Role Overview
The Communications Officer will work closely with Amref Malawi staff on projects in our priority focus areas, contributing to the design and implementation of Amref’s visibility, branding, and communications strategy in order to raise Amref’s profile and impact as a local health organization. The Communications Officer will assist in increasing Amref media exposure through managing relations with media representatives within Malawi. They will liaise with Program Managers to coordinate and amplify messages and communications on all media platforms. The Communications Officer is also responsible for ensuring that project information is packaged, disseminated, and utilized by appropriate users in conformity with Amref program’s strategies.
Responsibilities
Communications
- Support the development and implementation of a communication networking strategy for Amref programs
- Collect and share program information and success stories via Amref’s website, media reports, publications, etc.
- Develop collegial connections with media representatives in order to highlight Amref’s accomplishments in Malawi
- Provide recommendations to senior management staff on media strategies, public statements, and other information matters
- Develop and nurture good working partnerships and linkages with NGOs, government agencies, local institutions, and other like-minded organizations to advance the mission of Amref
- Establish and maintain systems of information flow and communication
- Strengthen communication capacity among key program staff
- Design, write, edit, produce and distribute communication products (e.g. newsletters, annual report, short note series, brochures, blogs, websites, photos etc)
- Share quarterly updates regarding program activities and success stories with key stakeholders
- Manage Amref’s social media platforms
Project support
- Provide technical guidance on documenting project activities and events
- Support Country Director Office in its engagements with the Regional and Global partners to organize content and documentation
- Produce fundraising materials in collaboration with the Business Development and MEL Managers
- Support opinion and attitude surveys to identify the impact of interventions on key stakeholders served by the organization
Skills and Experience
- At least two years of professional experience in a communications position.*
- Excellent writing and editing skills with experience producing documents for external audiences, such as academic research, policy briefs, news releases, articles, or blogs.*
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and/or Premiere Pro.*
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, mass communications, media studies, international relations or other related field
- Experience managing digital communications for an organization including social media, websites, blogs, etc.
- Experience managing relationships with media contacts/journalists, including writing press releases and setting up interviews
- Strong public speaking skills, with experience delivering trainings, presentations, or workshops
- Demonstrated experience in the use of webinar and e-learning software for virtual engagement and training, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Bigmarker, or Adobe Connect
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- Demonstrates sound judgment
- Ability to work with minimal supervision, results-oriented, accountable, and attentive to detail
- Demonstrates persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to work under pressure
- Ability to lead teams effectively and exhibit strong conflict resolution skills
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling Amref’s values and ethical standards
- Flexible and able to manage complexities
- Experience working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality
- Customer service skills with the ability to train and work cooperatively with a diverse staff, including field staff in several locations
About the Organization
Amref Health Africa in Malawi was established in 2012. The Malawi office is part of Amref Health Africa International which was established in 1957 as the Flying Doctors with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Amref’s initial work in Malawi included working with and treating women of reproductive age with vesico-vaginal fistulae, and other projects related to the eradication of child marriages and trachoma. Currently, Amref Health Africa in Malawi is implementing a number of projects in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR); reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH); and advocacy in nine districts.
Stipend, Benefits, and Logistics
Click here to learn about the stipend, benefits, and logistics associated with the GHC fellowship.
Note: these vary depending on placement country and citizenship.