The Senior Communications Officer will assist the leadership of the Ministry of Health's Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) to deliver on all its communication needs to ensure technical accuracy of MOH’s and all her partner communication messages and materials on immunization and vaccines, provide leadership in the design and production of immunization messages and materials internally, manage production of a quarterly immunization bulletin, and ensure appropriate public relations and messaging with various audiences to maintain a good image of the EPI program

Responsibilities:

Assist the EPI Program Manager and his/her technical team in designing and implementing strategic communications plans and activities to advance UNEPI’s Advocacy, Communications, and Social Mobilization/Community Engagement strategy and build visibility for UNEPI among target audiences in the country and beyond.
Lead the EPI program’s internal and external communications efforts, employee engagement, risk mitigation, and crisis communications in partnership with the Ministry of Health public relations (PR) department and other key MOH senior leaders and stakeholders.
Strengthen communications capacities and skills within the EPI program team for more effective engagement with donors, policymakers, media, and influencers to achieve immunization program 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 the EPI program’s technical and leadership experience, expertise, evidence, and impact .
Coordinate media relations efforts for the EPI program and oversee strategic deployment and management of media and digital communications channels.
Manage the translation and dissemination of evidence and experience across the EPI program to support and build Ministry of Health’s reputation and efficacy as a the only mandated public health institution to provide credible information on vaccines and immunization in general.
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 the EPI’s program communications, engagement, and advocacy efforts, including developing and operating a structured communications coordination for the program.
Support the coordination of high-level engagements with country, regional and global leaders by the EPI program leadership and partners
Required skills and experience:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or journalism, is required. A master’s degree in business administration, Mass Communications, Journalism, Public Health or related field is an added advantage.
A minimum of 5 years of experience working in communications in public health, immunization programs, international development, or a related field.
Proven management skills and demonstrated success leading a team of communications professionals. eAyy8u3 B2LxlL
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 immunization and public health in general.
Demonstrated experience in crisis communication.