DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the technical and managerial oversight of the Chef de Cabinet and in close consultation with the Regional Director, CRP team, department directors and other relevant staff, the incumbent will research, write and edit speeches, video messages, talking points, forewords, editorials, social media content and other products/materials as necessary.

This includes the following key duties:

1- Provide expert writing input and support to the Regional Director, and Senior Management Team in WHO/EMRO in the development of key communication products for the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

2- Consulting with and advising the Regional Director and Senior Management Team on the form and content of speeches and other materials to have highest impact on target audience in line with Regional Director priorities and Organization strategy.

3- Contribute towards positioning the work of the Regional Director and the Senior Management as a strong, authoritative and trusted voice on health and related issues in the region, distinct from a broad range of key stakeholders, health practitioners and lay audiences.

4- Provide communications expertise in shaping and fashioning the content of the Regional Director’s messages/products, with a special focus on speeches, talking points and social media.

This includes liaising with technical units across WHO/EMR and, when necessary, Headquarters and country offices, to research speech topics, gather information and ensure the technical accuracy of communication outputs/products developed for the Regional Director.

5- Develop speech ideas and create outlines/draft messages and materials that are clear, compelling, technically accurate, politically sensitive, and stylistically consistent with the Regional Director’s voice and aligned with WHO regional priorities. Edit and refine existing speeches/messages and convert speeches into written format as required.

6- Provide expert assistance in tailoring messages/products to specific key events at which the Regional Director is invited to speak, ensuring that the outputs are appropriate, relevant and attractive for the audience.

Coordinate logistics with venues and audiences as may be appropriate. Provide expert feedback upon delivery of speeches/messages.

7- Provide expert communication advice to the Regional Director and office’s senior management as relevant on messaging and tone. This includes working closely with the Regional Communications Managers, Media Officer, Social Media Officer and country-level communications staff as needed.

8- Proactively organize and take part in relevant dialogues and meetings to discuss and agree on upcoming messages, speeches and other key content.

9- Perform other related duties within the remit and scope of the function, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree (Master’s level) in communications, journalism, political science, public relations, international relations, English language, or other related field.
Desirable: Additional qualification in health, public health or global health diplomacy.

Experience

Essential: At least ten years progressive experience, including international experience, working as a specialist in communications or a communications-related field with a health/ international development/political perspective.

Within this experience, demonstrated experience in writing speeches and other written materials for high-profile leaders; Demonstrated experience working in public health or international development or politics with a development focus
Desirable: Relevant work experience with(in) WHO or another UN agency. Journalistic experience at the international level or work in a multilateral organization.

Skills

1- Demonstrated excellent writing skills in English and Arabic, ability to create engaging and effective content that captures the spirit of the Regional Director and WHO/EMRO’s work, especially for spoken (including visual) formats.

Good understanding of publics peaking. Excellent language and persuasion skills.

2- Advanced understanding of public health and international development topics and issues and strong understanding of politics and current affairs as related to global health.

3- Proven strong skills in conducting topic related research, including critical thinking.

4- Ability to deliver high-quality work with attention to detail, in a complex and fast paced environment.

5- Ability to manage multiple speechwriting projects at once and meet deadlines and adapt to changing situations quickly.

Proven high interpersonal skills, including the ability to make and maintain effective contacts at all levels in a multi professional and multicultural environment.

6- Emotional intelligence: ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as helping others to do the same.