Communications Officer at Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)

Purpose of the position

This position will support, under the supervision of the Senior Regional Communication Manager for Eastern Africa Regional Office, the implementation of the regional communication strategy and contribute to DNDi’s global communication strategy. The Communication Officer will primarily develop content for corporate communication materials/tools and DNDi global and regional digital platforms. S/He will also perform administrative tasks related to the communication function in the region.

Specific Job Responsibilities

1.     Corporate Communication (50%)

• Collect and compile content and lead writing tasks for regional and global communication products, including newsletters, patient and health worker stories, fact sheets, brochures, the DNDi Annual Report, and the DNDi R&D Programmes in Review
• Edit, proofread, and oversee design of the LEAP annual newsletter.
• Prepare, adapt, and format welcome slides for visitors to DNDi Nairobi office
• Create disease/project summaries for stakeholder engagement and awareness raising.
• Ensure corporate visual and style guidelines are accurately applied for all communication outputs.
• Manage merchandise needs for DNDi office and sites.
• Handle booth, registration requests, and photography for external events
• Interface with global scientific communication team on select scientific submissions from the Eastern Africa office and format/improve slides as appropriate.
• Compile periodic ‘news of interest’ articles for the office.
• Carry out photography and report writing for important internal events.

2.     Digital Communication (30%)

For social media:

• Generate ideas, propose content production, select images, and write captions and messages for both DNDi global and regional social media channels.
• Monitor and respond to social media activity that is of interest to DNDi.
• Research, engage, and build connections with key regional stakeholders and influencers on social media.
• Participate in global social media meetings and ensure effective planning with digital teams in Geneva, New York, and other regional offices.

For digital content collection and storytelling:

• Ensure that all contents and consent forms collected in the region are uploaded onto the Digital Asset Management (DAM) database, tagged and captioned.
• Act as focal point for Nairobi office needs in terms of content on the DAM and use of social media for professional purposes by staff.

3.     Media/press relations (10%)

Provide support for media engagement including:

• Arranging interview timeslots with media houses
• Ensure tactical use of the organizational media database and monitoring tools. This includes ensuring contacts are up-to-date and monitoring of relevant coverage.
• Developing support materials to be used during press engagements, including press briefers, one pagers and press notes.

4.    Communication administration support (10%)

• Support the identification, engagement and follow-up of communication service providers.
• Support in the planning, organising and implementation of office events.
• Manage the communication filing system.
• Stock tacking of communications assets and routine monitoring of supplies.
• Perform other communications related tasks as needed.

Reporting line

• S/He will report to the Senior Regional Communication Manager
• S/He will work in close collaboration with the global communication team and local disease teams 

Job Requirements

Skills and Attributes

• Very good communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments.
• Very good analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and ability to work effectively as part of an international, multi-cultural team.
• Excellent organizational skills and proven ability to produce high quality results under tight deadlines, while simultaneously managing multiple projects and assignments
• Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment and problem-solving competencies.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural team.
• Well organized and structured.
•  Ability to contribute to the project delivery under minimum supervision.
• Ability to manage small projects if delegated by upper levels with supervision.
• Ability to supervise an Intern or Apprentice

Experience

1. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in public health, science, humanitarian, development communication or other related fields. 
2. Demonstrated skills in writing editing and proofreading and fundamental photography.
3. Proficiency in publishing, photo-editing and database programmes.
4. An understanding of and commitment to poverty-related global health, scientific research and public health issues especially in Africa.

Education

1. A Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public relations, or a related field
2. Proficiency in Swahili and/or French is an added advantage.

Other Requirements

Travel up to 25%

To apply

1. Please submit your application using the online form
2. Deadline for application: Accepting applications until March 16th, 2021.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.