Job Description
Communications Officer
Supply Chain Management System Project (SCMS)


Title: Communications Officer

Reports to: Project Director

Background
Management Sciences for Health (MSH) Haiti is recruiting for a Communications Officer for the Supply Chain Management System (SCMS), which is a project managed by Management Sciences for Health (MSH).

SCMS, established in Haiti in 2006 with the authorization of the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) is a PEPFAR funded project, financially administered by USAID, which supports the Ministry’s national HIV/AIDS program. Its main objectives are: (1) to strengthen or establish secure, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable supply chains to meet the care and treatment needs of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, and (2) assist the Ministry in reinforcing its regulatory and supervisory role while strengthening the national health system.

Overall Responsibilities
The Communications Officer leads the strategic communication initiatives for SCMS, in collaboration with project staff and key stakeholders, with the overall objective of communicating the project’ s accomplishments to the MSPP, USAID and CDC and internally at the SCMS project management unit (PMO) and MSH headquarters in the US.

In this capacity, (s)he leads the project’s communication strategy aimed at informing decision makers, stakeholders and the public on the project’s activities, results and achievements in strengthening the capacity of the health system in Haiti. The Communications Officer is the focal point for leveraging SCMS’knowledge assets for greater health impact by capturing, packaging, synthesizing and sharing best practices and results that demonstrate how improved management of the supply chain system can lead to better public health outcomes for the population of Haiti.

The Communications Officer supports SCMS senior leadership in preparing and completing appropriate communications for key audiences and responding quickly and professionally to requests from USAID and CDC, the MSPP, and other stakeholders. As an integral member of the project’s professional staff, (s)he contributes to the strategic and operational planning of the project, and to the implementation of its work-plan and achievements of expected results.

Specific Responsibilities
1. Lead the development and implementation of SCMS communications strategy and activities, as outlined in project’s communication plan.
2. Document and disseminate the project’s work and messages using a variety of communication channels (external and internal), prioritizing communication activities that increase project visibility to key stakeholders and deliver the most impact.
3. Set internal and external communications standards, guidelines, processes and protocols as needed.
4. In collaboration with project staff, produce and disseminate communication materials such as weekly “highlights” communications, quarterly newsletters, fact sheets, success stories, publications, videos, press releases, press briefings, op-ed articles, etc.
5. Establish, where necessary, and oversee the projects’ repository of communication materials, ensuring that communication materials are always available and accessible for distribution.
6. Stay informed on all major issues in Haiti’s health sector as well as those relating to the project’s strategies, technical approaches and methodologies, activities, results and achievements, including best practices and lessons learned to ensure that project communication materials’ content is rich, diverse and well grounded. Keeping open communications with other NGOS and Networks working in the PEPFAR program will be important.
7. Stay informed and in contact with other MSH projects in Haiti, in order to leverage communications and ensure coordination, and a “one MSH” approach. This involves working closely with the MSH Country Operating Management Unit and other senior MSH leaders.
8. Work closely with the SCMS M&E teams to identify relevant data sources and information in support of the development of communication material.
9. Ensure compliance with all USAID Cooperative Agreement reporting and branding and marking requirements.
10. Support SCMS leadership in maintaining effective communications with USAID and CDC, the MSPP, other partner organizations, stakeholders, PMO and MSH, including the opportune submission of program reports and timely response to requests for information.
11. Provide strategic and programmatic advice on communications to SCMS senior leadership in order to strengthen overall program design and implementation of annual workplans.
12. Work closely with the SCMS Washington-based PMO Communications unit on communications materials and program reports, as requested.
13. Assist SCMS in effectively responding to network/site requests and needs by ensuring that the ht-assistance mailbox is well-managed and that response is opportune and appropriate.
14. Provide training to project staff on effective communications, including report-writing, as requested or deemed necessary.
15. Perform any other tasks as assigned by project leadership.

1. Masters degree in communications, public health, education, public policy, international development or related field and 5 years of relevant experience or similar combination of education and experience.
2. Excellent writing and editing skills for a variety of mediums
3. Excellent interpersonal and public communication skills
4. Experience working with websites, electronic portals and other electronic tools
5. Experience in work that relates to program and government relations and stakeholder engagement
6. Ability to network and facilitate strong working relationships between partners and project teams
7. Understanding of knowledge management and experience adopting, adapting, and applying knowledge to communicate more effectively
8. Experience in international development and global health preferred, knowledge of international programs, strategies, donors and organizations
9. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
10. Experience in organizing and implementing events and programs
11. Fluency in French and English (written and oral) required. Knowledge of Creole will be a strong asset.

Please note this is a local position paid in local currency according to MSH-Haiti Salary Scale. No allowances will be permitted under this position