Senior Communications Officer

PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships, and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.

The Senior Communications Officer will assist the leadership of the Ministry of Health's Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) to deliver on all its communication needs to ensure technical accuracy of MOH’s and all her partner communication messages and materials on immunization and vaccines, provide leadership in the design and production of immunization messages and materials internally, manage production of a quarterly immunization bulletin, and ensure appropriate public relations and messaging with various audiences to maintain a good image of the EPI program

Responsibilities:

• Assist the EPI Program Manager and his/her technical team in designing and implementing strategic communications plans and activities to advance UNEPI’s Advocacy, Communications, and Social Mobilization/Community Engagement strategy and build visibility for UNEPI among target audiences in the country and beyond.

• Lead the EPI program’s internal and external communications efforts, employee engagement, risk mitigation, and crisis communications in partnership with the Ministry of Health public relations (PR) department and other key MOH senior leaders and stakeholders.

• Strengthen communications capacities and skills within the EPI program team for more effective engagement with donors, policymakers, media, and influencers to achieve immunization program objectives: Specifically, the writing of success stories and technical briefs in accordance with donor expectations.

• Develop and produce compelling written and multimedia content to showcase the EPI program’s technical and leadership experience, expertise, evidence, and impact.

• Coordinate media relations efforts for the EPI program and oversee strategic deployment and management of media and digital communications channels.

• Manage the translation and dissemination of evidence and experience across the EPI program to support and build Ministry of Health’s reputation and efficacy as a the only mandated public health institution to provide credible information on vaccines and immunization in general.

• Assist in developing the scope of work, selecting, and managing the work (and budgets) of PR and communications firms, contractors, and vendors in support of the EPI’s program communications, engagement, and advocacy efforts, including developing and operating a structured communications coordination for the program.

• Support the coordination of high-level engagements with country, regional and global leaders by the EPI program leadership and partners

• A minimum of 5 years of experience working in communications in public health, immunization programs, international development, or a related field.

• Proven management skills and demonstrated success leading a team of communications professionals. 

• Proven success at developing and executing strategic communications strategies and deploying and leveraging various media and digital communication channels and tactics to reach and engage key audiences, including media, policymakers, and influencers.

• Demonstrated experience in developing compelling communications content relevant to immunization and public health in general.

• Demonstrated experience in crisis communication.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Diplomacy and tact as an advisor to senior executives and as an external representative to partners and audiences in visible roles and settings.

• Experience providing communications training and capacity building of colleagues;

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.

• Adept at working in a team and multi-stakeholder environment.

• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.

Application deadline: Close of busi ness, Wednesday, 25th October 2023