WONCA seeks Communications and Public Relations Officer

The World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) is a global not-for-profit professional organisation representing family doctors from all regions of the world (www.globalfamilydoctor.com).

We are looking for a Communications and Public Relations Officer to work for the new Secretariat of WONCA based in Brussels. We seek a highly motivated individual, with a strong ‘can-do’ attitude and positive mentality.
You will have the opportunity to work for a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to improve the quality of life of the peoples of the world by promoting the development of general practice/family medicine globally, fostering high standards of care, and disseminating information concerning the educational, research and service provision aspects of our discipline.

What you will be doing

The Communication and Public Relations Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing WONCA’s global media engagement plans aligned with the overarching Communications Strategy, with a focus on being innovative and creative. The Communications Officer will report to the WONCA Chief Executive Officer.

1. Strategic/planning role

• Contributing to the development and update of WONCA’s Communication Strategy and developing an aligned work plan;
• Leading the development of innovative, timely and strategic external communications that are adapted to diverse global media channels;
• Seeking opportunities for media engagement and investigating ways to reach a wider member and stakeholder base;
• Making recommendations as to activities to be developed, and creative communications actions and strategies to be developed and implemented;
• Monitoring emerging trends in communications and media channels, identifying opportunities for WONCA, and leading implementation of the organisation’s response (including oversight and updates/upgrades of the website and social media channels);
• Developing and updating guidelines and standard operating procedures.

2. Editorial role

• Drafting and editing talking points;
• Drafting statements, articles, press releases and other relevant materials for international media and key events (e.g., World Health Assembly);
• Commissioning and editing items for WONCA’s Newsletter (WONCA News), circulating at least 10 editions per year;
• Compiling the organisation’s weekly e-bulletin (“e-update”);
• Proofreading and editing documents written in English by non-professional writers and improving their readability, standardising and correcting grammar and terminology and appealing to a wide range of family doctors globally;
• Forward-planning the editorial calendar.

3. Curating the website and social media channels

• Designing and delivering campaigns and advocacy work, implementing processes for production of content (visual, digital, written) by developing infographics, presentations, lay-outs and visuals;
• Effectively using social media to push campaign messaging, engage audiences and achieve advocacy goals;
• Managing and updating WONCA’s website (www.globalfamilydoctor.com) including:
o Uploading items of news and other material as it come to hand;
o Actively seeking to maintain currency of pages that change frequently (e.g., those related to conferences or WONCA groups);
o Assessing its quality and making proposals for improving the contents, structure, taxonomy, navigation and user experience;
• Designing and organising support for communications at WONCA’s events with a focus on visual and promotional content.

4. Quality assurance

• Reviewing and revising content and ensuring that communications outputs are consistent, impactful and high quality according to WONCA’s quality guidelines and visual identity;
• Assessing the impact of the communication actions;
• Communicating achievements assessed and lessons learned;
• Producing qualitative inputs for the continuous development of the WONCA’s communication strategy.

5. Public Relations role

• Maintaining and developing a wide network of relevant media contacts and monitoring coverage;
• Speaking to journalists and stakeholders about the WONCA’s work and activities;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with an extensive network of internal stakeholders.

6. General

• Closely cooperating with other officers and providing support for other tasks as required;
• Participating in Secretariat meetings;
• Participating when necessary in Executive meetings;
• Attending some of WONCA’s Conferences.

Skills

• Background in medical or healthcare-related writing and editing;
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field;
• Proven experience in communications and/or journalism, previous work on social media and good knowledge of global and regional social media;
• Fluency in English language (CEFR C2 level; or IELTS Academic band 8 and above; or equivalent TOEFL score in writing, reading and speaking; a certificate is desirable);
• Advanced knowledge of other languages, especially of Spanish, is an asset;
• Ability to post messages with multimedia content in a variety of social media and networks;
• Ability to manage and engage with online communities;
• Good knowledge of methodologies of how to assess the impact of social media and of development and analysis of communication performance indicators;
• Ability to explain complex ideas clearly and plainly, accurate and with attention to detail;
• Competent with managing content (e.g., articles) with Content Management Systems;
• Ability to use an image editor (such as Photoshop);
• Basic skills in vector and layout editing (vector editing such as, Illustrator; layout editing such as, InDesign) and ability and willingness to learn and improve skills on such software;
• Open to learn, ready to digest detailed information, and willing to gain deep insight into WONCA’s operations;
• Be prepared to travel internationally for the organisation.

We are also looking for:

• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Excellent prioritising, time management and organisational skills;
• Proven leadership and team-building skills –previous work in coordination of groups is highly desirable;
• Proactive approach, outstanding problem-solving skills, willingness to take initiative to solve problems independently and creatively;
• Attention to detail and procedures, focus on quality;
• Openness to feedback;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information discreetly;
• Sensitivity to operating within a diverse community and in a multicultural environment.

What We Offer

This is a full-time position (38 hours per week), offered under the Belgian law. The candidate must possess a valid passport and a valid EU working permit. The working location can be flexible, although presence in the Brussels office will be preferable.

WONCA offers an initial 18-month contract, with the view to extend beyond that. We offer a monthly gross salary of between €3,000 and €3,300 depending on the level of experience, in addition to a 13th stipend, holiday bonus, lunch vouchers (€7 per working day), and 20 days of paid annual leave. Equivalent stipend and conditions will be discussed if the candidate is based on another country.

Costs relating to travel (economy class) and accommodation for WONCA business will be covered by the organisation. In addition, a per diem will be paid for every day away on WONCA business.
The Secretariat office is located in the Brussels Madou area and is easily accessible by public transport.

Desired starting date is 1 December 2020 or as soon as possible thereafter.

How to Apply

WONCA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

To apply visit wonca.workable.com and send your CV and cover letter (maximum one page) explaining why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you suitable for the post. Your cover letter should explicitly state how your profile matches the job requirements as indicated above.
Please also include the names and contact details of two people (at least one former or current supervisor / manager) who could provide references and be contacted by us.

Your application must be received by 12 October 2020, 17:00 CEST. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Only well-qualified candidates will be invited for an interview.

For any questions, please contact: communications@wonca.net