Communications Manager, Central and West Africa Hubs
Title: Communications Manager, Central and West Africa Hubs
Location: Senegal, Ghana, DRC
Division: External Affairs
PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.
The Africa Region leverages its internal and global expertise to drive transformative and innovative practices that reflect the African context. By mobilizing our pre-existing talent within the region and working with our global teams, we take innovation to scale by working alongside our Ministries of Health to reduce health disparities. With potential for expansion, the division currently works across fifteen countries distributed among four Hubs – Southern, Western, Central, and East Africa.
The PATH External Affairs Division is searching for a highly motivated communicator with organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills to serve as the Communication Manager in the Africa Region Division. Reporting to the Head of Communication, Africa Region, the position will lead the communication function for PATH’s hubs in the PATH's Central and West Africa Hubs, driving and implementing strategies to reach audiences who support PATH’s business goals and mission. From streamlining editorial and design services for countries, regional hubs, and program communicators to developing external communication guidelines for the growing and evolving practice, the Communication Manager will play a critical role in devising new and innovative ways to reach staff, funders, public health partners, government officials, philanthropic partners, the media, and other influencers—and ultimately the communities we serve.
The Communication Manager will work closely with the PATH programs and advocacy, communication, engagement, and philanthropy teams. The successful candidate will report to the Head of Communication, Africa Region, and be part of the External Affairs-Africa Region Team.
Responsibilities:
- Assist the Head of Communications-Africa Region in designing and implementing strategic communications plans and activities to advance PATH’s Advocacy, Communications, and Engagement (ACE) strategy and build visibility for PATH among target audiences in the region.
- Assist in building and scaling the regional communication teams across PATH’s African country offices by partnering with country directors, program leaders, and communicators to engage their in-country audiences and support the growing, matrixed regional communications function.
- Support country offices, programs, and communicators with their internal and external communications efforts, employee engagement, risk mitigation, and crisis communications in partnership with HR, legal, and other PATH leaders and stakeholders.
- Strengthen communications capacities and skills within the African region for more effective engagement with funders, policymakers, media, and influencers to achieve business and public health objectives: Specifically, the writing of success stories and technical briefs in accordance with donor expectations.
- Develop and produce compelling written and multimedia content to showcase PATH’s experience, expertise, evidence, and impact.
- Coordinate media relations efforts for the Africa region and oversee strategic deployment and management of media and digital communications channels.
- Manage the translation and dissemination of evidence and experience across the African region to support and build PATH’s reputation and efficacy as a public health leader.
- Assist in developing the scope of work, selecting, and managing the work (and budgets) of PR and communications firms, contractors, and vendors in support of PATH’s communications, engagement, and advocacy efforts, including developing and operating a structured communications coordination for the region.
- Support the coordination of high-level engagements with global and African leaders by PATH leadership and partners
Required skills and experience:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or related field
- A minimum of 7 years of experience working in communications in public health, international development, or a related field.
- Proven management skills and demonstrated success leading a team of communications professionals.
- Proven success at developing and executing strategic communications strategies and deploying and leveraging various media and digital communication channels and tactics to reach and engage key audiences, including media, policymakers, and influencers.
- Demonstrated experience in developing compelling communications content relevant to public health.
- Demonstrated experience in crisis communication.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (and French).
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Experience working in an international context and communicating and working across time zones.
- Diplomacy and tact as an advisor to senior executives and as an external representative to partners and audiences in visible roles and settings.
- Experience providing communications training and capacity building of colleagues; experience with developing-country cultures preferred.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.
- Adept at working in a team and multi-stakeholder environment.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
PS: The chosen candidate might be based in any country within the Central and West African offices of PATH.
PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.
PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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