John Snow, Inc. (JSI) is a public health management firm, headquartered in the United States, dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world. JSI has been implementing public health work in Ethiopia for over 25 years.

JSI is implementing the five-year Digital Health Activity in Ethiopia, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The purpose of this Activity is to support the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) to improve the quality of health services and create a sustainable health care system through the use of data for decision making, as well as to provide similar services to other countries in Africa or to respond to a crisis in Ethiopia (as needed). The primary objectives of the Activity are to 1) support information technology systems and data repository at all levels; 2) build a culture of data use; and 3) improve capacity and governance of MOH health information systems management.

The Knowledge Management (KM) & Communications Advisor will serve in a leadership role, handling the project’s overarching KM and communication needs. The Advisor will focus on coordinating communications efforts for the project and work with key project staff to help effectively communicate results and achievements to donors, global audiences, and Ethiopian stakeholders.

The KM & Communications Advisor will develop and execute a comprehensive, multichannel communications strategy to ensure that project results and achievements are communicated in a timely manner to target audiences. This work includes generating, compiling, and disseminating data and information, and paying close attention to audience preferences for receiving information. The KM & Communications Advisor will work closely with other team members to document and disseminate successes and lessons learned and develop activities and products to distribute information effectively. S/he will develop a multi-channel dissemination strategy using the latest information technology, when appropriate, to reach key stakeholders at the national and international levels.

Responsibilities:

• Fully understand the donor’s communications and outreach strategy and expected project contributions; liaise with donor to regularly provide program information to support their communications and outreach objectives;
• Develop a comprehensive communications strategy including a social media plan to ensure all audiences and stakeholders are aware of Activity progress, results, and achievements;
• Lead the creation and management of a detailed program knowledge management system, ensuring full integration with other relevant knowledge management platforms;
• Ensure the program is taking advantage of key communication opportunities and advise the Chief of Party (COP) and senior leadership as needed;
• Assist in the design and development of the project’s strategic information plan and work with technical staff to design and develop related products;
• Work with key program staff to compile, write, and finalize monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for USAID. Coordinate the entire process to ensure these program deliverables meet internal and donor deadlines;
• Work with program staff to compile, write, and disseminate technical briefs, policy briefs, reports, blogs, and other program documentation products as needed;
• Organize, produce, package, and disseminate project information (print, video, and electronic) in a timely manner to key audiences;
• Manage and maintain media relations in Ethiopia and monitor media coverage of the project;
• Provide guidance to project staff on JSI corporate branding and USAID branding guidelines;
• Ensure project-produced public communications and materials are branded correctly according to the project branding strategy and marking plan;
• Maintain an e-filing system/database that stores and tracks project documents and publications and monitor to ensure timelines and schedules are well managed;
• Manage consultants, when necessary, in areas of media outreach, graphic design, photography, and videography for special events;
• Coordinate regularly with the Communications Advisor from the JSI Home Office for support, as needed;
• Uphold JSI standards and values related to fraud and ethics promotion and compliance; and
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Supervisor:

• Chief of Party

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in public health, international development, communications, or a related field;
• Minimum of five years of experience working in a knowledge management, communications, and/or documentation role in national/international development, public health, nonprofit, or corporate setting;
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English;
• Ability to develop and implement a communications strategy and to conceptualize, write, and edit technical content;
• Demonstrated ability to work with new technologies and social media platforms;
• Demonstrated managerial and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent relationships with project team members, donors, and other cooperating agencies;
• Design experience using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, or similar systems is desired;
• Prior work history with USAID-funded projects preferred;
• Ability to travel to various regions throughout Ethiopia