Job Description for Senior Technical Advisor – Communication

Application Due Date: 11/07/2014

POSITION : Senior Communications Specialist
SUPERVISOR : Project Director, LMG/Haiti
LOCATION : Port-au-Prince, Haiti
SUPERVISEES: NONE
BAND : J

OVERVIEW: The Leadership, Management and Governance Project in Haiti (LMG/Haiti) is a three-year project (2012-2015). With the funding of USAID, LMG is working to strengthen the Haitian health system by building the leadership, management and governance capacity at the central level of the MSPP. The project’s key initiatives include:

• Establishing a contracting function in the MSPP for essential health services through the implementation of the MSPP’s national results-based financing strategy;
• Strengthening the MSPP’s capacity to regulate, manage and monitor the health system;
• Strengthening the performance of Global Fund grantees and the State National Hospital; and
• Building the communications capacity of the MSPP.

Under the fourth initiative, LMG/Haiti is working with the MSPP, local journalists and the USAID health team to increase strategic communication efforts in order to develop a strong, favorable image of the health system and how it is working to provide services to the Haitian population.

To strengthen the communication capacity of the MSPP, LMG/Haiti has embedded an advisor in the Communication Services and Public Relations (CSPR) unit at the MSPP (who will have a mandate to enhance internal and external communication of the MSPP.

LMG/Haiti will work with the USAID/Haiti Health Office to develop an assessment of its programmatic accomplishments post-earthquake and develop and implement a strategic communication plan.

LMG/Haiti will also work with local journalists to build their capacity to identify and produce communications pieces on health-related news items.

Within this context, MSH seeks a Senior Communications Specialist to design and lead LMG/Haiti’s communication support to the MSPP and USAID/Haiti’s implementing partners.

GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Senior Communications Specialist provides strategic communications support to strengthen the communication capacity of the MSPP, local implementing partners and Haitian journalists to engage, inform, and elevate awareness of the Haitian public and Diaspora on key health issues for the country. S/he will lead technical strategies to (i) strengthen the MSPP’s capacity to plan for, coordinate and deliver clear communication; (ii) improve the capacity of the local media for reporting on health-related stories; (iii) and develop and implement strategies to engage and inform US-based policymakers and other stakeholders including the Haitian diaspora on key activities and improvements in the Haitian health sector.

The Senior Communications Specialist reports to the LMG/Haiti Project Director and will supervise the Communications Advisor seconded to the MSPP. The Senior Communications Specialist will work closely with communications staff at the USAID/Haiti Mission as well as the MSH Communications and Advocacy Advisor based in Washington, DC.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide strategic and technical leadership in designing and implementing communication initiatives with the MSPP, USAID and other partners.
2. Oversee the Communications Advisor seconded to the MSPP to design and conduct an assessment/audit of the MSPP’s current communication capacity. The audit will identify the requirements needed to achieve a high level of communication to support the MSPP’s goals.
3. Oversee the CSPR to develop a communication plan for the MSPP (for internal and external communications) based on priorities identified in the assessment.
4. Oversee the process of training local Haitian media for reporting on health-related stories with the goal of ensuring that journalists covering the health sector will use more evidence-based factual information accessed from the MSPP and other sources.
5. In collaboration with the Communication Commission of the Global Fund’s Country Coordinating Mechanism conduct an assessment of the current communication strategy of the CCM and design an enhanced communication plan.
6. In collaboration with the Communications and Advocacy Advisor Conduct an assessment of USAID/Haiti’s programmatic accomplishments post-earthquake, in order to develop a USAID/Haiti communication strategic plan that highlights results.
7. Work with the US-based Communications and Advocacy Advisor in Washington, DC, and the USAID/Haiti Mission to develop strategies to engage and inform US-based policymakers and other stakeholders, including the Haitian diaspora, on USAID activities and achievements in the country.
8. Manage and supervise the project staff in the identification of communication technical assistance needs required to achieve the expected outputs of projects, develop suitable scopes of work, recruit consultants, and execute technical assistance contracts.
9. Document and share successes and lessons learned in the format of project reports, publications and presentations.
10. Work in collaboration with the MSH Communications Officer, as needed, to set internal and external communications standards, guidelines, processes and protocols as needed.
11. Support LMG/Haiti leadership in cultivating, managing and maintaining positive, productive relationships with USAID, the MSPP, other governmental agencies, partners and MSH colleagues, through effective communications, including the timely response to requests for information.
12. Assist LMG/Haiti leadership in managing public relations and communications with the press.
13. Provide strategic and programmatic advice on communications and knowledge exchange to LMG/Haiti leadership in order to strengthen overall program design, work plans and their implementation.
14. Perform any other tasks, as requested by the Project Director.

1. Advanced degree (Masters, PhD) in communication, public relations, or related field required and 10-15 years of relevant experience.
2. Experience with public health and health systems programs supported by bilateral agencies such as USAID and international agencies such as WHO and World Bank, preferred.
3. Demonstrated managerial and organizational skills in a developing country setting with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
4. Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, clients, and consultants.
5. Experience managing and supervising technical staff
6. Excellent writing, presentation and analytical skills in fluent English and fluent French are essential.
7. Demonstrated strategic agility, diplomacy, conflict management, team building, written and oral communication, and negotiation skills
8. Significant experience working effectively with Ministry of Health, multinational, and NGO personnel.
9. Relevant global experience and previous experience in public health work in Haiti is beneficial.
10. Willingness and ability to travel within Haiti as needed.

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

Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.