Senior Communications Adviser

Job Description - Senior Communications Adviser (2500424)

Senior Communications Adviser - (2500424)

Grade: P5

Contractual Arrangement: Temporary appointment under Staff Rule 420.4

Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): 12 months

: Feb 4, 2025, 11:22:57 AM

: Feb 25, 2025, 10:59:00 PM

: Switzerland-Geneva

: UT/UTD UNITAID International drug purchase facility

: Full-time

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device's system settings.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Unitaid is a multilateral Organization hosted by the World Health Organization. Unitaid is focused on making a unique and impactful contribution to the global response against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in developing countries. It catalyses improvements for the larger response through forward-looking and time-limited investments that are designed to increase access to better, more effective and more affordable health products (i.e. preventatives, medicines and diagnostics). These investments typically target market-based interventions such as price reductions, improvements in quality and supply, and the introduction of innovative products that are more suitable for the populations in need.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Lead, establish and implement the communications strategy that aligns all of the organization's priorities
• Implement the communications strategy through outreach to partners, donors and other stakeholders
• Manage a team of communications staff, guide and train them to execute the strategy and closely monitor its implementation
• Formulate and coordinate messaging and ensure consistent delivery of these messages in time-sensitive situations
• Oversee design and content of website and social media activities- Use professional knowledge and expertise in communications to oversee the writing of reports, news releases, summaries, briefing papers and talking points on issues of relevance to the organization
• Oversee the production of all promotional and printed materials, including annual reports
• Work with colleagues across units to communicate complex issues to diverse audiences
• Provide professional know-how to colleagues in other departments to build on their knowledge of communications skills
• Act as a senior representative of Unitaid to external stakeholders
• Oversee handling of inquiries and coordinate responses to partners and donors about the organization
• Provide explanations of the organization to external partners and stakeholder
• Oversee the successful execution of selected projects, such as high-profile events and social media campaigns
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with international media
• Manage the Communications team: coordinate, manage, and implement budgets and work plans; contribute to continuous improvement
• Manages performance: guide staff towards meeting challenges and achieving objectives, promoting ownership and responsibility for outcomes
• Develop media and communications engagement plans for Board members and the Executive Director
• Perform other duties as required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• Advanced level university degree in communications, media, journalism, social sciences, humanities or a related field.

Experience

Essential:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in journalism, marketing or related field.
• Demonstrated experience at the international level.
• Extensive experience in managing teams effectively.
• Experience of working with international news media.
• Experience of working with a variety of media, such as written press, social media, video etc.

Desirable:

• Experience working in an organization with a complex variety of external partners.
• Experience working in an emerging country.
• Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Experience in web design and management and social networks and/or data visualization.

Skills

Essential:

• Excellent management and delegation skills
• Excellent writing, editing and oral communications skills
• Ability to initiate and lead projects with staff from different departments and backgrounds
• Ability to use advanced problem-solving skills in sensitive situations
• Ability to write on deadline and change direction on short notice
• In-depth understanding of international news media
• A solution-oriented and proactive mind-set
• Deep knowledge of handling, international news media

Desirable:

• Data visualization skills
• Communication of complex concepts to non-expert audiences

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Driving the Organization's Position in Health Leadership
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

• Intermediate knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 92,731 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 6460 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.
• 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). 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.
• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.
• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to E-Mail schreiben
• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put 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.
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• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.
• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at E-Mail schreiben.
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• As a WHO staff member assigned solely and exclusively to support this Partnership, selected staff will have no right of reassignment or transfer outside the Partnership either during or at the end of his/her appointment, including pursuant to WHO Staff Rule 1050. (This does not apply to WHO fixed-term staff members reassigned from a non-Partnership position.)
• UNITAID is a partnership hosted and administered by WHO, located outside WHO premises in Le Pommier, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex.