Overview
The Senior Communications Specialist will provide strategic technical assistance, leadership and direction for all Pharmaceuticals and Health Technologies Group program communications, to strengthen program implementation and disseminate progress and results. Reporting to the Managing Editor, the Senior Communications Specialist will take a lead writing role and work closely with the PHT Communications and Knowledge Management Unit and technical program staff to develop technical publications, success stories, and other communications and advocacy products (both print and digital).
The Senior Communications Specialist will also play a role in coordinating communications activities for the closeout of a five-year USAID program. This will involve collaboration with the program’s Knowledge Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Results and Reporting teams.
Specific Responsibilities
Writing and Editing (65%)
- Write a wide range of communication materials, conveying technical information in a clear and accessible manner to a range of technical and non-technical audiences. Examples of products include technical briefs, case studies, fact sheets, success stories, website content, presentations, and talking points.
- Coordinate and manage updates to program documents and work closely with program technical staff to revise content, and edit for clarity, readability, consistency, and grammar.
- Work closely with PHT Group graphic designer to review document layouts and coordinate final production of publications.
Web and New Media (10%)
Maintain program websites by creating, updating, and editing content on web pages; consulting on design of webpages; and working with the communications associate to collect and analyze statistics.
Liaise with MSH Corporate Communications office to ensure that PHT projects are also highlighted through the MSH corporate website.
- Collaborate with communications associate to ensure key program messages are conveyed throughout social media platforms.
Project Management (10%)
- Work closely with senior program staff to ensure clear, up-to-date, and accurate program information is available and communicated across various channels.
- Coordinate communication projects across group, including close-out activities.
- Develop internal communications systems to ensure regular communications between the country and US-based offices.
- Manage consultants engaged in program close-out activities, including defining scopes of work (SOWs), creating RFQs, and managing the submission of deliverables.
Capacity Building (10%)
- Provide guidance and support to communications staff at HQ offices and in the field with writing and technical assistance.
- Provide significant support (as defined by needs and resources) for select priority projects, and respond to other strategic and tactical requests from other field projects. Support includes, but is not limited to: strengthening strategic communications programs and work plans, writing and editing (technical documents, success stories, collateral material, etc.), and providing guidance on branding and content development. May require travel to the field to support field activities, using a variety of communications tools, success stories, technical reports, and other print and electronic media, including photography.
Meeting Administration (5%)
- Provide occasional support to PHT Group’s projects’ participation in major conferences such as the International AIDS Conference, Union World Conference on Lung Health, and American Public Health Association Conference.
- In collaboration with the PHT Knowledge Management Specialist and the editorial team, coordinate correspondence, announcements, and general dissemination on meeting, conferences, brown bags, etc.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public health, or other related discipline.
- 4 years’ experience journalism, communications, public health, or other related discipline.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree.
- Experience with international public health.
Knowledge and Skills
- Prior experience working with international public health, development programs. and USAID desired
- Strong technical writing, editing, communications, and research skills are required.
- Solid program management experience with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and deliver results under tight deadlines.
- Strong organization skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and simultaneous projects.
- Demonstrated collaboration skills with the ability to build relationships and work with diverse groups.
- Experience with web communications and social media a plus.
- Computer skills essential; proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. Strong knowledge and high level of comfort working with Google Applications is required. Familiarity with WordPress, MailChimp, Facebook, Twitter, and MS Access are a plus.
- Fluency in English required with ability to write, deliver presentations, and conduct business in English.
- Foreign language skills in French, Spanish, helpful.
Competencies
- A team player who will work with editors and graphic artist to develop a well-crafted document or project.
- Independent worker who is self-starting and enthusiastic with proven ability to take ownership for results.
- Results oriented, resourceful and ability to address tasks positively.
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Able to work with senior technical staff to understand their area of expertise, then convey the technical and complex concepts in a clear and understandable way to diverse audiences.
- Able to create effective messages on wide variety of topics.
Physical Demands
- Keyboard use, pulling drawers, lifting papers <10 lbs.
- International travel approximately 10%.
EEO Statement
Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.
Reports To
Managing Editor
PI93087441
Apply Here
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