Save the Children USA has global health programs in more than 50 countries worldwide. A key thematic area of focus in the global health portfolio for the agency is reproductive health in humanitarian settings. The Specialist will join the Emergency Health and Nutrition team of the Department of Global Health (DGH) at Save the Children and focus on the communications and knowledge management (KM) needs of the reproductive health care in humanitarian settings initiative. After a period of six months, the position will split and the Specialist will also provide communications and KM support to the larger department and additional programs, as needed.
This initiative is a component of the reproductive health in emergencies portfolio and has service delivery component in seven countries including Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen, Somalia, Egypt, and Central African Republic. The overall goal of the initiative is ensure that communities affected by crisis and conflict are respected, supported in their reproductive health choices, and have access to the reproductive health care information and services. The position holder will contribute to the achievement of the overall goal of the initiative by leading the development of an effective internal communication strategy and operationalizing the strategy at all levels, full-time for the first six months.
Starting in January 2017, the Specialist will also provide KM and communications assistance throughout the department, as well as direct technical assistance to various DGH programs. This support may include activities such as implementation of DGH KM Strategy activities, documentation and dissemination, conference planning, staff training and support to knowledge-sharing activities, among others.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Impact
Development of an effective internal communications strategy for the FP-PAC initiative (25% in Yr 1)
- ## In line with the approved award strategy and goals, and agency brand standards to take the lead in developing an internal communication strategy to increase knowledge and understanding of the FP-PAC initiative at Save the Children
- ## Collaborate with the Learning and Development Advisor to develop the strategy for increased use of available FP-PAC communications resources
- ## Develop a detailed implementation plan for the roll-out of the communications strategy
- ## In collaboration with the monitoring and evaluation team to identify key indicators that can be used to measure shift in attitude, knowledge and commitment towards FP-PAC
Operationalize communications and advocacy strategy (35% in Yr 1; 20% in Yrs 2 & 3)
- ## In collaboration with the monitoring and evaluation team, conduct baseline assessments on knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards reproductive choices at Save the Children
- ## Pilot test various communications materials in several settings
- ## Develop communications materials that can be used as effective soft advocacy on FP-PAC, this could include newsletter, posters, photos, videos etc.
- ## Work with media and graphics vendors to share stories and field experiences for general consumption
- ## Collaborate with media, advocacy and communications team at SC member offices and center to develop effective communications messages for internal consumption
- ## Internal communications dissemination via various channels including the global thematic leadership, email lists, FP-PAC Knowledge Bank etc.
- ## Identify/map out platforms that need to be influenced for the smooth integration/inclusion of FP-PAC messages
Facilitate internal discussions at global, regional, and country level to mainstream FP-PAC in humanitarian health and reproductive health communications, and advocacy initiatives (20% in Year 1; 15% in Yrs 2 & 3 )
- ## Organize head office level events to socialize terminologies used in the FP-CAC initiative
- ## Organize or facilitate awareness days at field offices to socialize and increase knowledge on the FP-CAC initiative
- ## Organize or facilitate minimum of four live-webcasts from country offices or head office level to increase visibility of the program
- ## Build the capacity of team on effective communications
- ## Provide capacity building to the country programs on their advocacy strategy and implementation of FP-PAC related activities
- ## Effectively communicate the reproductive health policy of the agency and the FP-PAC initiative (20% in Yr 1; 15% in Yrs 2 & 3)
- ## Formative research at the head office level to understand concerns and to better communicate the reproductive health policy, internally
- ## In collaboration with the Global Thematic Leadership and the reproductive health team, scope out the sensitivities around communicating the reproductive health policy and share that finding to the FP-PAC team and Department of Global Health
- ## Liaise with the development reproductive health team to better understand the potential areas of contention and integration in the messaging of FP-PAC
- ## Contribute to a global Save the Children Reproductive Health Scientific Day, aimed at bringing together those working in reproductive health across the agency to share research findings and program learning
- ## Contribute to maintenance of the internal FP-PAC Knowledge Bank
- ## Proactively sharing of FP-PAC program achievements through quarterly reports and other methods of communication and visibility materials
Provide communications and knowledge management technical assistance to various Department of Global Health awards (35% starting in Yr 2)
- ## Starting in Year 2, work collaboratively with selected projects and relevant partners, in-country technical staff and knowledge leads to document and share program learning.
- ## Provide technical assistance for writing, editing and designing publications and tools, including presentations, reports, brochures, factsheets, abstracts and research support (participate in all phases of high-quality deliverable development: outlining, research, interviews, drafting, editing, layout, and dissemination.)
- ## Build capacity of country office staff on development of knowledge tools and activities.
Contribute to Save the Children and departmental learning and knowledge-sharing activities and priorities (15% starting in Yr 2)
- ## Facilitate capacity building of DGH staff on agency branding and knowledge guidelines.
- ## Support programmatic information sharing between DGH and other Save the Children departments.
- ## Coordinate departmental presence at external knowledge sharing events such as conferences, as needed.
- ## Contribute to ad-hoc knowledge, learning and communications activities, as needed, that support both departmental and agency knowledge priorities.
- ## Participate in knowledge management community of practice.
Required Background and Experience, Skills and Behaviors
- ## Educational background in journalism, strategic communications, or similar field; Masters level preferred.
- ## Minimum 3 – 5 years of experience in the humanitarian or development field as communication specialist, advocacy specialist or similar positions in the field of reproductive health required. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the complexity of communicating reproductive choices in the US and internationally, and has engaged in the area.
- ## Worked internationally in an African or Middle East setting for minimum 2 years required
- ## Demonstrates knowledge and experience in development of effective communication and advocacy strategies of minimum 3 years
- ## Ideally, a minimum of 2 years work experience on USAID awards is preferred
- ## Demonstrates experience in development of communication and advocacy materials
- ## Experience in internal advocacy, soft diplomacy and organizational change
- ## Experience in facilitating discussion on complex issues in different context with diverse group
- ## Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- ## Ability to independently work with minimal supervision and prioritize multiple tasks
- ## Secondary language (Arabic or French), preferable
- ## Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain relationships with key groups (internal) to the organization.
- ## Excellent organizational and time management skills
- ## Experience with various web tools such as content management systems and email marketing software
- ## Graphic design and video experience/expertise desirable
- ## Demonstrates Save the Children Core Values
- ## Experience in working in insecure/hardship areas
- ## The job requires up to 30% of travel internationally
- ## The position will be based in the Washington DC office
Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we are dedicated to ensuring every child has the best chance for success. Our pioneering programs give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Our advocacy efforts provide a voice for children who cannot speak for themselves. As the leading expert on children, we inspire and achieve lasting impact for millions of the world’s most vulnerable girls and boys. By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours.
Save the Children is committed to conducting its programs in a manner that is safe for the children it serves and helping protect the children with whom Save the Children is in contact. As a humanitarian agency, Save the Children is obliged to create and maintain an environment that aims to prevent the sexual exploitation and abuse of children and promote the implementation of its child safeguarding policy. All representatives of Save the Children – employees, volunteers, interns, consultants, Board members and others who work with children on Save the Children’s behalf – are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this commitment and obligation.
Save the Children provides an attractive benefits package including competitive salaries, a matching retirement plan, health and welfare benefits, life insurance, an employee assistance program, generous time off and much more. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Save the Children complies with all applicable laws.
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