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

Details:

SUMMARY

The Communications Officer supports the development and implementation of short- and long-term communications strategies and plans for Health Strategy & Delivery Foundation (HSDF).

S/he will support the organization's internal communication plan and external relations, create and drive a consistent brand to ensure it remains top in the minds of our desired audience.

S/he provides support to the Communications Specialist by responding positively to a wide range of communication requests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

External Communication

• Support the development and implementation of the corporate communications strategy, maintain and enhance the visibility and reputation of HSDF, and support fundraising activities, ensuring alignment with HSDF strategy.
• Support in the planning, management and evaluation of communications campaigns that favorably impact the views of the public, opinion leaders and donors to raise HSDF's profile and support fundraising activities.
• Prepare communications products that effectively convey the desired message to targeted audience(s).
• Provide support in developing and maintaining a contact list of journalists and media outlets and manages the regular flow of news/information about HSDF's work to the media, ensuring reputational risks are identified and managed.
• Support the identification of viable external representation opportunities for HSDF and engagement of relevant contact persons.
• Contribute in generating and/or facilitating the production of donor/project specific visibility content including, text, photos, videos and audio for use across a range of integrated online platforms, to support global and country fundraising activities, ensuring consistency with corporate messages.
• Track and analyze traditional and online media to identify trends and/or issues and propose solutions and ideas to improve the effectiveness of communication strategy and activities.
• Responsible for website maintenance and content development.
• Develop and implement effective search engine optimization (SEO) strategies.
• Define a social media plan which leverages social media content, platforms, networks and partners to enhance coverage and support of HSDF's activities.

Internal Communication

• Prepare and/or reviews draft communication message (generated by team or self) for appropriateness, relevance, accuracy and compliance with the communications policy.
• Develop and execute internal communication plans for initiatives aimed at driving improved employee engagement.
• Drives compliance with HSDF’s brand in all communication messages and outputs

Knowledge management (KM)

• Lead the coordination, implementation, further development and updating of the KM Strategy and Action Plan of the programs including analysis and description of target audiences, key messages, strategies and tactics, communication activities, expected results, and a communications workplan and/or calendar of activities.
• Organize sharing of program innovations, achievements, and lessons learned through internal and external knowledge sharing and learning mechanisms. This will be done through in-person and virtual events and other activities and engaging or partnering with relevant global knowledge networks.
• Coordinate the collection and distribution of information, knowledge, lessons, and experience across all HSDF programs.
• Develop effective means of collaboration with stakeholders and partners in documentation and transfer of key program findings; and ensure that new information, knowledge, and experiences are available to all relevant audiences in a timely and user-friendly format.

Reporting

• Prepare accurate and timely reports on communications activities that enables informed decision-making, evaluation of objectives and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
• Performs any other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representatives of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required to successfully perform this job

Educational/Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Public/International Relations, Communications or equivalent.
• Master’s degree in Development or Public Health-related field is an added advantage.
• 2-4 years of experience in communications, public relations and/or media outlets or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent editing, proofreading and writing skills.
• Knowledge of website maintenance and social media/emerging media technologies.
• Hands-on experience in web & social media communications, content development, internal communications and knowledge management.
• Advanced knowledge of SEO.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Strong communications skills and an admirable personality.
• Ability to work as a team member and possess initiative and good problem-solving skills.
• Creative thinker and designer with the ability to identify innovative ways to communicate and engage audience through a variety of avenues.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from team leads, staff and the public.
• Resourceful, self-starter and result oriented.
• Health sector experience and having published articles and journals is an added advantage.