Advocacy and Communications Advisor

About the Project

Health Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) is a program whose mission is to strengthen Africa’s research and development (R&D) policy and resource capacity to accelerate the development of, access to, and uptake of innovations with the highest potential health impact.

Job Purpose

The Advocacy and Communications Advisor will be responsible for planning, execution and oversight of all advocacy and communications related needs within the GH RD&I Unit, with a specific focus on documentation, knowledge management, communications, and information sharing to inform advocacy efforts, policy, and practice.

Principal Responsibilities

• Lead communication and outreach initiatives and planning
• Take the lead in sourcing, drafting, and disseminating timely and regular GH RD&I content for various Amref communication platforms which include the websites, social media platforms, newsletters, annual reports and other information, education and communication materials
• Develop and implement advocacy and strategic communication strategies to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, donors, media outlets, CSOs on GH RD&I
• Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure alignment and ownership of advocacy and communication initiatives.
• Provide training, mentoring and resources to build the capacity of other staff and partners to undertake effective communications when needed.
• Build strong relationships with media so that Amref’s RD&I efforts receives effective coverage to advance its goals
• Elevate the voice and expertise of RD&I influencers and champions by publishing opinion pieces at key moments, prepping them for interviews, and providing ongoing guidance and support.
• Leverage trends in media coverage, key announcements, new evidence and high-level conversations to further work on GH RD&I strategies and approaches
• Identify strategic moments and opportunities, and new champions to influence target stakeholders and amplify Amref’s GH RD&I goals and objectives
• Getting partners, influencers, and decision-makers in the same place by overseeing high-level events, including identifying invitees and speakers, and developing agendas or presentations
• Building new coalitions of support for an issue with dedicated outreach, organization and relationship management
• Working with key experts, take the lead in media engagement activities and training to raise the profile of RD&I as well as showcase BMGFs support towards strengthening health research and development in Africa.
• Produce a quarterly communications report to highlight achievements, explain any deviations from annual plans, propose solutions and point out risks and obstacles.

Education, Experience, and Abilities

Education and Experience

•  Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or health communications studies required and Master’s degree in a related field
• At least 6 years of experience in advocacy, communications, public relations and campaigns, preferably in public health, global development.
• Experience working with media to develop in-depth stories on complex health topics
• Experience managing partnerships to achieve ambitious results
• Experience interpreting scientific literature and data for a lay audience. Experience in GH RD&I projects, is an added advantage

Skills, Knowledge and Competencies

• Strong analytical, writing, and verbal skills for communicating with a broad and diverse audience.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-partner environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Ability to plan, manage and work in high-pressure situations under tight deadlines
  Strong organization skills and attention to detail
• Ability to write story-driven content about complex technical subjects and projects that engages target audiences and enhances the organization’s image.
• Sensitivity to diverse audiences and demonstrated sound judgement about messaging.
• Ability to connect individual communications activities or products to higher-level strategies and goals.
• Developed understanding of needs of media and public audiences, preferably with NGO relevant approach.
• Excellent communications skills
• Resourcefulness; Problem-solving skills
• Good interpersonal skills, collaborating, influencing skills
• Highly organized; Detail oriented
• Project management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.) and the usual practice of desktop and electronic communication tools and software.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of French would be an advantage.