Communications Officer

United Nations Volunteers - East and Southern Africa; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational humanitarian organization is seeking a Communications Officer to support their communications activities in Pretoria. The role involves producing public information products, promoting public health initiatives, and engaging with media contacts. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in journalism or communications, a relevant bachelor's degree, and fluency in English. The position offers a monthly living allowance to ensure a secure standard of living.

Benefits

Monthly living allowance

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in journalism or communications.
• Fluency in English is required.

Responsibilities

• Support communications activities at the country level.
• Produce high-quality public information products.
• Promote public health initiatives and build media contacts.

Skills

Journalism experience

Communications expertise

Information management knowledge

Media relations

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Photography knowledge

Graphic design experience

Video editing skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Development, human rights, or related field

Job description

Advertisement end date: 30/12/2025

Mission and objectives

Dedicated to the well‑being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance to live a healthy life. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage. We direct and coordinate the world’s response to health emergencies. And we promote healthier lives – from pregnancy care through old age.

Context

In the context of WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work (GPW) and its three‑fold mission to promote, provide, and protect health, the incumbent will support communications activities at the country level. Key deliverables include: accurate and timely production and dissemination of high‑quality public information products which highlight WHO and partners work on the ground; promoting achievements and results of key public health initiatives and building contacts with the press/media and key partners and optimizing networking opportunities. This role also includes supporting the regular preparation of communication updates and newsletters for the WHO Regional Office for Africa, ensuring that all outputs are well‑coordinated and consistent with WHO’s communication standards. The incumbent will work under direct supervision of the External Relations Officer and overall guidance of the WHO Representative in South Africa to ensure WHO’s work and health issues gain visibility among partners, the general public, the media and other key stakeholders. While delivering the tasks, the Communications Officer ensure that all communications and visibility work is fully aligned with the accountability, supervision, and reporting structure under the External Relations Officer as well as maintaining coherence of messaging and coordinated workflows across the office.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in International development, human rights, psychology, sociology, international law, or another relevant social science field. A professional qualification as a social worker would be an asset.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in journalism and/or a communications expert for a major national or international organization.

Desirable skills:

• Studies or experience-based knowledge of information management, information systems, communications techniques and media relations,
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills,
• Excellent knowledge of photography,
• Excellent knowledge of script/video editing tools,
• Demonstrated experience in graphic design and video editing.

Area(s) of expertise

Communication

Languages

• English: Fluent (required)

Volunteer Living Allowance

UN Volunteers serve full‑time in their professional expertise, supported by a benefits package, including a monthly living allowance to ensure a secure standard of living at their duty stations. These allowances are not intended as compensation, reward, or salary for the volunteer's service.

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