Kingdom of Lesotho
Ministry of Health
Job description
| DEPARTMENT | Project Implementing unit (PIU) |
| JOB TITLE | Communications officer |
| PROJECT | Lesotho Nutrition and Health System Strengthening Project (LNHSSP) |
| RESPONSIBLE TO | Project Coordinator |
| DATE OF ISSUE | 17th June, 2020 |
1. Background
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is implementing two projects supported by the World Bank. The Lesotho Nutrition and Health System Strengthening Project (LNHSSP) with the International Development Association’s (IDA) financial and technical support for a period of 5 years (2020 – 2025). This project aims to support the GOL in implementing a multi-sectoral approach to improve health and nutrition outcomes over a five-year period. The project development objective is to increase utilization and quality of key nutrition and health services in Lesotho. Most of the interventions will be implemented nationwide. The LNHSSP has four main components which include: component 1) Community-based health and nutrition services; component 2) Improving health facility-based service delivery; component 3) Strengthen government stewardship, project management and monitoring and evaluation; component 4) Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC).
The second project, The Southern African Tuberculosis and Health Systems Support (SATBHSS) project was launched in Maputo, Mozambique in December of 2016. The project is implemented in four (4) Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries; Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia with financial support from the World Bank (WB) and regional technical assistance from the NEPAD Agency and the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC). The aim of the SATBHSS project is to improve coverage and quality of key TB control and occupational lung disease services in targeted geographic areas of the participating countries and strengthen regional capacity to manage the burden of TB and occupational diseases in SADC. Implementation of the SATBHSS project is currently underway.
Communication and outreach support has been identified as key to achieving the project development objectives for the two projects. The PIU in the Ministry of health therefore aims to engage a communications officer to facilitate and oversee communications for the two projects.
2. Job Summary
The Communications Officer will offer technical advice, outreach support, and facilitate knowledge generation and sharing as well as support the coordination of programmatic activities.
3. Specific Responsibilities
- Develop and implement effective communication strategies and plans for LSNHSSP and SATBHSS projects.
- Develop and implement communication annual work plans with clear deliverable outcomes, indicators and tools for the implementation of the strategy.
- Work together with MOH programs to draft, facilitate and provide newsworthy project content for the development of information, communication and education (IEC) materials that include newsletters, brochures, social media messaging and publication of reports.
- Work in close coordination with the Social and Behaviour Change and Communications Officer in the preparation of any nutrition and health messaging.
- Work together with MOH programs to draft facilitate and provide newsworthy project content for the repackaging of strategic information through producing fact sheets, advocacy and policy briefs, and programmatic briefs for external and internal audiences including policy makers, programme implementers and the media.
- Produce communication support materials (correspondence, key messages, background documents, fact sheets, etc.) to enhance communication and advocacy targeting different audiences.
- Manage projects accounts on social media i.e. Facebook, Twitter
- Produce audio visual materials to document project success stories
- Draft speeches, notes, briefs and talking points for senior management
- Working with MOH Public Relations office draft media Press Releases, media statements and organize media coverage for project activities as well as side events at key events for advocacy purposes.
- Establish and maintain media relations (media lists, media advisories, press conferences, media roundtables) with print, electronic and news media at national, regional and global levels for improved media coverage
- Ensure visibility of the two projects to increase their profile among relevant stakeholders through the development of promotional materials and providing branding guidance.
- Support organization of various public events at the national and district level as needed in order to achieve better project understanding, recognition and visibility.
- Support and assist with coordination of the creation of promotional videos
- Perform any other related duties that may be assigned.
4. Education and experience requirements
- Master’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Health Communications/Communication, Social Sciences, International Development/Relations, Political Sciences or other related fields.
- At least 5 years’ experience working as a communications officer or equivalent
- Experience working with an international organisations
- Should demonstrate excellent oral and writing skills (Evidence needed)
5. Skills and Competences
- Exceptional ethics and professional comportment;
- Excellent communication, writing and editing skills.
- Working knowledge of website management, blogs, social networks and other communications technologies such as YouTube.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks and work under pressure with a wide range of individuals and institutions.
- Able to work under minimal supervision, be proactive, initiative and with sound judgment.
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail and thoroughness.
- Maintain confidentiality at the highest level at all times.
- High level of integrity and accountability, flexible approaches to work coupled with enthusiasm, commitment and energetic.
- Ability to leverage limited resources and staff for maximum impact.
- Creative thinking and problem solving skills.
- Good organisation, planning and time management skills.
- Sound analytical skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work with others as a team.
- Experience in working with an international organisation
6. Reporting
The communication officer will be reporting directly to the Project Coordinator.
7. Duration
The duration of the assignment shall be subject to a probation period of four (4) months, satisfactory performance, need and availability of funding.
8. Duty Station
The duty station shall be the Ministry of Health Head Office, Maseru, with frequent field visits to project sites.
9. Remuneration
Successful candidates will be offered performance-based contract; subject to review after the first year with possibly of extension dependent on performance and availability of funds.
10. Application Instructions
Interested and suitability qualified candidates should forward their applications indicating the advertisement and position on the subject line of letter and envelope together with detailed curriculum vitae Certified copies of their qualifications also indicating work experience. (Day time telephone contacts, names and telephone contacts of 3 referees to reach the undersigned not later than 3rd July 2020 -1200hour) to:
Mr. Moeketsi M-Procurement Specialist, Procurement Unit Ground Floor, Room 11 Ministry of Health, Corner Constitution & Linare Roads, Kingdom of Lesotho, Telephone: (+266) 27323277
Only shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted.