Public Affairs Advisor position (Global Health Fellows Program)

in Fellowships
August 21st, 2015

Global Health Fellows Program

Technical Advisor I: Public Affairs Advisor

Office of HIV/AIDS

Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development

Location: Arlington, VA

Assignment: Two year fellowship

GHFP II-P4-168

The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with Global Health Corps, GlobeMed, Management Systems International and PYXERA Global. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

GHFP-II’s goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by addressing the Agency’s immediate and emerging human capacity needs. The program seeks to accomplish this goal first through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels. These program participants include fellows, interns, corporate volunteers and Foreign Service National professionals. The program then provides substantial performance management and career development support to participants, including annual work planning assistance, and ensures that professional development opportunities are available.

Looking to the future, GHFP-II also seeks to establish a pool of highly-qualified global health professionals that will ensure the Agency’s ongoing technical leadership and effectiveness. This objective is supported by an extensive outreach program that brings global health opportunities and specialized career advice to a diverse range of interested individuals, with a particular focus on those underrepresented in the field of global health.

BACKGROUND:

The Office of HIV/AIDS (OHA) is one of several offices in the Agency’s Bureau for Global Health and manages the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programs as part of an interagency group coordinated by the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator at the US Department of State. OHA has over 150 dedicated staff, including technical, administrative and management experts and funds over 100 implementing partners who manage the Agency’s HIV and AIDS programs. This position will directly support the Communications Team and public affairs needs of the Office.

INTRODUCTION:

The Public Affairs Advisor (Advisor) is an integral part of the Communications Team, working with the Senior Public Affairs Advisor and the Public Affairs Analyst. The work of this position is essential to ensure consistent information coming from the OHA. The Advisor will be responsible for coordinating and implementing the Office’s communications strategy. The Public Affairs Advisor will receive day to day guidance from the Senior Public Affairs Advisor as his/her onsite manager.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Public Affairs Advisor will be responsible for:

  • Coordinating OHA’s online communications activities and proactively identifying/developing opportunities to promote technical programs, announcements, and key results through internal and external websites and traditional/social media.
  • Generating new content/stories for IMPACT blog, Frontlines and other internal and external editorial channels, including various newsletters such as Inside OHA, the office’s flagship newsletter. Liaising with key technical and communications staff in OHA, across the Bureau and throughout the Agency as well as at partner organizations to coordinate efforts.
  • Coordinating media outreach for events/announcements including implementation of strategy, pitch development, and wrap up reports.
  • Coordinating social media, including updates to GH’s Facebook and Twitter, and identifying ways to generate leads. Working closely with OHA contractors on web and social media maintenance and upkeep.
  • Keeping track of the OHA calendar of events and newsletter listserves. Providing guidance on branding and marking.
  • Reviewing internal and external documents such as blogs, reports and memos for the Administrator before release.
  • Supporting the Senior Advisor for Public Affairs in cultivating relationships with external partners, Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs, and other US Government communications counterparts to share information, cross-promote and collaborate on strategic efforts.
  • Coordinating implementation of communications activities around major events, conferences and relevant observance days.
  • Assisting in editorial and knowledge management activities, including developing press releases, fact sheets, Q&As, op-eds, speeches/remarks and other collateral. Working closely with implementing partners to collect success stories and other materials that support USAID’s HIV and AIDS work.
  • Coordinating internal and external communication requests for information, including scheduling requests, briefers, action memos and notes to the field.
  • Attending Bureau and Agency communications meetings, serving as key member, and collaborating on Bureau-wide activities.

International and domestic travel approximately 20%

Training and professional development (7%)

  • Keeping abreast of literature and latest developments in the fields of public affairs.
  • Deepening knowledge of public affairs.
  • Participating in interagency and intra-agency working groups as appropriate to SOW.
  • Participating in professional continuing education and skills training within the purview of GHFP-II.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

  • Master’s degree in public health or a related discipline (international health, strategic communications or public affairs).
  • General knowledge and interest in global health and development issues, particularly in HIV/AIDS, as well as interest in working in the public sector.
  • Demonstrated ability in communications program implementation and execution.
  • Ability to handle several tasks simultaneously, work quickly to meet competing deadlines, develop a solid understanding of Agency policy and guidelines, incorporate practices and procedures and develop a thorough understanding of the PEPFAR goals and initiatives.
  • Proven record of excellent organizational, management and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability and willingness to navigate within a large, complex federal agency to meet goals.
  • Strong writing and editing skills.
  • Ability to travel internationally.
  • 0-7 years’ of progressively responsible experience in public policy and communication, preferably working in a global health arena, with or without experience in an international or resource challenged setting.
  • US citizenship or US permanent residency required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programs.

TO APPLY:

All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP-II’s online recruitment system at https://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio data form in our database. A separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals is required for each application. All online applications must be submitted by September 1, 2015 by 5:00 pm Eastern time.

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