Communication and Advocacy Officer

PATH is an international organization that drives transformative innovation to save lives and improve health, especially among women and children. We accelerate innovation across five platforms—vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, devices, and system and service innovations—that harness our entrepreneurial insight, scientific and public health expertise, and passion for health equity. By mobilizing partners around the world, we take innovation to scale, working alongside countries primarily in Africa and Asia to tackle their greatest health needs. Together, we deliver measurable results that disrupt the cycle of poor health. Learn more at www.path.org

Position: Communication and Advocacy Officer

Location: Kinshasa

PATH’s Advocacy and Public Policy (APP) department works to improve global health by increasing awareness and support of global health priorities by policymakers, coalitions, and other influential individuals and groups.  The APP Department is seeking an Advocacy and communications Officer based in Kinshasa to support emerging advocacy and policy initiatives in the areas of immunization, HAT, Global Health Security and Maternal Child and Newborn health in Democratic Republic of Congo.  This position will report to the Advocacy and Policy Manager in PATH’s Kinshasa office.

Responsibilities:

In collaboration with advocacy and technical experts across PATH, the Advocacy and Communications Officer is responsible for:

• Implementing advocacy and communication strategies and corresponding activities to advance specific policy change in support of immunization and MNCH, including resources and commitments for expanded coverage, equitable access, and sustainable financing.
• Working closely with colleagues at PATH’s headquarters in the United States, office in Kinshasa and in Provinces to provide project management support, including regular follow up on planned activities and their implementation, collecting information and preparing donor reports based upon a results framework.
• In collaboration with the Advocacy and Policy Manager, managing relationships with targeted policy makers, government and ministerial officials and staff, as well as key opinion leaders to promote prioritized policy changes at the national and provincial levels.
• Working closely with the Advocacy and Policy Manager to maintain partnerships and networks with key actors, stakeholders, and partners working in the areas of child health, immunization, health financing, supply chain, procurement, and accountability mechanisms, including members of Parliament, religious leaders, multilateral and private sector entities, NGO and civil society representatives, taskforces, professional associations, and research organizations, to maximize impact and resources to further child health and immunization policy priorities.
• Collaborating with advocacy and communication specialists, as well as technical experts across PATH to develop and produce innovative advocacy materials and dissemination approaches to effectively promote priority policy changes to key policymakers and other external audiences.  Advocacy materials may include print, online, and multi-media formats.  This may include cultivating new champions including from the media and ensuring they are equipped with appropriate messaging and information.
• Coordinate and planning events, including meetings, workshops, forums, trainings, and conferences as needed to make progress with prioritized policy changes.
• Representing PATH and the APP team at all levels as necessary.

Required skills

• Demonstrated ability to communicate (orally and in writing) complex issues in a concise, compelling, and easily understandable manner, including the ability to analyze and draft policy.
• Demonstrated success in influencing health related policies at the national or provincial levels.
• Demonstrated success planning and coordinating advocacy and communications activities to support policy goals.
• Experience developing and executing communications plans in pursuit of policy outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating groups from a variety of sectors or levels.
• Proven ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with government personnel, NGO partners, and international organizations.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the political, social, economic, and cultural context of Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Familiarity with global and national strategies that govern child health and immunization, such as the Global Vaccine Action Plan.
• Expert computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Willingness to travel, as necessary.
• Fluency in French and English are highly recommended.
• Existing, professional, high-level governmental and political contacts in the provinces preferred.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and seven to ten years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Master’s degree in Public/Community Health or in communication for health preferred.
• Prior work in direct advocacy required.
• Advocacy experience related to vaccines and immunization strongly preferred.

This position does not attract international terms and conditions. The post holder will be considered as a local staff and will not have international terms and conditions of employment.

Applicants considered for this position are to be DRC nationals. This position is based in Kinshasa. Candidates outside of Kinshasa will be responsible for their relocation expenses.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Please submit a cover letter with your curriculum vitae/resume describing your interest in this position, how you meet the requirements, and previous experience with the above-listed job duties. Women are encouraged to apply. Please visit our website https://bit.ly/2KDqaoe