READVERTIZED: Senior Health Communications Specialist

1. Position Title: Senior Health Communications Specialist (S/HCS)2. Market Value: GS-13 equivalent $73,115 to $95,048. Final compensation will be based upon the candidate past salary and work history, experience, and educational background of the successful candidate. 3. Place of Performance: Kampala, Uganda 4. Period of Performance: Two year contract. 5. The U.S. Agency for International Development Mission in Uganda seeks to employ a U.S. (U.S. and Resident Aliens) offshore or resident in Uganda Personal Services Contractor to work with Mission leadership and the IAHT to formulate Mission-wide messages and implement development, outreach and communications efforts to increase awareness of the USG's health programs in Uganda.6. Education: Possession of at least a Bachelor's degree with significant coursework in relevant fields - including but are not limited to - journalism, communications, public health, public relations or affairs, international relations, international development, public administration, development or area studies, and social studies. 7. Work Experience: At least five years' experience as Development Outreach and Communications Specialist or in a similar position in international development. At least five years' experience as a journalist, in public affairs or international relations is required if the candidate has less than five years' experience as a DOCS or in a similar capacity. 8. Language Proficiency: The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English and be able to serve as both editor and speechwriter. Applicants who do not meet the above minimum qualifications will be considered unqualified for the position and will not be assessed using the additional criteria below: Candidates must address and will be scored and ranked based on the following selection criteria: (a) Technical Knowledge/Work Experience 60 per cent -At least five years of progressively responsible experience as a DOCS or in a similar position in international development. At least five years' experience in related fields, such as public relations or journalism; Demonstrated success in developing and disseminating information to a variety of target audiences; Demonstrated success in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns targeted at specific audiences as well as the general public; Demonstrated ability to plan and execute media campaigns and program; Demonstrated ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press release, websites, stories, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences; Evidence of broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies; Extensive writing and editing experience; Knowledge of African political, economic, and social environments; Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the USG while discussing program activities with the press and media; Experience supervising staff and work flows, working as a team member, and providing leadership in the areas of his/her competencies; Broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies; Previous work experience with the USG or another international development organization in an overseas context is highly desirable.(b) Writing Skills 20 per cent -Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 words -preferably 750-1000 words. They can be excerpts from larger articles or papers, and do not have to concern development or be written specifically for this solicitation. The samples should demonstrate the applicant's ability to clearly and lucidly communicate complex ideas to the public. The samples must be by the applicant, co-written articles are not accepted. Applicants should be prepared to take a written test. (c) Education and Training 10 per cent -A Bachelor's degree, preferably in journalism, communications, international relations, international development, public administration, development/area studies, and social studies or related field. Training in one or more of the following areas: development outreach and communications, writing, journalism, web site content management, presentation skills, or other areas that are relevant to the detailed duties and responsibilities outlined in Section III of the solicitation; Extensive experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, database research, and content management systems such as Drupal. Familiarity with the Adobe Suite, particularly using Adobe Photoshop. Experience with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and RSS feeds. (d) Communication Skills/Group Dynamics - 10 per cent The application package (including the required summary statement) must provide evidence and example of: Effective team leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team; Ability to make cogent argument clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations; Initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed timetables; Ability to work independently, managing several activities at once, and to work under pressure to meet very short deadlines; Evidence of outstanding coordination and organizational skills.9. Security Clearance: Employment Authorization. 10. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated and ranked based on the selection criteria. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each QRF on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards that are relevant to each factor. 11. Notice to Applicants: USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance, technical knowledge, required skills, including teamwork and team-building experience and may consider such information in its evaluation. Shortlisted candidates may be required to submit writing samples and/or do a written test. USAID/Uganda shall not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Introduction: The Specialist will assist the Mission to achieve the goals set out by IAHT, to include but not be limited to GHI, the PEPFAR, and the PMI. Under the direct supervision of the Public Affairs Officer (PAO), the Specialist will initiate and manage public awareness campaigns by assisting in planning, organizing, and implementing outreach campaigns, including a media plan and regular press contacts, in support of health programs. The Specialist will lead an analysis of communications needs and proactively promote the health program to raise awareness of health assistance provided by American taxpayers in Uganda. The Specialist will work closely with Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) in the development of communications and messaging for health events. Under the supervision of the PAO, and in close consultation with IAHT, the Specialist will plan events, produce publications, speeches, press releases, podcasts, videos, and copy concerning the health program, particularly its successes and achievements, for dissemination to the Ugandan press, media outlets, government officials, civil society leaders and the public, as well as the State Department, agency headquarters, and U.S. Congress. Much of the material produced by the Specialist will be posted to U.S. Mission websites.MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (1) Strategic Communications and Information Management: Developing the message: Under the supervision of the PAO and working in close coordination with the DCM and IAHT members, the Specialist will create appropriate and strategic health communications and messaging and strategies to deliver these to targeted audiences. Chief duties include: --Develop and update the IAHT Health Communication Strategy. --Oversee the development, quality assurance, and dissemination of all public information materials through various media. --Serve as the IAHT's point of contact for interagency health information and media relations. --Coordinate with PDS and USG agencies to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of health assistance efforts and initiatives in Uganda, as defined by the Chief of Mission.--Ensure a targeted, coherent, and consistent message from all USG staff and implementing partners. --Monitor local and international press coverage, and local and donor opinion, for awareness and attitudes concerning USG programs to gauge the effectiveness of the information dissemination strategy. --Establish and maintain contacts with donor representatives and USG agencies to collect information for health reports.--Maintain a calendar of IAHT health events and distribute it within the Mission, to Embassy stakeholders, and to the State Department's Bureaus of African Affairs in Washington.--Travel to the field to capture IAHT success stories for dissemination through the U.S. Mission website, outreach folders, and the media.--Establish and maintain collegial working relationships with the local media and coordinate training sessions for Uganda press corps members to encourage accurate reporting of health activities.--Assist the IAHT and technical teams in planning and scheduling of events and publicity to highlight the Mission's health programs and to increase public awareness and understanding of USG assistance.(2) Public Information, Outreach and Media Relations: Delivering the message: The Specialist will manage all the public awareness campaigns in health. Working under the supervision of the PAO and close coordination with the DCM, the Specialist will advise the IAHT on press and media events, organize press and media relations and events, maintain press and media contacts, develop press and media materials (e.g., press releases, brochures, fact sheets, visual displays, audio and video materials) and coordinate with relevant staff to promote press and media coverage of health activities. The Specialist serves as the IAHT's press relations officer for its health activities, taking responsibility for all media relations in the health sector, including interviews, releases, feature articles and press events. Chief duties include: --Advise on media and publicity opportunities and the dissemination of the Mission health information materials and messages, and provide feedback on health messages and public and media reaction.--Prepare speeches for IAHT staff, work with the Mission implementing partners to organize public and media events, and help coordinate site visits. --Advise on protocol issues involving USG or other government officials, including Ambassadors and other high-level dignitaries.--Take the lead in updating the health sector content of the Mission's public website, working with the webmaster and with other Mission offices to ensure that all content is accurate, conforms to USG guidelines and is appropriately written for the target audience. --Prepare and edit other U.S. Mission health publicity material for external audiences and events.--Serve as the IAHT's point of contact for all press relations, both international and local media, work closely with PDS on press relations, and maintain contacts with high-level Western and local journalists from all media outlets.--Work with the PDS to arrange press conferences and media round-table conferences on health issues to keep the media abreast of USG programs. --Under the guidance of the PAO, serve as the principal USG contact for representatives of the local and international media to promote stories on USG programs. As appropriate, organize media tours and facilitate contacts among members of the media and USG agencies to encourage in-depth coverage of USG programs in the local and international media. --Coordinate with GOU public relations offices, maintaining good relations and advising on working with Ugandan and international media. --Write, review, and edit press releases, speeches, talking points, and Scene Setters drafted by agencies or implementing partners for USG events. Follow up with media to ensure coverage of public events. --Submit all health-related press releases and interview requests to PAO for review and approval. --Oversee the collection, design, research, development, editing, updating, and dissemination of outreach materials to promote USG programs to target audiences and the media. These materials include outreach folders, brochures, flyers, quarterly program and provincial fact sheets, newsletters, the Mission's website, photo essays, videos, and public service announcement campaigns for broadcast and print media. --Respond to inquiries from the general public, media, and other sources about USG health programs and projects. --Produce short video success stories for publication on the U.S. Embassy website, YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites. --Suggest timely ideas for podcast content about various issues in health. Coordinate guest speakers and interviewees for podcasts, and at times produce the podcasts. --Provide content for U.S. Mission and OGAC social media platforms including photos, videos and podcasts.(3) Internal USG Information Management The incumbent has responsibility for the quality and content of the health briefing materials including, briefing books, program information materials and power points for VIP visits, new staff orientation and special events. Chief duties include: --Work with appropriate IAHT members to develop, select, edit, and update program information materials, to prepare and organize briefing packets and assist with PowerPoint and other media materials. --If appropriate, originate a periodic internal newsletter of IAHT developments and help produce and disseminate a Mission-wide health calendar.--Proofread and edit key health documents for internal and external audiences, assuring appropriate style, content, and formatting for the target audience (e.g., reporting materials and success stories). --Develop procedures and systems to facilitate the efficient organization, updating, and management of public information materials, including the Mission's intranet, helping reorganize electronic information storage and initiating other innovative approaches to information management. --Provide the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs and other stakeholders with information on USG health programs and activities. --Serve as the Mission's primary point of contact for site visits by official visitors from Congress and other USG agencies or entities. Coordinate with the Embassy Protocol Officer on schedules and logistics. Lead the preparation of briefing materials, scene setters, and other information products and processes to support these visits. (4) Other duties as assigned by the Ambassador/CDA/DCM and PAO. Supervision: The contractor will report to the Public Affairs Officer (PAO). For detailed scope of work and evaluation criteria, please send email to gnakaddu@usaid.gov and copy aocen@usaid.gov