Technical Officer, Communications

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Executive Manager, Special Program on Regional Revolving Funds (RRF) and the direct supervision of the Program Management Specialist, Special Program, RRF, the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

a)Provide technical support for the development, implementation and maintenance of the RFF identity and communications strategy; provide support for communications activities related to the RRF program of work and Plan of Action, working in close coordination with the Communications Department (CMU); collaborate and coordinate communication initiatives with internal entities and external partners; define and develop information sharing strategies and activities for the RF, in collaboration with the Chief and technical staff;

b)Collaborate and coordinate with other departments that support the work of the RRF, for the development of communication products that most effectively convey the desired information and messages to target audiences;

c)Provide support to RFF’s technical team, identifying synergies between both Funds, developing aligned strategies to manage messaging to corresponding audiences: partners, donors, national health authorities of Member States and relevant PAHO Advisors;

d)Supervise, guide and assist communications Regional Technical Focal Points, Country Communication Focal Points and other stakeholders/audiences in Country Offices to transmit messaging of the RRF in an effective and timely manner;

e)Prepare periodic monitoring reports of press coverage to detect opportunities and implement risk mitigation;

f)Serve as the focal point for communications in RRF and the main point of contact with CMU, providing strategic support and input to develop the main communication products and services, organized by the following areas of work: - Internal Communications: Develop and maintain the Intranet/Website for RRF; coordinate and support content management activities, ensuring quality and integrity of information published on both sites; develop engaging content for internal audiences to engage with the RRF; - Editorial Services: provide editorial support for scientific, technical and/or promotional materials produced by RFF for specific internal/external audiences, ensuring the quality and integrity of information; - Multimedia Relations and Services: act as the contact person and work closely with the CMU Multimedia team to coordinate timely response to external media requests (interviews, press releases, etc); edit content for press releases, fact sheets, campaign materials, video scripts, etc; review these materials for content, accuracy and consistency in terminology and style; provide training to RF’s technical staff in external communication methods, including media training; support and reinforce internal and external communications actions; - Institutional Branding: coordinate and provide data regarding the production of the RFF’s information products, based on the guidelines of the PAHO Publishing Policy and the Institutional Branding principles and standards;

g)Support the design and implementation of RFF’s communications plan and coordinate the publication of key information to promote the technical cooperation aspect of the Funds through the development of education and advocacy materials;

h)Collaborate with technical teams in adapting content in different forms appropriate for each dissemination platform ( print, media lists, web, social media) and consistent with the Organization’s brand and style;

i)Develop user-friendly materials and identify special cases in need of particular tactics such as reputation crises and/or the participation of the organization in global initiatives;

j)Collaborate in the development of key presentations to help maintain visual consistency and engaging messaging;

k)Support preparation of meeting materials such Q&As and meeting reports;

l)Disseminate communication products for targeted audiences;

m)Develop key performance indicators to allow the creation of final reports and project evaluations; prepare and present periodic reports on project status;

n)Design high-level appropriate materials and graphic aids to execute the communications plan or assist in identifying, procuring and coordinating subconsultants and vendors to assist when and if needed;

o)Maintain effective partnerships with all project stakeholders to exchange critical and technical information and resolve program/project implementation issues to achieved planned results;

p)Brief advisors and Executive manager on key communication subjects as needed, prepare talking points and other materials for high[1]level events;

q)Collaborate with the RRF team to integrate communication tactics in special projects when they are deemed necessary;

r)Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education :

Essential: A bachelor's degree in journalism, information sciences, media studies, communications or in any of the areas related to the functions of the position, from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master’s degree in a health-related area, communications, marketing or business administration.

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.PAHO, only considers official degrees 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: . PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, to support the validation process.

Experience :

Essential: Five years of combined national and international professional experience working in the area of communications, marketing, business, advertising.

Desirable: Experience working in/with large multi-disciplinary teams.

SKILLS :

PAHO Competencies:

· Overall attitude at work : Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.

· Teamwork : Collaborate and cooperate with others. - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.

· Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences : Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.

· Communication : Express oneself clearly when speaking / Write effectively/Listen/Shares knowledge - Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience.Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers.Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (, power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans).Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.

· Knowing and managing yourself : Manages stress / Invite feedback / Continuously learn - Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance.Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps.

· Producing Results : Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients’ needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own timelines effectively and efficiently.Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project’s expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary.Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.

· Moving forward in a changing environment : Propose change/Adapt to change - Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise.Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.

Technical Expertise:

–Technical expertise in emerging information and communication technologies for health information and knowledge management sharing and virtual collaboration.

–Technical expertise and proven skills in the design, planning and implementation of strategies and communication campaigns.

–Expertise in the development and conceptualization of multimedia content.

–Excellent organizational and analytical skills combined with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

–Ability to work independently and to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.

–Strong communication skills (oral, written, visual), including the development of persuasive communication material and documents.

–Strong knowledge and skills for the design, organization and coordination of complex special events and communication campaigns.

Languages:

Essential: Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential. Creative software is desirable such as canva, adobe, etc.