Public Relations Specialist

The Palestinian Authority has decided to establish a Palestinian National Institute of Public Health (PNIPH) following a feasibility study undertaken by the World Health Organization (WHO). The PNIPH will undertake health surveillance, data analysis and research in order to provide science-based information and advice on health issues to the PA and Palestinian civil society and will also have a role in training and capacity building for the health sector. WHO has been given the responsibility to establish the PNIPH in partnership with the PA Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health over a two year period to February 2014 with funding from the Norwegian Government. Once it is established as a legal entity with a governing body, the PNIPH will be a semi-autonomous government body within the Palestinian Authority, fully accountable for its own staff, its professional and technical responsibilities and its budget.

The WHO office for West Bank and Gaza is recruiting a national project team to start the work of establishing the Institute and build up its initial core functions. We are currently recruiting for six temporary posts. Brief descriptions of these posts are below. Inquiries and Applications must be submitted by June 20, 2012 to [email protected]. Applications must be in English and include your CV and covering letter. Secondments will be considered. Only Palestinians are eligible to apply.

 

Organizational Context
Under the supervision of the WHO Head of Office and the Project Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the specified assigned duties described below in collaboration with the rest of the project team.

The incumbent will be based at the new premises for the PNIPH in Ramallah, West Bank, but will have extensive contact with the WHO office in Jerusalem and with other stakeholders to carry out the functions.

Purpose of the Post
-To develop and manage public relations for the Institute

Description of duties
The incumbent will perform the following duties
-Developing a PR strategy for the Institute
-Responsible for the public relations of the Institute , including managing the website, preparing news items and press releases and coordinating contact with the media
-Organize and manage the common files on the data server and the library
-Develop and maintain the profile of the Institute to the outside world
-Write and edit speeches, articles and annual reports
-Prepare and supervise the production of publicity brochures, hand-outs and multimedia programmes
-Organize events including press conferences and exhibitions

Duration of contract
- Temporary appointment for 12 months with a possibility of extension

Recruitment Profile

Education
Essential:
- Bachelor’s Degree

Desirable:
- BA or Masters in communication and media or other relevant fields

Skills
Competencies
1)Producing results.
2)Fostering integration & team work.
3)Communicating in a credible and effective manner.

Functional Skills and Knowledge
-Knowledge of modern methods of communication
-Ability to organize and maintain websites and information material
-Ability to create and maintain a credible public image
-Excellent writing and presentation skills
-Ability to work in a team, to lead and gain assistance of others in a team endeavour
-Excellent inter-personal skills and cultural sensitivity

Other skills (e.g. IT):
-MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
-Desk top web publishing programmes

Experience
Essential:
- At least 5 years of work experience in public relations or the media in the public or private sector

Desirable:
- Experience in communication on health issues, research or sciences

Eligibility
Only Palestinian Nationals are eligible to apply

Languages
Fluency in English and Arabic