ICAP at Columbia University is an international non-profit organization that aims to ensure the wellness of families and communities by strengthening health systems around the world.
In partnership with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ICAP will conduct Population-based HIV Impact Assessments (PHIA) in specific PEPFAR-supported countries. Each PHIA will define the status of the national HIV epidemic, guide allocation of resources based on evidence, and integrate capacity building of country stakeholders in the design, conduct, analysis, and use of PHIAs.
ICAP, in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is planning to conduct a PHIA to estimate the population-level impact of the national HIV prevention, care and treatment programs in Zambia. In addition to providing important programmatic information to the MoH and relevant stakeholders, this assessment of the national HIV program is of great value to HIV researchers and public health experts around the world.
More details on ICAP’s PHIA Project may be found at:
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the PHIA Project Director, the Communications Officer will develop content for and ensure the implementation of the PHIA Communications Strategy.
Location: Lusaka, Zambia.
This position is grant funded.
Major Accountabilities
- Coordinate and ensure implementation of project and survey communication strategy, including communications at national, provincial, district and community levels including community mobilization.
- Adapt PHIA messages to the local context; polish and translate messages into local languages.
- Ensure compliance with established branding strategy, correct logo placement, and donor and partner recognition on all communications.
- Work with local stakeholders to develop, write, lay out, produce and distribute a range of key communications materials, including but not limited to: briefs to policy makers and national and provincial leaders, brochures for participant recruitment, radio spots, banners and posters, survey team t-shirts.
- Lead an effective media engagement strategy, including writing and distributing press-releases, feature articles, opinion pieces, and similar materials.
- In consultation with ICAP Communications, CDC and MOH, respond as needed and appropriate to any publicity relating to the PHIA.
- Inform and coordinate community mobilization activities by working with the local survey implementing partner and other local stakeholders to:
- Develop SOPs and tools for community entry procedures, community level sensitization, survey team feedback and responses to community reactions
- Ensure implementation of community entry procedures and community sensitization via local institutions
- Manage and respond to community level reactions
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education
- Requires a First Degree preferably in Communications or health related field
Experience, Skills & Minimum Required Qualifications
- Minimum three (3) to five (5) years of experience in health related communications
- Excellent writing ability, strong interpersonal, group facilitation and oral presentation skills
- Excellent knowledge of Zambian context and cultures in urban and rural areas
- Excellent knowledge of local media and local sensitivities
- Proven experience leading communications for a public health program or campaign
- Excellent knowledge of relevant software packages
- Fluency in English required
Experience, Skills & Preferred Qualifications
- Working knowledge of the operational and programmatic rules and regulations for recipients of United States Government funding preferred
- Fluency in local languages preferred
Travel Requirements
- Travel to regions where survey is being conducted at approximately 25% time
Application Instructions
NOTE: These are local hire positions and the successful candidates will be employees of ICAP in Zambia and subject to the local terms and conditions of employment which includes a competitive salary and benefits package.
Suitably qualified and experienced candidates should send an application letter and detailed resume by email with a subject title “PHIA Project – Communications Officer” to:
Please do not attach any certificates when submitting on line. Only short listed applicants will be contacted.
*The closing date for receiving applications is 28 August 2015.
