Communications Officer – Animal diseases and Zoonoses – OIE Paris, France

Duration: OIE staff – 18 months

Salary conditions: between 2000-2500 € net per month (depending on the experience)**

Positioning and reporting

Under the authority of the Director General and the direct supervision of the Head of the Communication Department, the Communications Officer on animal diseases and zoonoses will work within the Editorial Communication Group, and in close cooperation with other officers in the Department and the technical teams involved. He/she will have a dotted-line reporting to the Editorial Communications Manager.

Job purpose

The Communications Officer on animal diseases and zoonoses optimises awareness of the OIE and understanding of its mandate by ensuring communication around its activities regarding priority animal diseases and how they can be addressed under the One Health approach. He/she is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring communication strategies to promote the OIE’s activities, in line with the organisational strategy on different animal diseases, including those that can be transmitted to humans. He/she is in charge of producing or coordinating the development of communication tools aligned with target groups and raising awareness of both general public and professionals.

Missions and activities

Develop communication strategies for priority animal diseases

· Assess communication needs from OIE Members, staff and stakeholders;

· Develop communication strategies and implementation plans to cover these needs, including target audiences, messages, dissemination channels and timeframe;

· Ensure that these communication strategies are in line with the OIE institutional communication strategy and policies by engaging closely with other colleagues of the Communication Department (both digital and editorial officers);

· Propose and support the design and development of communication tools and materials;

· Engage closely with technical teams to ensure being fully conversant on the subject;

· Manage and participate in the development of written material (articles, reports, concept notes, press releases, factsheets, leaflets);

· Take part in the production, compilation and distribution of digital messages, including social media;

· Ensure budget follow-up of the different campaigns;

· Develop progress indicators and monitor the implementation of the communication strategies;

· Provide feedback on achievement of strategic communication objectives and propose changes as relevant;

· Provide recommendations and plan for a follow-up strategies;

· Contribute to reporting on progress to OIE senior management.

Ensure the effective dissemination of communication products

· Contribute to identify influencers who could help disseminate and support the messages of the campaigns towards target audiences;

· Participate in the animation of the networks identified as relevant for each topic to ensure adequate outreach;

· Participate in expert consultations, facilitate meetings and workshops, when required;

· Manage press relations, in collaboration with external agencies when required;

Oversee the development of material by external providers

· Develop terms of reference and technical specifications for communication consultants/agencies, in line with the expected budget;

· Contribute to the selection and contracting of external suppliers;

· Define overall project schedule, expected delivery deadlines and milestones;

· Coordinate the technical work of the supplier;

· Ensure budget forecasting, expenditure tracking and progress monitoring;

· Ensure compliance with deadlines and quality of deliverables.

Provide punctual support to the Communication Department on other topics if requested by the Head of Department and/or the Editorial Communications Manager.

Qualifications and Experience

Required qualifications

· Min. 3 years of Experience in human or animal health communications or in the management of projects in the field of communications; Or

· Min. 5 years of Experience in the management of projects in the field of communications and in the development and delivery of communication products;

· Exposure to the international institutional field; and

· A postgraduate diploma in communications, human or animal health.

Additional experience

· Experience in public health and/or veterinary public health.

Requirements:

Technical skills

· Excellent command of English, both written and oral;

· Excellent editorial skills and attention to details;

· Strong project management skills;

· Significant experience with the use of the Office pack;

· Proficiency in web-based applications and media computer tools.

Additional skills

· Knowledge of Spanish or French is an asset

Interpersonal skills

· Demonstrated skills in interpersonal relations and the ability to develop synergies and partnerships with key stakeholders and contacts, particularly in the media;

· Demonstrated ability to be highly organised, independent, solution-driven and a diplomatic professional;

· Capacity to work with multiple team members in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Working conditions

This post requires flexibility to travel internationally and long hours in a seated position at a computer.