Background
For more than fifty years, the PAHO/WHO office has engaged in technical cooperation to improve the health and well-being of the people of Suriname. To fulfill PAHO's objectives to fight communicable and noncommunicable diseases and their causes, strengthen health systems, and respond to emergencies and disasters, the organization relies heavily on effective communication to connect with and influence existing and diverse audiences.
To advance these goals, PAHO works in partnership with Ministries of Health and other government agencies, civil society organizations, other international agencies, universities, community groups, and other partners. PAHO promotes the inclusion of health in all public policies and the engagement of all sectors in effort to ensure that people live longer, healthier lives, with good health as their most valuable resource.
Good communication saves lives and improves health. The PAHO Suriname office is well-positioned to contribute substantively to national, regional, and international discourse on public health matters which affect our everyday lives. PAHO is a strategic partner to highlight both the efforts of health partners as well as the challenges which stymie progress in Suriname. Communication products that reflect the country's journey towards universal health can facilitate greater advocacy and resource mobilization to meet its many pressing needs.
Duties
- Plan and design a Communications and Outreach Plan to support the work of the PAHO Suriname Country Office. This will entail discussions with all program Technical Advisors to understand the areas requiring communication and outreach support inclusive of identified target audiences and timelines. Additionally, this task will include the design, development, and production of Country Office knowledge products including but not limited to, the PAHO Suriname Annual Reports 2019 and 2020.
- Coordinate and contribute substantively to the development and dissemination of communications, advocacy, and knowledge products in alignment with PAHO Cooperate Communications Unit. This will include work related to all aspects of the Country Office's program of work and includes the following tasks:
- Develop and produce communication materials, including brochures, publications, briefing materials, press releases, and articles, and manage their dissemination.
- Oversee the quality and compliance of visual and print products with the PAHO/WHO corporate branding and any donor branding requirements for publication, photo, social media, and other communications channels.
- Manage the translation/adaptation of regional communication materials in coordination with the Country Office Technical lead, coordinate printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials.
- Manage the PAHO country office webpage content.
- Coordinate Media Relations. This includes the following tasks:
- Manage relationships with the media; maintain and update a media database.
- Respond to media inquiries and information requests; prepare related correspondence in consultation with PAHO/WHO Representative and Country Office technical lead.
- Organize interview opportunities, roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefing sessions for the media, as required.
- Disseminate Media invitations and press releases as needed.
- Routinely monitor health-related discussions and debates in local media and prepare briefs for the Representative and other staff.
- Facilitate participation of the local media in PAHO and WHO weekly press conferences on COVID-19
- Coordinate activities on and for International Health Days in collaboration with the Technical Officer. This includes the following tasks:
- Assist in the coordination of any activities or events regarding International Health Days.
- Lead advocacy efforts by bringing together different national stakeholders and identifying channels to share communication materials related to the International Health Days;
- Identify and engage local influencers to participate in the influencer campaign.
- Support development of educational or promotional material or adaptation of campaign materials provided (posters, social tiles, GIFs) to the local context, as needed.
- Support review and approval of communications materials provided by WHO and PAHO HQ in local language(s); and
- Support the technical officers on the implementation of campaigns related to International Health Days.
Required Qualifications
- University Degree in media and communications, journalism, or related field.
- At least 3 years of demonstrated work experience in communications and media relations.
- Experience in the use of social media, multi-media, and digital platforms.
- Experience required in editing and copywriting skills, including articles, reports, social media content, press releases preferred.
- Experience in video and photo editing and design software is an asset.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Dutch is required.
Are you interested?
- To apply, please submit both a cover letter and your most recent CV to PWRSUR@paho.org
- Deadline for submissions: December 15, 2023.