Advocacy and Communication Officer

Job ID: 50362Job Category: Management
Employment Type: Full time
Posted: 09.20.2014
Job Description
Vacancy: Advocacy and Communication Officer
Location: Kisumu
Pathfinder International is an international non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating access to and improving the quality of family planning, reproductive health and community-and facility-based HIV and AIDS care and services.
Pathfinder strives to empower women, men, adolescents, and communities to make choices and create environments conducive to healthy reproductive behaviors.
The Health of People and Environment within Lake Victoria Basin (HoPE-LVB) is a cross boundary population health and environment (PHE) project implemented in Kenya and Uganda.
The HoPE-LVB project has successfully developed and tested a model of integration, addressing existing and emerging threats to the vulnerable biodiversity of the LVB area and associated ecosystem services, while addressing the poverty and wellbeing challenges faced by the population who depend on this area.
The project aims at improving the quality of life in target communities through greater access to quality health services (especially FP and maternal care), and also through eco-friendly income generation activities and better management of existing and emerging threats to the vulnerable biodiversity of the LVB area and associated ecosystem.
Further, targeted community engagement will be sustained by well-informed citizens, supported by improved local governance.
We are seeking a highly motivated, talented and hard working individual to join the Health of People and Environment Lake Victoria Basin (HoPE LVB) Project in Kisumu in the position of Advocacy and Communication Officer.
Reporting to the Program Manager, the officer will increase the profile and disseminate the project’s work and messages through planning and implementation of all project communication activities, including fact sheets, success stories, publications, press releases, press briefings, op-ed articles, letters to the editor, etc.
The Officer will also support policy advocacy activities, under the supervision of the project managers for national level activities, and with input from field staff for local level activities.
These activities might include documentation of key meetings, supporting advocacy activities at District/County levels by working with District Committees and Champions, designing advocacy strategies, drafting policy language such as supporting the development of local ordinances, letters to policy-makers, visits to government officials, and speech-writing.
Job Requirements:

Degree in Communication, Journalism, International relations, political science or development studies.

At least three years of professional experience in communications, public relations and/or advocacy, preferably at a health or development NGO

Strong interest in local and global public health and/or environment conservation

Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with government, NGO partners, and international organizations at various levels.

Strong writing and reporting skills in English.

Demonstrated experience writing quality communication pieces and reports.

Writing sample will be required

Some experience of communications work (especially doing electronic and print publications).

Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications.

Ability, willingness and flexibility to travel to field projects and offer trainings to team members

Ability to work in a team environment, but with self-sufficiency and self-motivation.

Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills: verbal, written, listening, presentation and facilitation.Languages:

Fluency in English, Swahili and local languages a distinct advantage.

Demonstrated excellence in time management and planning skills.Candidates who may require a more detailed Job description should request the same through kenyajobs@pathfinder.org.
Candidates who meet the above requirements should send their CV and cover letter detailing current and expected salary and clearly indicating daytime telephone contacts to kenyajobs@pathfinder.org.
Closing date for applications is 2nd October, 2014.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Pathfinder International is an equal opportunity employer