Communications Officer

Global Health Corps is building the next generation of diverse health leaders. We offer a range of 13 month long paid fellowship roles with health organizations in Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia and the opportunity to develop as a transformative leader. Everyone has a role to play in the health equity movement!

Communications Officer

PLACEMENT ORGANIZATION NAME: Ministry of Health – Zambia, Department of Health Promotion, Environment and Social Determinants
LOCATION: Lusaka, Zambia
ELIGIBLE CITIZENSHIP: Zambia
ROLE CODE: Z01-Nat

About the Organization

The Ministry of Health’s Department of Health, Promotion, Environment and Social Determinants is responsible for health promotion and prevention, and control of diseases, in order to improve health outcomes at provincial and district levels. We do this by developing and implementing strategies for positive behavioral change in individuals and communities, and by engaging policy makers and stakeholders. We also facilitate and coordinate the development and implementation of policies and guidelines that promote human health in priority sectors; provide public relations services; produce and disseminate information, education, and communication (IEC) materials; develop, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of non–communicable diseases (NCDs) programs; coordinate research and disseminate guidelines on NCDs, and develop and implement workplace wellness policies.

ROLE FUNCTION: Communications, Health Promotion / Education, Program / Project Management
ISSUE AREA: Community Health Workers, Education / Health Education, Health System Strengthening

Role Overview

The Communications Officer will work within the Ministry of Health’s Health Promotion, Environment and Social Determinants Department to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Zambia through health promotion and community development strategies. The Officer will build human resource capacity in health promotion and communication of key health priorities as enshrined in the National Health Strategic Plan.

Responsibilities

Community Mobilisation

• Coordinate a pool of trained community-based volunteers, to provide health education services, navigate women and their families through intervention services, and respond to questions and concerns of the community members
• Facilitate the design and implementation of a robust health promotion component
• Deliver health promotion strategies that align to key priorities in line with the National Health Strategic Plan

Advocacy

• Liaise with the Director, Health Promotion, Environment and Social Determinants, to package and disseminate information, experiences, and results to increase use of the program interventions
• Facilitate the translation of program materials (e.g. training manuals, brochures, and leaflets) into key local languages
• Identify and build the capacity of community groups, such as theatre and church groups, to disseminate information on key health priorities, according to the MoH Legacy Goals

Social Media

• The Officer will also produce content for, and drive traffic to, the Ministry of Health website and social media channels in order to market and enhance its reputation and brand
• Design a social media strategy and produce content
• Collaborate in the production of high-quality film, photography, audio, and digital content for social media
• Create and manage the Ministry’s digital image library
• Research and develop written content that will enhance the MOH’s reputation and brand, with a priority on written content for social media
• Communicate key MOH messages internally and externally

Communications

• Develop innovative ideas for video content for trainings and promotional material; work closely with communications unit to write scripts; shoot, and edit videos
• Develop training and educational materials for community health workers and community members; maintain a calendar of materials production
• Contribute to advocacy, policy, and communications strategy development with local teams; help identify, plan, and implement strategies for reaching key target audiences
• Support the range of health promotion, as needed, to develop a better understanding of the breadth and depth of health challenges and opportunities in Zambia.

Skills and Experience

Items indicated with an asterisk (*) are required

• Bachelor’s degree in health promotion, social sciences, health sciences or a related field*
• At least one year of experience managing digital communications including social media, websites, blogs and/or e-newsletters*
• Experience designing or implementing a communications and/or advocacy strategy, including crafting key messages for donors, policymakers, or other stakeholders*
• Familiarity with photography, photo editing software (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud), videography, and/or video editing software*
• Practical knowledge and skills on community-based programming and research, including experience working with community-based volunteers*
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite*
• Master’s degree in public health, health promotion, or a related field
• At least one year of experience designing and/or implementing a health promotion campaign/program
• At least one year of experience working in a national or international NGO
• Working proficiency in official vernacular languages, such as Bemba, Nyanja, Lozi, Tonga, Luvale, Lunda, and Kaonde
• Experience in conducting media platform surveys
• Ability to provide leadership to community level workers

BENEFITS

• Monthly Living Stipend of $700
• Monthly Housing allowance of $500
• Professional Development Fund of $600
• Completion Award of $1500 following successful completion of the program
• Health Insurance
• Travel costs to and from Global Health Corps Trainings