Specialist, Communications & Visibility

Job Description

The incumbent is responsible for providing support for the development and implementation of communication plans and actions, and capacity-building support in the areas of work related to communications and information management in health for the Belize Country Office, in collaboration and coordination with technical staff in the Country Office and in the Department of Communications (CMU). He/she will create and utilize high-quality communication narratives, platforms and capacity-building approaches to strengthen, safeguard and advance the Organization’s brand, mission, visibility and strategic priorities to improve health outcomes. The incumbent will facilitate technical support and training at subregional and national levels for the execution of communication plans, campaigns, information management and reporting on prioritized health issues and initiatives. The incumbent provides technical support in communication initiatives within the general framework of the Organization’s mission, including CMU strategic objectives. He/she recommends communication actions to support the technical cooperation work plan. The incumbent must exercise a high degree of independent judgment and initiative, make recommendations, and is required to assume initiative in the areas of responsibility with colleagues both internal and external to the Organization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the direct supervision of the PAHO/WHO Representative (PWR) and the general guidance of the Director, Communications (CMU), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

Develop and implement a communications plan tailored for the Belize Country Office, aligned with the PAHO Communications Strategy and Belize’s Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), in collaboration with the technical personnel in the CO;
Collaborate on the proposal and development of new and effective communication approaches and activities; support the access and dissemination of technical and scientific information in the country, in accordance with technical cooperation priorities; promote knowledge sharing initiatives aimed at improving demand for and easy access to technical-scientific information on health;
Prepare national communication campaigns in line with CMU’s framework for a storytelling culture amongst leadership and staff, in order to highlight the Organization’s work of technical cooperation in the country; develop and maintain communication channels between PAHO staff and partners to ensure monthly flow of content for inclusion in stories, news media, reports, and other publications;
Provide guidance and training to promote and ensure effective communication mechanisms; maintain effective partnerships with stakeholders to exchange critical and technical communication information and resolve implementation issues to ensure results are achieved as planned;
Collaborate and provide support to the Country Office and technical personnel to assess and address their key communication needs and opportunities, to help advance the Organization’s strategic objectives, and stimulate greater interest in and awareness of the Organization and its work in the country;
Prepare and edit press releases, web news, features, fact sheets, talking points and Q&A. Prepare periodic bulletins and update written materials as needed. Manage social media accounts, upload content to the local website, organize press conferences and write/edit opinion pieces and articles aimed at disseminating the work of the Organization at the country level;
Support media inquiries by arranging interviews, researching specific issues, and contacting technical personnel; coordinate with management on sensitive issues; collaborate with management and technical officers on media relations and promotion of their activities to external audiences using a public relations approach;
Monitor the press/media and elaborate distribution lists of journalists and strategic partners;
Support the capacity building activities to effectively communicate leading health issues and PAHO’s program impact at country level, support policy advocacy, technical and scientific cooperation, partnerships and resource mobilization;
Support the PAHO Belize CO in building effective communications to position PAHO as a preferred partner, news source, thought leader and opinion maker on public health in the country;
Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, media studies, digital media communication, advertising, or in any other discipline related to the functions of the position, from a recognized university.
Desirable: Training in public health would be an asset.
In the event that 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).

Experience:

Essential: Three (3) years of national professional experience in communications or journalism, with practical experience in corporate and/or strategic communications.
Desirable: Experience working in health promotion would be an asset.

Languages: