Director, Communications

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Generic duties :

• Leads the development and articulation of a strategic global communications vision and implementation of a WHO global communications strategy.
• Advises the Director-General and Senior Leadership on politically sensitive and strategic matters related to the Organization's communication and public relations' strategy in responding on a diverse array of complex global public health matters and emergencies.
• Provides strategic direction in the design and development of cutting‑edge communication policies and strategies, ensuring consistent messaging and brand alignment across Headquarters, Regional and Country Offices.
• Oversees, monitors and evaluates the impact of communication activities, products, and engagements throughout the organization in order to improve them.
• Establishes robust mechanisms for impact assessment, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement.
• Ensures they are strategic, coherent, mutually reinforcing and strengthening the Organization's goals, reputation and impact.
• Champions the Organization's global visibility and credibility, offering authoritative guidance to senior leadership to position WHO as the preeminent voice in global public health and a model of communication excellence.
• Directs the strategic development and implementation of the Department's communication policies and strategies across the three levels of the Organization, establishing robust mechanisms for impact assessment, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement.
• Leads the Organization's global media and crisis communication strategy, proactively identifying communication strategies to manage and/or leverage reputational risks and opportunities to promote WHO visibility and/or protect the Organization's reputation.
• Ensures timely, transparent, and effective engagement with global audiences during public health emergencies and high‑stakes events.
• Leads the development of a broader strategy on addressing misinformation and disinformation organization‑wide to counteract potential negative influences on WHO's strategic role.
• Directs and manages the staff and resources of the Department of Communications.
• Oversees strategic planning, monitoring, and evaluation of the Department's portfolio, establishing global benchmarks and accountability frameworks to drive excellence and innovation in communication practices.
• Builds and sustains high‑level partnerships with global media, Member States, UN agencies, donors, and strategic stakeholders, leveraging these relationships to amplify WHO's voice and advance its global health mandate through a dynamic communications strategy.
• Supports resource mobilization efforts through targeted communications campaigns; donor engagement strategies that are designed to support and strengthen WHO's presence and impact at global, regional and country levels, ensuring that newly secured resources are strategically aligned.

Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Essential : An advanced university degree in communication, journalism, public relations, international relations, public health, business management, social sciences, or a related field.

Desirable : A PhD in one of the above-mentioned fields. Specialization in marketing, business management, international / public relations, or a related field. Focus on journalism or a related area.

Essential : A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the management of communications and or public relations programmes, including experience providing senior level communications advice and guidance to Senior Management / Decision makers, managing human and financial resources, as well as experience in the area of developing and establishing communications policies and strategies.

Demonstrated experience at the international level.

Desirable : Experience working with or within multilateral organizations or UN agencies.

• Strong skills in the area of developing and establishing Communications polices and strategies.
• Excellent skills and ability to manage diverse teams and financial resources.
• Strong understanding and skills in communications, public…