Communications Specialist

JOB TITLE: Communications Specialist

PROJECT TITLE: USAID End Tuberculosis (TB) Tajikistan Activity 

REPORT TO: The Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Advisor

FHI 360 is a non-profit development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology; creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Communications Specialist for USAID End Tuberculosis (TB) Tajikistan Activity. The position will be based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and open to Tajik nationals or individuals who have the legal rights to work in Tajikistan

Project Background

USAID End Tuberculosis (TB) Tajikistan Activity is a five-year project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID End Tuberculosis (TB) Tajikistan Activity aims to reduce the burden of TB in the Republic of Tajikistan. The project activity focuses on improving case detection and notification for all forms of TB, increasing the number of patients cured of all forms of TB, strengthening TB prevention by expanded preventive treatment and improved infection prevention and control interventions, and strengthening TB system resilience/reliance in public health emergency.  

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Advisor, the Communications Specialist will be leading technical assistance to the project partners and the project in designing and developing communication materials, campaigns and tools that will help increase the uptake of TB services. S/he will also collaborate with the project team members, regional office and corporate communications to ensure proper knowledge management and sharing of project outputs and results to both external and internal audiences.

The Communications Specialist will push the boundaries of traditional communication. S/he will bring innovative ideas that have the potential to go viral; leverage skills to plan and execute them; and assess and strengthen successful approaches for scale-up. Ability in website and mobile app development, and their user testing will be useful.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the development and implementation of communication strategies and plans to support project objectives.

• Manage and track implementation of Branding Strategy and Marking Plan, in compliance with USAID and FHI 360 regulations.

• Lead the implementation of the USAID Branding Strategy and Marking Plan and the FHI 360 identity and provide guidance and assistance to staff and partners to ensure compliance.

• Ensure that the Activity is in compliance with FHI 360 policies relating to communications.

• Review all technical, programmatic, communications, and operations documents of the Activity to comply with marking and branding requirements. Edit and submit final activity documents.

• Create, edit, and proofread press releases, reports, articles, newsletters, social media content, and other communication materials. Collaborate with Regional Communications and Corporate Communications on media related materials to secure clearance from FHI 360 prior to submission to the funder.

• Develop, manage, and maintain a repository of project success stories, case studies and best practices.

• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and other relevant stakeholders.

• Arrange, sustain and ensure effective communication with mass-media, social media and influencers to present Activity results to both broad and targeted audiences.

• Work with designers and external vendors to produce high-quality visual content (e.g., infographics, videos).

• Manage the Activity’s social media accounts and ensure regular and engaging content is posted. Track and analyze the performance of media campaigns. Provide reports on posts and podcast reviews.

• Produce and manage regular content calendars to ensure timely refreshing of project-related social media content and activities.

• Provide technical support to the project partners on social media outreach and other marketing needs.

• Lead the design and execution of patient-friendly websites, information dashboards, knowledge portals and e-newsletters. Monitor the outlets as an administrator.

• Assist the Activity team on digital adaptation relating to learning modules and training activities on TB service delivery and prevention, and related capacity building initiatives.

• Work with Monitoring and Evaluation team to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of project’s activities. Introduce innovative models for measuring/attributing social media demand generation and audience engagement toward project goals.

• Performs other relevant duties as assigned by the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MERL) Advisor.

Minimum Requirements 

• MS/MA in Mass Communication, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Philology, Development Communications, Public health, or related field.

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in communications, public relations or marketing.

• Experience in/with social media campaign planning, digital platforms, and advertising is an advantage.

• Ability to design visual content for digital platforms, including social media campaigns, websites and mobile apps.

• Ability to write campaigns, website content, scripts, creative materials, and project documents.

• Must be able to thrive in a diverse, fast-paced collaborative working environment and have superb time management skills.

• Ability to work on problems that are diverse in scope and required judgment in resolving or making recommendations for solutions.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.

• Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner.

• Fluency in Tajik and English is required (Russian is preferable).

• Prior work experience with USAID funded programs on disease prevention and control portfolio and/or with INGOs and donors represented in Tajikistan preferred; TB-focused programs a plus.

• Any relevant Tajik professional qualifications are an advantage.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

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