Strategic communications and external relations, Japan

Item Description:

The World Health Organization (WHO) was established in 1948 as a specialized agency of the United Nations. The objective of WHO (www.who.int) is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. “Health”, as defined in the WHO Constitution, is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. WHO’s main function is to act as the directing and coordinating authority on international health work.

The Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) is one of the six regions of the World Health Organization. Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, we work with health authorities and other partners in 37 countries and areas with more than one quarter of the world’s population.

BACKGROUND

This consultancy will support the Office of the Regional Director for the Western Pacific with strategic communications and external relations with a focus on Japan.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

Japan is one of 37 countries and areas of the WHO Western Pacific Region. It is one of the largest countries in the Region in terms of population, and a key donor and partner working with WHO to improve health in the Western Pacific and beyond. The seventy-second session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific (RCM72) is planned to be held in Japan in October 2021.

WHO requires an experienced consultant to support our work in the area of communications and external relations in Japan in 2021. This should contribute to enhanced understanding and appreciation of WHO’s work in the Region with governments and key partners to respond to COVID-19, and other key areas of public health. It will involve the contextualization and dissemination of information, through media and other means, to decision-makers and the public.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Support strategic communications and external relations by WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Office (based in Manila), with an emphasis on Japan. Activities will include provision of expert advice, elaboration and implementation of a strategic communications and external relations strategy for Japan.

This will involve (but not be limited to):

• monitoring key Japanese media coverage and social media activity (such as posts by key influencers) regarding WHO
• providing support and advice on proactive and reactive engagement with Japanese media (e.g. responding to queries, developing/contextualizing/translating/pitching opinion editorials and key interviews).

It will include activities to support communications and partner engagement in relation to RCM72 in Japan in October 2021. This may involve advising on Japanese media and key influencer engagement, assisting with planning, development, adaptation and translation of relevant communications material, and managing local media engagement in the lead up to and during RCM72.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

This is a home-based consultancy and work is to be carried out remotely, in close coordination with WHO’s Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) through regular tele- and video-conferences, as well as email.

There is a possibility of travel to WPRO in Manila, Philippines, for a short period at the beginning of the consultancy, but this would be dependent on COVID-19 related travel restrictions and flight availability.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:

University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Health, Political Science or a related field.

Desirable:

A higher degree in one of these areas.

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

At least five (5) years’ experience working in the media and/or in a communications role in Japan.

Desirable:

Experience working with WHO or within the UN system;

Experience working on public health issues.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Highly developed knowledge of and skills in strategic communications (including media) and external relations in the Japanese context.

Excellent Japanese writing and editing skills.

LANGUAGES

Essential:

Written and spoken fluency in Japanese;

Business level knowledge of English.

COMPETENCIES

• Teamwork
• Producing results
• Ensuring effective use of resources
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Duration of contract: 12 April – 30 November 2021

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested applicants should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 26 March 2021.

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 123515 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Thi Minh Ly Nguyen – wproungm@who.int
Email: wproungm@who.int
First name: Thi Minh Ly
Surname: Nguyen