Job Vacancy : Communications Assistant
Post description
Communications Assistant
Purpose of the post
The incumbent will support the implementation of the WHO Country Office communication strategies in line with programme priorities and organizational objectives, within the context of WHO’s strategic direction at country level. The role aims to promote awareness, increase visibility, and strengthen public understanding of the work and achievements of the WHO Country Office.
Objectives of the programme
Overview of the programme
Awareness building and information dissemination: Lead the creation and dissemination of communication products (e.g., news releases, social media content, fact sheets, and feature stories) to promote WHO’s work, communicate key public health messages, and meet the information needs of the public, donors, and stakeholders.
Advocacy and campaigning: Support the development and implementation of advocacy and communication campaigns on priority health issues (e.g., noncommunicable diseases, health emergencies, and outbreak response) to raise awareness and encourage action.
Media and external relations management: Support media outreach activities, including crisis and emergency communications, organization of press conferences, media briefings, and interviews, while building and maintaining productive relationships with the media to ensure optimal coverage of WHO’s work.
Content development and storytelling: Identify compelling stories and success cases; research, write, and edit high-quality, evidence-based communication materials including web stories, photo essays, videos, and human-interest stories.
Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE): Support the design and implementation of risk communication and community engagement strategies during public health emergencies, outbreaks, and humanitarian situations to promote timely, accurate, and trusted public health information and community participation.
Risk and reputation management: Monitor media coverage and audience perceptions to identify communication gaps, propose risk-mitigation measures, and protect the organization’s reputation and ethical standards.
Supporting internal and external stakeholders: Provide communications support and guidance to leadership, technical teams, and partners, while collaborating with UN agencies and other stakeholders to ensure consistency and alignment of messaging.
Ensuring quality and consistency: Support the management, maintenance of communication platforms, including websites and social media channels, in compliance with WHO branding, editorial standards, and house style guidelines.
Organizational context
The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the ERP & RBM Officer and the overall guidance of the WHO Representative. The incumbent will work closely with heads of clusters, counterparts within the WHO Country Office, the Regional Office, and Headquarters.
The role requires regular interaction with national stakeholders, development partners, UN agencies, and the media to ensure positive visibility and optimal coverage of WHO’s work and achievements.
Summary of assigned duties
The incumbent will support the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders in the following areas:
Support the implementation of communication and RCCE strategies and plans to raise awareness of WHO programmes and achievements at country level, in coordination with regional and headquarters communication focal points.
Support the implementation of WHO corporate (global and regional) communication strategies by identifying marketable subjects and success stories and developing advocacy and communication products.
Support effective outreach and dissemination of information to target audiences through appropriate media channels and communication platforms.
Organize media events, campaigns, and technical media briefings, coordinating between media personnel and WHO experts as required.
Build and maintain productive relationships and networks with the press, media, and key national stakeholders.
Apply knowledge of local cultural norms and stakeholder dynamics to strengthen engagement with diverse national audiences.
Support the development and updating of content and stakeholder linkages for the WHO Country Office website and digital platforms.
Conduct regular media monitoring and track audience perceptions of the organization, proposing appropriate risk-mitigation communication measures.
Collaborate with national stakeholders, development partners, and United Nations Information Officers to support the production and dissemination of information on national health priorities and strategies.
Advocate for organizational priorities and represent WHO in the United Nations Communications Group.
Support emergency and multi-hazard risk communication, social mobilization, and advocacy activities during public health emergencies and outbreaks.
Support country office leadership in strategic, external, and internal communications, ensuring sensitivity to national cultural contexts.
Manage and maintain the WHO Country Office social media platforms by developing, scheduling, publishing, and monitoring digital content to enhance visibility, engagement, and public awareness of WHO programmes and achievements, while ensuring compliance with WHO branding and communication guidelines.
Coordinate and facilitate communication and media-sensitization training for WHO Country Office staff.
Recruitment profile
Competencies
The incumbent should demonstrate the following WHO core competencies:
Communicating in a credible and effective manner
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Demonstrating a positive and professional attitude at work
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Fostering integration and teamwork
Functional skills and knowledge
Sound understanding of public health and international development issues.
Proven skills in the development and implementation of communication and media products and approaches, including strong writing and editing skills.
Ability to represent and promote the WHO brand across digital platforms, virtual communities, and professional networks.
Ability to develop strategic messaging and positioning for an international organization.
Ability to identify, document, and communicate success stories effectively.
Knowledge of WHO and United Nations programmes, systems, and practices.
Understanding of WHO’s mandate and goals within the context of emergency incident management.
Education
Essential
A university degree (Bachelor’s level) in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, political science, international relations, or related disciplines.
Desirable
Formal qualifications in public health.
Training in communication techniques, graphic design, social media management.
Training in risk communication.
A Master’s degree in any of the above fields would be an added advantage.
Experience
Essential
A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in delivering communication services and products at the national level.
Desirable
Experience working with international organizations, the United Nations system, Development organizations or public health programmes would be an added advantage.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English is essential.
Working knowledge of French or another WHO official language would be an asset.
Other skills
Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), with strong proficiency in Excel or similar spreadsheet applications.
Apply
Qualified candidates should send their CV to this email: wcolesothosocials [at] who.int (wcolesothosocials[at]who[dot]int)
Deadline for submission of Application: 7th June 2026