Communications Lead at the Management Sciences for Health (MSH)

Management Sciences for Health (MSH), a global health nonprofit organization, uses proven approaches developed over 40 years to help leaders, health managers, and communities in developing nations build stronger health systems for greater health impact. We work to save lives by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Communications Lead, MSH Nigeria

Job ID: 13-10714
Location: Nigeria-Abuja
Group/Office: COM (Communications)
Dept/Unit: COMGEN – Communications
Project/Program: A000 – None Specified
Reports To: Communications Manager
Grade: I

Overview

The Communications Lead will be responsible for developing and leading communication strategies for MSH in Nigeria to grow the profile of MSH and its projects, positioning MSH as a leading implementer and source of information about Nigeria’s health system improvements. Working directly with both MSH Nigeria Leadership and the U.S.-based communications team, this position will help define and advance key communications initiatives that increase MSH’s position within the global development market.
A primary focus for the Communications Lead will be to support MSH Projects including MSH Nigeria Global Fund activities, creating, implementing, and managing communication strategies and activities that contribute to program success and position MSH for future growth. In addition, s/he will be in charge of overseeing external communications for MSH Nigeria, collaborating with country leadership, technical staff, and home office staff to advance the company’s position with relevant stakeholders and create a compelling dialogue of MSH’s brand to motivate action and improve impact. The Communications Lead will also, as required, provide support regionally, such as building the communications capacity in MSH country offices in West and Central Africa.
S/he will engage with key stakeholders including federal and state-level government agencies; USAID, Global Fund, World Bank, and other donors; and local implementing partners including global organizations, private, and civil society, on issues related to communication and collaborative learning and action.

Specific Responsibilities
Plan, produce, and deliver project communications content (50%):

Define donor-focused communication, documentation, and dissemination strategies for MSH Projects including Global Fund activities in Nigeria, in collaboration with project and country leadership.
Oversee and produce content to meet communications and positioning objectives, coordinating closely with project staff. Products and activities may include print and online publications, events, media, videos, photos, presentations, social media content, and other materials as needed.
Liaise with donor and key stakeholders on communication activities and efforts, ensuring compliance with donor expectations, branding, and marking policies, and reporting requirements.

Manage MSH Nigeria communications (40%):

Drive MSH Nigeria’s communication strategy to support broader, corporate communication goals, increase brand awareness and engagement
Lead country communication activities including the development of corporate products and management of media relations and external engagements, serving as brand ambassador for MSH Nigeria
Support the development of an organizational culture and brand that promotes accountability and high performance
Strengthen communications capacity in the country, projects, and/or regional offices

Support MSH Regional Communications (10%):

Travel to other MSH countries in Africa to help with building communications capacity of local staff, developing communication strategies and helping implement project communications as necessary.

Qualifications and Experience
Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Health, or other related disciplined – Required
Master’s Degree in a relevant field of study – Preferred

Experience:

6 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree, 4 years with a Master’s degree – Required
Demonstrated success in developing communications campaigns and programs, preferably with international public health and/or development programs – Preferred
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with donors, stakeholders, partners, and project staff at all levels – Preferred
Experience with USAID programs/projects strongly preferred – Preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

Excellent writing skills, with ability to convey complex technical information in clear, compelling language without technical jargon.
Understanding of strategic communications, including leading development and implementation of strategic communications plans.
Strong knowledge of global public health issues including HIV, Malaria, and Tuberculosis.
Strong familiarity with emerging communications trends, social media, multi-media and multi-platform storytelling, and web content creation and management; photography and basic design/layout skills a plus.
Strong editorial skills, including ability to accurately proofread and review documents for language, layout, and formatting consistency.
English fluency required, including speaking, writing, understanding, and reading. French fluency preferred.

Competencies:

Independent worker who is self-starting and enthusiastic with proven ability to take ownership for results.
Strong multi-tasking, organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills, including ability to assess priorities and work gracefully under pressure with multiple deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member in a complex and fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative, to work proactively and independently, and to adapt creatively to changing circumstances in low-resource contexts.
Able to work with senior technical staff to understand their area of expertise, then convey the technical and complex concepts in a clear and understandable way to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated good judgment for decision-making.
Demonstrated competency for managing projects through to successful completion with attention to detail and quality
Ability to make connections among colleagues and stakeholders across projects and technical areas to ensure maximum visibility and knowledge exchange of key technical approaches and lessons
Commitment to MSH vision, mission, and values
Able to create effective messages on wide variety of topics.

Physical Demands: