World Health Organization has been supporting the Government of Ethiopia for decades in strengthening health systems, improving access to quality healthcare, and advancing public health. Guided by WHO's Triple Billion Goals, the Organization works with government institutions and development partners to ensure that more people benefit from
Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
, are better protected from health emergencies, and enjoy improved health and well-being.
Within the WHO Ethiopia Country Office, the
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Life Course Cluster
leads technical programmes on primary health care, nutrition, health workforce development, patient safety and quality of care, infection prevention and control, essential medicines, emergency and critical care, and evidence generation. The Cluster supports key national initiatives, including health workforce investments, mortality assessments, and national Human Resources for Health (HRH) strategies. Effective communication is essential to translate complex technical evidence into accessible information that informs policy, strengthens partnerships, and increases public awareness.
The
Communications Specialist – UHC Life Course Cluster Support
will be based in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
and will provide strategic communications support to enhance the visibility, documentation, and dissemination of WHO's Universal Health Coverage initiatives. The role focuses on content development, knowledge management, multimedia production, digital communications, and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Communications & Content Development
Support the development and implementation of communication plans for UHC Life Course Cluster priorities.
Translate technical and policy information into clear, accessible communication products for diverse audiences.
Draft and edit communication materials, including policy briefs, reports, success stories, talking points, and feature articles.
Adapt communication products for policymakers, development partners, health professionals, and communities.
2. Knowledge Management & Documentation
Document key programme activities, including meetings, workshops, stakeholder consultations, and field missions.
Develop knowledge products highlighting lessons learned, innovations, and best practices.
Maintain organized communication archives and documentation systems.
Support knowledge sharing across technical programmes and partner organizations.
3. Multimedia Production & Digital Communications
Coordinate the production of multimedia materials, including videos, photographs, and digital communication assets.
Liaise with consultants and service providers involved in audiovisual production to ensure quality and compliance with WHO standards.
Develop engaging content for WHO digital platforms and social media channels.
Strengthen online visibility through compelling storytelling and audience-focused communication products.
4. Events, Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement
Provide communication support for national events, policy dialogues, dissemination workshops, and advocacy campaigns.
Prepare communication packages for high-level meetings and stakeholder engagements.
Support coordination of communication activities with technical teams, government counterparts, and development partners.
Promote awareness of Universal Health Coverage priorities through strategic communication initiatives.
5. Cross-Cutting Communication Support
Ensure all communication products comply with WHO branding, ethical standards, and safeguarding requirements.
Provide communications support across UHC Life Course Cluster activities as required.
Contribute to strengthening the visibility and impact of WHO-supported health programmes in Ethiopia.
Requirements
Experience:
Minimum
3 years
of relevant professional experience in communications, public health advocacy, or development communication, including content development, documentation of technical programmes and events, multimedia production, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management. Experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, or development partners is desirable.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in
Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, Communications, or another related field.
Languages
English
- Fluent (required)
Amharic
- Fluent (required)
Special Notice
UN Volunteers serve full-time in their professional expertise, supported by a benefits package, including a monthly living allowance (MLA) to ensure a secure standard of living at their duty stations.
Check out UNV's
Entitlement Calculator on UVP
, the Unified Volunteering Platform, and learn more about related benefits.