Job opening for a Regional Senior Communications Officer at Management Sciences for Health in Nasarawa and Cross river states

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The Management Sciences for Health (MSH), a global health nonprofit organization, uses proven approaches developed over 40 years to help leaders, health managers, and communities in developing nations build stronger health systems for greater health impact. We work to save lives by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title:  Regional Senior Communications Officer

Job ID: 13-11070
Location: Cross River and Nassarawa
Group/Office: PDG (Program Delivery Group)
Dept/Unit: PDGGEN - Program Delivery Group
Project/Program: A576 - PMI - S
Reports To: Country Project Director
Grade: J
Number of Positions: 2

Overview

• PMI-S is a five-year PMI/USAID flagship malaria project implemented through a consortium led by MSH. The project is supporting the Government of Nigeria through its agencies at the federal, state, LGA and community levels to reduce under-five and maternal mortality by delivering quality services for management of malaria, its complications, and prevention.
• PMI-S project focuses on strengthening the capacity of the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) and State Malaria Elimination Programs (SMEPs) for the implementation of the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2014-2020.
• The Regional Senior Communications Officers will lead PMI-S Project’s Tasks Order 3 and 4 communications program respectively in the four states of Cross River Region - Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi and Oyo and four states of Nassarawa region – Nassarawa, Benue, Plateau and Zamfara.
• S/he will collaborate with the states project leadership, the Abuja-based project leadership, technical staff, key state stakeholders and USAID to develop and implement communications strategies that promote PMI/Nigeria and USAID visibility, convey project achievements to target audiences, and contribute to project success and organizational growth.
• The Officers will ensure that state-of-the-art communications approaches and systems are integrated across multiple project initiatives, develop compelling content, and promote a culture of quality across various project documents.
• The Officers will contribute to donor deliverables including Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Reports, and Annual Work Plans; and will collaborate with USAID and other USAID implementing partners on the issues related to communication.

Specific Responsibilities

• With guidance of the project leadership team, the MSH Nigeria Communications Lead, the USAID Communications Specialist, and the MSH headquarter Senior Lead for Strategic Communication; develop a PMI-S Project Task Order 03 communications strategy and plan. The strategic plan will define key audiences and best approaches for reaching them with the required information.
• S/he will work closely with USAID and PMI/Nigeria implementing partners to define and implement communication priorities and activities. Liaise with donor communications officers to align strategies and enhance visibility within donor audiences.
• Assemble and build capacity of a diversely skilled Task Order 03 project staff, SMEP, SMOH and SPHCDA in the 4 states to implement audience-focused, results-driven communications strategies in collaboration with project and country leadership.
• Establish and implement standard operating procedures, mechanisms, and relationships for collection and organization of information, knowledge, and experience from the project and its partners, and for its documentation and distribution through relevant channels.
• Take responsibility for ensuring that the program’s identity, brand, and strategic messaging is in accordance with donor requirements and organizational strategies, and that all communications comply with the relevant USAID branding and marking requirements, and review and approval processes.
• Manage the development of print and online publications, videos and photo essays, conference presence and events, and social media and web updates. Write and produce creative and compelling content that conveys technical information in clear and accessible manners to key audiences. Contribute to effective donor reporting.
• Manage distribution and dissemination of PMI-S materials in hardcopy and online; coordinate with HO communications and knowledge management teams to maintain a system of information sharing and to establish digital and appropriate hard copy files for all publications and project communications.
• Provide TA to SMEP, SMOH and SPHCDA in the four states to make quality presentations at state, federal and international forums.

Qualifications and Experience

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public health, or other related discipline. Preferred: Master’s Degree in a relevant field of study.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible, related experience is required.
• Excellent English writing skills, with ability to convey complex technical information in clear, compelling language without technical jargon.
• Experience with public health communications and relevant technical areas required.
• Understanding of USAID/donor, including trends, audiences, and requirements and experience in the implementation of USAID-funded global projects required.
• Demonstrated experience developing communications strategies, annual plans, and materials related to relevant project technical areas.
• Superior interpersonal skills and a demonstrated capacity to establish clear and concise communication with team members, senior management, and partner organizations across cultures to deliver results.
• Experience in the production of print and digital communications content and dissemination strategies.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Ability to travel domestically or internationally as necessary.

Note: The position holders will work from the MSH State Field Offices in Cross River and Nassarawa.