Open position

Regional Communication Officer – WOAH RR Moscow, Russia

Moscow
Context
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH – founded as OIE) is a leading intergovernmental organisation representing 183 Members worldwide. Through its activities, WOAH makes a decisive contribution to improving animal health, protecting animal welfare and strengthening Veterinary Services. The Organisation provides transparent information on world’s animal health situation, and promotes international standards, particularly in terms of the safety of trade in live animals and animal products. More information can be found on WOAH’s website.

Joining WOAH means taking part in the development of one of the leading international organisations, recognised and associated with other multilateral institutions, in the field of worldwide health. It means helping to build a global approach to health, combining animal and human health in a “One Health” approach. It means joining teams motivated by the impact of their actions, the sense of their collective commitment and their recognised professionalism in their respective fields of expertise. 

WOAH’s headquarters are based in Paris. The Organisation is present on every continent through 13 Regional or Regional Representations. WOAH has 250 staff members, two-thirds of whom are based at headquarters. This position is located in Moscow.
Job Description
Positioning and reporting

Under the authority of WOAH Regional Representative for Europe based in Moscow, the Regional Communication Officer will work in close collaboration with WOAH Sub-regional Representations in Astana and Brussels and the Global Communication Department, based at WOAH Headquarters in Paris.		 
Job purpose

The Regional Communications Officer optimises awareness of WOAH and understanding of its mandate by ensuring communication around its regional activities. He/she is responsible for developing and implementing regional communication strategies to promote WOAH activities, in line with the global communication vision and narrative. He/she is in charge of producing or coordinating the production of regional communication tools aligned with target groups and raising awareness of both general public and technical audiences.		 
Missions and activities

Provide technical support to the Regional Representation for Europe:

– Liaise with other WOAH departments (e.g., Communication, ECU, WAHIAD, CBD, RAD, Engagement and Investment) to secure high level of harmonization of working plan, Global Events Roadmap, and implementation of specific regional activities;
– Participate in internal trainings related to communication, data management or IT capacities, support transfer of knowledge to other officers in RR/SRRs, and implement it in specific activities;
– Support the translation and interpretation (English, Russian) of relevant documents;
– Share, collaborate and ensure the involvement of key stakeholders, roadmap planning and implementation of programmes;
– Assist the Regional Representative in managing strategic and the day-to-day technical operations in the region, including following up with Members on required information, conducting country visits, etc.;
– Contribute to the preparation of background documents and periodic progress reports;
– Support the implementation of WOAH training events (seminars, conferences, workshops), ensuring high-quality communication and visibility. Development and implementation of a communications and advocacy activities and production of related communications products.  

Develop communication strategies in Europe in line with WOAH global communication vision:

– Work closely with regional colleagues to ensure being fully conversant on WOAH regional mission and activities;
– Engage closely with the Communication Department to ensure alignment with WOAH global communication vision;
– Assess the communication needs in the region; 
– Develop communication strategies to cover these needs; identifying target groups, messages, channels and timeframe for implementation;
– Contribute to the development of a regional communication budget and ensure budget follow-up;
– Develop and use key performance indicators to monitor the implementation of the communication activities;
– Provide feedback on achieving communication objectives or failing to meet objectives and propose changes as relevant; 
– Ensure the development of targeted materials to convince and encourage donors and other stakeholders to support activities of WOAH in the region, and beyond.  

Deploy various communication media to disseminate core messages:

– Define dissemination strategies, including objectives, timelines, messages and channels; 
– Propose and support the design, development and introduction of innovative communication tools and materials for digital distribution (data storytelling, innovative narratives, interactive infographics, etc.); 
– Manage and participate in the development of written material on regional activities (stories of the regional countries, social media messages, articles, concept notes, factsheets, leaflets);  
– Assess the regional website in terms of readability, visibility and accessibility; 
– Keep the content of the regional website updated, including the development of specific pages in Russian, in coordination with the regional colleagues, and follow up on technical updates needed; 
– Develop, critically review and improve the content of regional social networks (e.g. X account);
– Coordinate joint communication activities with partners at regional level; 
– Support expert consultations, facilitate meetings and workshops related to communication; 
– Coordinate and manage press relations at regional level; 
– Participate in the animation of the regional networks to ensure adequate outreach and provide proposals to increase the outreach scope at regional level; 
– Develop a regional network of media professionals, bloggers, influencers and journalists, as well as formal media outlets (print and digital) who could help disseminate and support WOAH messages.   

Oversee development of communication materials by external providers:

– Develop terms of reference and technical specifications for external providers to develop communication materials;  
– Contribute to the selection and contracting of external suppliers; 
– Define overall schedule of communication projects, expected delivery deadlines and milestones; 
– Coordinate the work by the contracted supplier;  
– Ensure work remains within specified budget;  
– Ensure delivery of products within agreed timeframe and to specification including budget; 
– Identify the needs and develop/maintain a roster of communication consultants and service providers.   

Design and implement risk communication capacity building activities    
– Coordinate and maintain the network of regional WOAH Focal Points, with organisation of regular effective collaboration activities (e.g. webinars, workshops);
– Plan and coordinate risk communication capacity building activities for WOAH staff members; 
– Contribute to the development of training and facilitation materials for WOAH events (seminars, workshops) in collaboration with relevant colleagues and adapt the content and delivery of such materials to a virtual format if required.  

Any other tasks assigned by the Regional Representative.		 
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience

Required qualifications

– Degree in communication, social science, journalism, law, political science, social sciences, international relations or veterinary science;
– Postgraduate diploma in communications, business administration, public relations, or animal health will be taken as advantage;
– At least ten years of professional experience in the communication, journalism, public relation, or media areas;
– Experience working internationally or in multi-cultural environment; 
– Experience in communication projects management;  
– Experience in developing and delivering digital communication products;   

Additional experience  

– Experience in International organisations, will be taken as advantage;
– Experience in veterinary domain, will be taken as advantageExperience of working in Europe region.

Requirements

Technical skills

– Strong computer skills in a Microsoft environment, including Word, Excel, OneDrive, PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as a good knowledge of Adobe Acrobat;
– Strong project management and editorial skills;
– Excellent command of English, both written and spoken;
– Excellent command of Russian, both written and spoken.

Additional competencies

– Experience in communication and public relations;
– Proven proficiency in web-based applications (WordPress) digital platforms (such as Mailchimp, Survey Monkey) and social media (Twitter/X);
– Familiarity with multimedia production tools (design software, video editing, and other visual digital technology);
– Knowledge of another  WOAH official language (Spanish or French) and Russian would be considered as advantage.

Behavioural skills

– Excellent communication skills;
– Accuracy and attention to details;
– Willingness and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
– Proven effective organisational skills and ability to handle work in an efficient and timely manner, defining priorities and meeting deadlines;
– High sense of confidentiality;
– Capacity to work autonomously and to take ownership of tasks.  		 
Additional Information
Working conditions

– Salary: commensurate with qualifications and experience ;
– Type of contract: WOAH staff – Fixed-term contract ;
– This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) based at the WOAH Regional Representation for Europe in Moscow.

It requires long hours of sitting at a computer. Some flexibility for working from distance might be considered, in accordance with WOAH rules.  		 
General information  

The WOAH places high value on a multicultural and positive work environment. The WOAH is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications of all qualified candidates, irrespective of their ethnic origin, gender, opinions, or beliefs.   If you are interested in the position, please complete your application online at the latest by 10 January 2025. APPLY HERE