Population Services International is hiring an
EpiC Communications Officer /Coordinator
Extensive travel across Sierra Leone
Reports to the Project Manager
Timing:September 2022-December 2022: Up to 120 days but with possibility for
extension
Project:Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC)
Who we are:
We’re Population Services International (PSI) Sierra Leone, a network member of the world’s leading non-profit social marketing organization. We work to make it easier for people in the developing world to lead healthier lives and plan the families they desire by marketing affordable health products and services. We commit ourselves to contributing to health systems transformation with the government partners and others. We believe in Consumer-Powered Healthcare that keeps pace with the changing health needs of consumers, systematically addresses barriers to positive health behaviors and outcomes, and encourages the most efficient use of available resources
There are over 9,000 “PSI’ers” around the world. It’s a diverse group of entrepreneurs and professionals with an unusually wide range of backgrounds - from the medical industry to the music business - all with unique skills we bring to the job.
Join us!
PSI seeks a communications officer/Coordinator to generate ongoing strategic communications activities to create demand for COVID 19 Vaccination in Sierra Leone under the Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) Project.
Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) is a five-year global project funded by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). EpiC receives COVID-19 funding to bolster health systems necessary to address COVID-19 and reduce cases of reemergence.
Currently, EpiC and its consortium members implement COVID-19 activities in more than 45 countries worldwide. The project delivers high-quality technical assistance at the community, facility, district, regional and national levels and builds relationships with relevant partners working to address COVID-19.
EpiC worked hand in hand with Sierra Leone’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to identify and define gaps that are not currently covered by other partners throughout the country but more especially in the 7 districts that have the lowest COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Through Population Services International (PSI) -Sierra Leone, EpiC will support the Ministry of Health & Sanitation in Sierra Leone and other COVID-19 stakeholders in implementing specific activities aimed at increasing the uptake of COVID-19 Vaccines. This support will principally focus on cold chain systems support; data capturing timeliness, data quality improvement and data analysis enhancement; surge/mass campaign outreach support; community engagement and demand creation for COVID-19 vaccine. Although some of the activities will be implemented nationwide, principal emphasis will be placed in the 7 lowest performing districts identified according to their identified needs
We seek a creative, independent and self-motivated communications officer with keen editorial judgement, top-notch writing and storytelling skills, and knowledge of vaccination programs for combating infectious diseases.
We need a do-er who can get their bearings quickly and go crazy helping EPI achieve its goal of vaccinating 70% of the target population against COVID 19 by 31st December 2022.
Experience with COVID 19 Vaccination programs is a plus, but not necessary. Sounds like you? Read on.
Your contributions
Job Summary:
You will be responsible for creating demand necessary for the implementation of Covid 19 vaccination activities at national, district and community level. This will include supporting key stakeholders with resources aimed at creating community awareness, dispelling myths about and encouraging uptake of COVID 19 vaccines.
Detailed Job Specification:
Planning
Demand Creation Strategy Implementation
Coordination of Different Target Populations
Stakeholder Management and Engagement
Program Monitoring and Evaluation
You will work closely with the DC-based project core team and other regional team members to create and execute a project communications plan and develop and execute a wide range of compelling and inspiring communications materials to promote COVID 19 Vaccination. Communication materials could include: social media interactions, Video-blogs, podcasts, etc. The sky is really the limit!
We want beautiful and creative communications that both inform and inspire while establishing sustainable behavioral change.
The position is based PSI Sierra Leone’s Freetown office but you would frequently be asked to travel to the remotest and hard to reach parts of the country. This position will require close coordination and collaboration with many people, particularly MoHS officials and Community Leaders —good people skills are a must!
What are we looking for?
The basics
What would get us excited?
Creative: You love doing things differently, seeking to delight and inspire your audience. You crave the space to experiment and “get wild.”
Self-starter: You can work independently, pitch and manage your own mini-projects, and meet deadlines.
D0-er: You love to roll up your sleeves and get to work. You aren’t afraid to suggest new ways of doing things. You would love the chance to shape the strategy and show what you can do!
Team Player: You are an effective team player with demonstrated and verifiable result-oriented track record.
PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of actual or perceived race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, family status or responsibilities, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions or breastfeeding, genetic information, amnesty, veteran, special disabled veteran or uniform service member status or employment status.
Not ready to apply? Connect with us for general consideration.