knowledge of, and pride in the work of the Organization.
• Advise senior management on issues that affect WHO’s reputation and credibility.

While work is normally conducted during WHO/EMRO office hours based on Cairo time, it should be noted that out-of-hours work in the evenings or weekends may be required due to emergency needs or during important events. We may also require the consultant’s assistance in case capacity building sessions are needed for our colleagues on WHO editorial standards and writing best practices.

Deliverables

Output 1: Proofreading and editorial review of web and communication content.

Deliverable 1.1: Proofread and edit corporate and emergency communications products including, but not limited to, press releases, newsletters, video scripts, speeches, campaign materials, as well as web, social media and multimedia content.

Deliverable 1.2: Meet virtually with communication staff as necessary to discuss textual content and resolve editorial queries.

Deliverable 1.3: Publish content on the WHO website for the Region and country offices, using content management system (CMS).

Deliverable 1.4: Support the enhancement of web content as part of the migration process to upgrade the content management system (CMS)

Output 2: Developing written and communication content for web, media, social media and corporate campaigns.

Deliverable 2.1: Work closely with communication officers at CRP and country offices to provide editorial input for developing slogans, taglines and other materials that reflect the brand voice.

Output 3: Providing editorial support/advice to communications teams in close coordination with PEG unit and the WHO/EMRO’s Chief Editor

Deliverable 3.1: Develop/enhance standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for the creation and editing of web content and other communication products.

Deliverable 3.2: Ensure all communication content adheres to WHO editorial style guide and editorial rules.

Educational Qualifications

Essential: First university degree (bachelor’s degree) in English language, linguistics, communication, science, social sciences, humanities or other related field.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of proven relevant experience working in a professional editing and communication environment.

Desirable:

• Working experience in an international organization.
• Working experience with content management system (CMS) for websites such as Joomla and Sitefinity.

Skills/Knowledge

• Expertise in writing and editing in English, with strong knowledge of the English language and trends in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Proven competency in planning and preparing content for publication on websites.
• Understanding of the work of international organizations and the potential sensitivities involved.

Languages and level required

Essential: expert knowledge in English Language (Read – Write – Speak)

Location

Remote/Home-based

Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Hiring Unit

Communications, Resource Mobilization and Partnership (CRP)

Remuneration and Expected duration of the contract (Maximum contract duration is 11 months per calendar year)

• Remuneration: at Band level “B” – lower end of range
• Expected duration of the contract: 6 months – Start date: 1 Jan 25 – End date: 30 Jun 25.

WHO Competencies

Enhanced WHO Global Competency Model: Enhanced WHO global competency model

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply online through Stellis. For assessment of your application, please ensure that:

a) Your profile on Stellis is properly completed and updated.

b) All required details regarding your qualifications, education, and training are provided.

c) Your experience records are entered with elaboration on tasks performed at the time.

Additional information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• If your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and is committed to putting the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment, or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions, or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions, and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.