Communications Advisor at The Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF)

Communications at HSDF

Strategic Communications (Internal and External) are core functions at HSDF. Because of our unique positioning in the sector and our rigorous and innovative approach to addressing key public health questions, it is imperative that Communication at HSDF (the brand, its activities, its strategic intent and its achievements) is effective, timely, consistent and superior, optimizing various platforms, modified for different stakeholders. 

The Communications team at HSDF works closely with the various program and administrative teams to ensure that project and corporate activities and outcomes are disseminated, and our subject expertise is effectively showcased among relevant publics. Key to this communication process is a knowledge management component, which includes the presentation of technical material (modified accordingly for various audiences) in the form of program and policy briefs, program reports, conference presentations and other peer reviewed publications. The reflection of HSDF’s expertise in the development of such communication is imperative to maintaining HSDF’s positioning and reputation. 

Internal Communications at HSDF is focused on (a) building, transferring and reinforcing the HSDF culture of innovation, excellence and service and (b) helping to foster a sound sense of perspective, team spirit, collaboration, ownership and a culture of intellectual curiosity.

Role Summary

With a clear understanding of the fundamental values and approach to work at HSDF, and the role that communication plays in achieving the organization’s strategic objectives, the Communications Associate will take a significant leadership position in the development and implementation of communication strategies (corporate, internal and technical) across HSDF offices globally. A key component of this role is knowledge management – ensuring that all technical programs at HSDF are effectively disseminated across various platforms and stakeholder groups and are underscored by a consistent brand identity and the necessary support and feedback systems.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
• Develop and implementation a quarterly schedule of publications and provide support to facilitate the delivery of outlined publications in scheduled time.
• Provide real time writing and editorial support to ensure quality assurance of all KM documentation including policy briefs, research publications and project close out outputs.
• Identify and support operations research activities to aid the optimization of data and program activities for publication and dissemination across various audiences and platforms.
• Monitor the activities of the Internal and External Review board and its systems to facilitate the timely development and publication of technical material (including peer review publications)
• Support technical training initiatives and support to staff for the publication of technical materials (conference papers, abstracts, journal papers, policy briefs, op-eds)
• Develop effective dissemination strategies for HSDF technical initiatives globally
• Monitor the subscription to, and use of, various data bases including journals.
• Support the design, delivery and evaluation of an organizational capacity building plan and programs.

Corporate Communication

• Support the development and implementation of an overarching strategy for HSDF’s Internal and External Communication
• Oversee the development and updating of various communication outputs and processes including the HSDF corporate website, corporate function materials and social media optimization.
• Support the design and implementation of various campaigns (including Mass Media) to support reputation building and business development with key stakeholders.
• Lead the design and implementation of communication and acculturation programs to foster the inculcation and reinforcement of the HSDF culture of performance, excellence and service.

Web and Social Media

• Oversee the development and implementation of an overarching strategy (including systems and policies) for HSDF’s social media use and optimization
• Provide strategic guidance and editorial input for the content development for the HSDF website and other online platforms
• Develop capacity building initiatives to facilitate increased web and social media engagement by teams. 
• Ensure effective, innovative and timely profiling of HSDF technical publications using social media and other web platforms.

Required Qualifications

Educational/ Professional

• Minimum of a master’s degree in Journalism, Public Health, Communication or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ post qualification work experience
• Education or experience working in international and cross-cultural contexts is desirable.

Skills and Knowledge

• Experience in strategic communication management
• Excellent communication and people relation skills.
• Strong organizational, leadership, problem solving and project management skills
• Strong technical writing skills
• An aptitude and capacity to engage with technical material across public health programming areas
• Ability to deliver under pressure and with minimal or no supervision
• Ability to effectively communicate on behalf of HSDF in public forums
• Health sector or public health experience