Background

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) is a public health consulting organization dedicated to providing high-quality technical and managerial assistance to public health programs throughout the world. JSI works extensively with national and local governments, NGOs, the private sector, and communities to expand access to services for vulnerable populations. JSI has been implementing public health work in Ethiopia for over 27 years. JSI works at every level of the health system in support of the government’s commitment to expanding access to health care to all citizens. We partner with the country’s largest funders, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), and the UN agencies to help the country transform its health system. 

In collaboration with the health system and partnership with international and local partners, JSI is currently implementing an electronic community health information system (eCHIS)  for the HEP performance improvement project funded by CIFF and the improve primary health care service delivery (IPHCSD) and Strengthen Service Delivery(SSD) projects funded by the BMGF and other small awards with varying funders.  JSI is looking for a qualified program advocacy and communication (PAC) advisor (Maternity Cover for four months) for the suite of projects it is implementing in partnership with different partners. 

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

The PAC Advisor (Maternity Cover for four months) will develop and execute a comprehensive, multichannel communications strategy for the above projects and JSI/Ethiopia countrywide communications. S/he will be responsible for ensuring that project results and achievements are communicated in a timely manner to key target audiences. This work includes generating, compiling, and disseminating data and information and paying close attention to audience preferences for receiving information. 

Working under the supervision of the Project Director and working closely with the technical team and monitoring, evaluation, and research team, the PAC Advisor will develop a PAC strategy for the IPHCSD and eCHIS projects to guide and implement the overall program advocacy and communication activities of the project and successfully raise the profile of IPHCSD and influence national PHC strategies and external stakeholders. This will include delivering targeted dissemination activities of program learnings and fostering a positive internal communications culture, including ensuring that learnings are appropriately communicated for effective adaptive management. In addition, s/he will also work with JSI’s communications team (based in the US) to further enhance the reach and uptake of all internal and external communications activities.  

Under the guidance of the Project Director, the PAC Advisor will be responsible for coordinating and engaging with MOH, the Amref team, the International Institute for PHC of Ethiopia (IPHC-E,) and external stakeholders, including the media, donors, local implementing partners, and universities and any other agencies to promote program objectives, achievements, and learnings.  S/he will support the development and dissemination of high-quality content and learning materials aligned with JSI’s communication standards through various communications channels, including the JSI’s website, intranet, and social networks, and ensure they are fit for purpose and aligned with strategic program goals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

● Provide strategic and technical leadership on the design and implementation of the PHC & eCHIS program advocacy and communication strategies in line with national, sub-national, and local priorities and program directions

● Develop and execute communications strategies for the specific projects listed above and for countrywide communications;

● Liaise with funders to regularly provide program information to support their communications and outreach objectives;

● Work with technical staff to design and develop the projects’ strategic information plans;

● Work with key program staff to compile, write, and finalize reports for BMGF and CIFF (or other funders, as applicable). Coordinate the entire process to ensure these program deliverables meet internal and funder deadlines;

● Work with program staff to compile, write, and disseminate technical briefs, policy briefs, reports, social media posts, blogs, and other program documentation products as needed to increase the visibility of the project’s impact in the country;

● Track all relevant conferences and support program staff to develop abstracts; 

● Maintain an electronic system/database that stores and tracks projects’ documents and publications;

● Manage consultants, when necessary, in areas of graphic design, photography, and videography for special events;

● Provide editorial oversight and manage the production of the project of JSI/Ethiopia print/digital products (proofreading, editing, basic design) and updates to the website, including liaising with and managing external agencies and subcontractors (e.g., designers, printers)  

● Adhere to and promote JSI’s culture and values and uphold JSI’s standards related to fraud and ethics accountability and management. 

● Travel to the field, as necessary; `

● Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

●        Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field; Master’s degree preferred;

●        Significant and proven experience (minimum seven years) in developing and implementing communications and advocacy strategies for health-related (or other similar) programs in national/international development, public health, nonprofit, or corporate setting

●        At least three years of experience working in program advocacy preferred.

●        Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English;

●        Ability to conceptualize, write, and edit technical content;

●        Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage timelines;

●        Ability to establish and maintain excellent relationships with project team members, funders, and other cooperating agencies;

●        Ability to brief and manage graphic designers; basic design and photo/videography skills preferred;

●        Prior work history with BMGF- and/or CIFF-funded projects preferred.

●        Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel) and the Google platform (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs) preferred;

●        Willingness to travel to the field on occasion.

JSI is a child-safe organization, and the safety and well-being of children are a priority of our organization. We have robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff is suited to work with the children served by our programs.

JSI is an Equal Opportunity; Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, genetic information, political affiliation, or military status (special disabled veterans or veteran status) in any employment decisions. M/F/V/D.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who met the minimum requirements should send and apply at THIS LINK This is an opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated professional and if you meet the required skill, competencies and experience, please submit your application and CV in English detailing your experience and skills that are relevant to the post. Please do not attach copies of your transcripts, academic degrees or recommendation letters with the application. You will provide them upon request.

Women are highly encouraged to apply.

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.       

Application Deadline:  February 09,2024