Team Lead, Strategic Communications and Management(SCM)

The Team Lead, Strategic Communications and Management (SCM) advises the Regional Director on communications and leads a team to develop and disseminate high quality communication products and campaigns to promote WHO African Region's image and health advocacy. The role includes capacity building, policy advice, media relations, and managing internal and external communications strategies.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate the development and implementation of the plan of work for the Unit, including a Regional Communications strategy, incorporating corporate branding, reputation management, internal communications, and capacity building in the region
• Act as expert advisor to the Regional Director and senior officials on external communications, particularly in media relations, and on strategic communications’ responses to public health issues, as well as to public opinion and concerns
• Supervise the drafting of key communications products including press releases, talking points and supervise the production and distribution of public health information and advocacy materials, both publications and web-based, including information on controversial or sensitive issues
• Provide backup to the Senior Writer in the preparation of speeches /statements/messages/talking points for the Regional Director, and other communication materials as needed
• Supervise the production of multimedia material including social videos, institutional and other videos, and animations
• Support team members who working in collaboration with Clusters and country offices ensure a dynamic and up-to-date web site
• In collaboration with LLP, provide guidance on issues of copyrights, data privacy, or other branding aspects of communications
• Facilitate consistent and cohesive communications through working with a network of country-based and regional communication and public information officers in the WHO African region
• Lead capacity building for communications; oversee the development and implementation of staff training in communications across the region; provide senior leadership media coaching to support stakeholder engagement
• Supervise the Internal Communications Officer in the delivery of priority organizational communications and in advising technical units at the regional and country offices on internal communications
• Support enhanced communication linkages between all levels of the Organization including through regular exchanges and support the Internal Communications Officer in maintaining a comprehensive, cohesive and well-maintained Intranet site and e-platforms for staff knowledge and learning exchanges in communities of practice
• Provide leadership to and manage the staff under his/her responsibility; ensure their performance, continuous development and engagement, promoting a culture of working across boundaries, and integrity in accordance with the Organization's policies, rules, procedures, and values
• In coordination with HRT, lead the recruitment & staffing of positions in the Unit. Establish work objectives for all personnel in the Unit and conduct staff performance evaluations in accordance with established procedures and deadlines
• Facilitate cross-cluster collaboration of team members across the RO for delivering organizational results
• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Communications, Marketing, Political or international relations, health communications or related fields
• At least 10 years’ relevant experience at national and international levels in developing and implementing public information initiatives for health programmes, health communication and advocacy
• Experience in the development of communications and/or advocacy material for mass media and policy makers
• Experience as organizational spokesperson on health issues
• Expert knowledge of English and good working knowledge of French
• Working knowledge of Portuguese is desirable
• Working level of computer literacy with proven ability to use standard office software packages, including eHealth tools
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of a wide range of communications channels (print, web, broadcast)
• Thorough understanding of the impact of communications on the reputation, image, and success of an organization, as well as the role of media and social media to communicate information about organizational programs, policies, initiatives and other relevant information
• Proven ability and skills as a strong professional writer, including speeches, media products, and information material
• Ability to engage directly and communicate articulately and diplomatically with the press, colleagues and senior leaders
• Articulate and willing to serve as a public figure for the organization
• Proven ability to maintain poise articulateness
• Working knowledge of leading the execution of an International Organization’s role, mandates, strategies and action plans

Skills

• Health Communication
• Advocacy Material Development
• Organizational Spokesperson
• English Language Proficiency
• Language Proficiency in French
• Computer Literacy
• eHealth Tools
• Media Relations
• Social Media Communication
• Professional Writing
• Speech Writing
• Diplomatic Communication
• Strategic Communications
• Communication Campaigns
• Capacity Building
• Policy Advice
• Internal Communications
• External Communications
• Public Information Campaigns
• Communication Channels

Languages

English, French, Portuguese