10 WHO staff can, and are encouraged to, communicate to stakeholders on their areas of technical expertise. In respect of issues which have political implications for the Secretariat or for Member States, staff are required to seek advice from their supervisors and to seek support from colleagues working in the area of communications.
20 Staff are responsible for attending regular communications trainings run by the Department of Communications to improve and update their communications skills. Staff involved in advocacy campaigns, the launch of new materials, news conferences, issues potentially affecting WHO's reputation and other public communications activities are required to inform their supervisors and the Department of Communications at headquarters (or as applicable the office of the regional director or the head of WHO office) of such involvement well in advance in accordance with standard operating procedures in the COMMSBOX (under development), and should avail themselves of briefings, coaching and training sessions as necessary.
30 Staff who communicate in the public domain are responsible for monitoring how their messages are received and should report back any distortions and any potential risks to the Organization's reputation to their supervisor and the Department of Communications at headquarters (or as applicable the office of the regional director or the head of office).
40 Staff are required to work with the Department of Communications to brief media regularly and proactively on priority issues and to educate media on an on-going basis on emerging public health topics.
50 Celebrities and high profile persons external to the Organization can speak on behalf of WHO on priority issues as Goodwill Ambassadors (GWAs) or celebrity supporters, with the approval of the Director-General or regional director concerned, and in coordination with the Department of Communications. When GWAs or other celebrity supporters are engaged, the WHO focal point must ensure they use clear, consistent and approved messages.
