Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,Communications Advisory Services Jobs in Rwanda

Closing
date: 09 Oct 2016

Title: Communications
Advisory Services – Rwanda

Period of Performance:
ASAP to 3/2017 (Annual Renewal Option)

Service Objectives: Senior Communications Specialist advises
the CDC Rwanda program office on a communication strategy and public affairs
activities to ensure United States Government (USG) funded programs are
highlighted to support public health activities in Rwanda.

Task Requirements: Under this task order, the contractor
will independently provide all labor, supplies, materials and equipment
(exceptions noted below) in support of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
partners in accordance with the Statement of Work in support of CDC by
providing the following services:

·
Consistently
exercise excellent communication skills in sharing information about CDC
programs to a variety of internal and external audiences through various
outlets through writing, photography, video, and audio content

·
Finalize
and implement a communications strategy plan identifying opportunities to
highlight the United States
government (USG) and CDC support for public health activities in Rwanda. Key
activities highlighted in the strategy will include but are not limited to:
messaging, planning and policy development surrounding signing ceremonies,
facility openings, Ambassador Visits, CDC Country Director and VIP visits. As
part of the communication strategy plan, the contractor shall develop briefers,
scene setters, and promotion of journalist interaction with CDC activities,
programs and partners; multi-media forums will be utilized to capture and
promote positive CDC messages.

·
Along
with Deputy Director of Management and Operations (DDMO), develop standard
operating procedures (SOP) for producing and clearing communication products
for CDC Rwanda.

·
Develop
and maintain an annual electronic calendar for all events, meetings and
trainings relevant to CDC Rwanda staff. Share reminders to staff on an on-going
basis to ensure adequate representation and participation.

·
Write
speeches, press releases, talking points, FACT sheets, and other media
publications to be cleared by CDC Rwanda, PEPFAR, and US Embassy Public
Affairs. Prepare written responses to US Embassy and PEPFAR office on CDC
activities and progress.

·
Attend
Public Affairs/Diplomacy weekly staff meetings and participate in other
interagency processes involving communications issues. Work with Public Affairs
colleagues and the Office of the PEPFAR Country Coordinator to leverage
interagency communication opportunities.

·
Formalize
and implement a standard process for planning events and official openings, in
order to ensure adequate USG and CDC representation. Conduct regular
presentations with public affairs representatives for each partner in order to
formalize the communication strategies and policies.

·
Liaise
with Embassy Public Affairs Office to research proper legal protocol and local Rwanda
protocol/customs for taking and using photographs in publications; with
specific attention to situations involving people being supported by public
health programs. Ensure that CDC staff and visitors are aware of these policies
and customs prior to arriving at sites. Contractor will also create formal
processes and draft release forms to be taken to events and site visits.

·
Serve
as one of the main points of contact for high-level visitors who come to Rwanda to view
CDC programs, including event planning and material development. Liaise with
CDC Atlanta and the Embassy to determine logistics and planning needs.

·
Coordinate
multiple events, openings, high profile and congressional delegation visits,
and trainings provided by CDC Rwanda and PEPFAR. Liaises with CDC technical
staff to ensure that they have support when technical staff is assigned control
officer responsibilities.

·
Provide
support to CDC program offices and implementing partner organizations to
implement media strategies by organizing activities (press release, media
advisories, remarks, media interviews, media trips, etc.) to ensure that
Rwandans are aware of USG/CDC mission themes, priorities, and programs. A
critical element of this includes the drafting/clearance of all remarks for CDC
Rwanda Country Director, Chief of Mission, Deputy Chief of Mission, and representatives of CDC Rwanda.

·
Develop,
test, and disseminate CDC Rwanda and PEPFAR information and audience-based
products, tools, and messages (i.e., via written, electronic, audiovisual,
videography formats) to different audiences in a variety of media formats.

·
Collaborate
with CDC Rwanda staff to draft and disseminate Quarterly newsletter that
document CDC activities, accomplishments (success stories) and events.

·
Attend,
document, and report on multiple CDC and PEPFAR events happening in Rwanda.

·
Provide
leadership, guidance, and mentorship to strengthen CDC Rwanda’s efforts to
build the capacity of CDC Rwanda staff on communications and public affairs
activities.

·
Provide
technical assistance support to CDC Rwanda staff and implementing partners to
write and edit documents related to CDC program initiatives to include
presentations, speeches, journal publications, etc. Edits text for clarity,
grammar, accuracy and consult on design and graphics to prepare materials for
distribution. Translates information into clear, readable documents to be used
by all staff.

·
Provide
expert knowledge and input on the development and management of social media to
include Twitter, Facebook, etc.

·
Create
a comprehensive database of site briefs, news clips, journal articles, etc.
detailing CDC programs across Rwanda.
This database will be utilized to create briefing books as needed.

·
Develop
new branding templates and work closely with DDMO to procure program wide
branding materials. Ensure branding guidelines (USG and CDC) are understood and
followed by CDC staff and implementing partners. This should be reviewed at
least biannually in partner engagement meetings or trainings.

·
Oversee,
develop, and maintain all CDC public relations materials including: brochures,
fact sheets, newsletters, regional and sectorial profiles, briefing books,
presentations, visual displays, success stories for publication, and reporting
to Atlanta and Washington. This shall be an ongoing
activity.

·
Produce
high quality technical illustrations for all presentations and publications,
appropriate to CDC program requirements which may include flow diagrams, using
PowerPoint, Visio, Word and other appropriate office software.

Task Deliverables:

·
Six
months from start date of service, submit to the Country Director and Deputy
Director of management and operations (DDMO) a draft CDC Rwanda Country
Communication Strategy Plan.

·
Monthly
progress reports due to the in in-country COR by the 5th workday of
the month; first report would be due on the 5th of October 2016 or
the month after start date.

·
Submit
to the in country COR: Quarterly activity report for projection of next quarter
activities due 10days following end of quarter.

·
Develop
and maintain annual calendar for planning events and official openings, in
order to ensure adequate USG and CDC representation.

·
Three
months from start date of service a communication standard operation procedures
(SOPs) manual will be developed and submitted to the DDMO; This document should
align with CDC’s guidelines as well as the Embassy Public Affairs Office to
research proper legal protocol and local Rwanda protocol/customs for taking and
using photographs in publications; with specific attention to situations
involving people being supported by public health programs. On a quarterly
bases these SOPs should be reviewed and updated as needed.

·
On a
quarterly basis a newsletter will be disseminated which documents CDC
activities, accomplishment (success stories), challenges, and events. Due 10
days following end of the calendar quarter to the DDMO.

·
Within
1 week of an announced high level visit or event, a draft briefer (scene setter)
or background document will be submitted to Associate Director of Programs, the
Deputy and Country Directors for review and input. A final version will be
submitted 48 hours prior to the event.

·
Assist
with the development of cables to inform or document Global program or
reporting events.

·
Annually,
liaise with vendors to create posters and print media for lay groups.

·
Development
and production of media presentations including radio spots

·
Within
nine months date of service, develop (draft for approval) and maintain a
comprehensive database of electronic and paper files of newspaper clippings and
media communications that mention CDC as well as resources and reference
materials to develop briefers, briefing books, talking points, data, etc.
Afterwards, on an on-going basis routinely gather and archive local media press
releases on CDC Rwanda and ensure that relevant clippings are available to
staff on a timely basis. This should be shared with DDMO and Associate Deputy
Director of Program.

·
Organize
and/or conduct at least 2 brown bag sessions annually to help CDC staff to
improve oral and written communications skills.

·
Organize
in collaboration with the CDC Rwanda grants office an annual implementing
partners meeting where CDC partners have an opportunity to provide
presentations on their PEPFAR funded programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

·
At a
minimum, graduation from an accredited university with a bachelor’s degree in
communication, public affairs, or broadcasting or related field.

·
At
least 5 years of experience working in communications or the media.

·
Knowledge
of communication theories, principles, practices and techniques

·
Strong
skills in project management techniques to plan communication and public
affairs strategies

·
Ability
to translate and disseminate public information across a variety of platforms

·
Understanding
of health literacy and usability in various media formats

·
Demonstrated
experience in communications materials development, partnership development and
media relations for public programs and issues

·
Excellent
coordination and interpersonal skills.

·
Willingness
and ability to travel domestically and internationally.

·
Strong
oral and written communication skills, including presentation experience to
multidisciplinary audiences (USG officials, policy-makers, private sector
staff, foundations, program managers, donors).

·
Excellent
writing skills; good computer skills including PowerPoint, Excel, Word and
other software relevant to presentations and graphics.

·
Level
IV English proficiency required.

·
Effectively
communicate in English (Speaking, Writing, and Reading) on a daily basis with
various groups.

·
Experience
working in an international setting preferred and/or diverse cultural settings.

How to apply:

Interested candidates
should email their cover letter and CV to resumes@ctsglobalusa.com

Please submit the
following summary of qualifications that is shared with hiring manager for
further consideration:

1.
I
have my Bachelor’s Degree in A)
communication,
B) public affairs,
C) broadcasting or D)
__**.**

2.
I
have years of DIRECT experience
within communications,
media, and with presentation to multidisciplinary audiences
(USG officials, policy-makers, private sector staff, foundations, program
managers, donors while
working at .

3.
I
have years of DIRECT experience
with communications
materials development, partnership development and media relations for public
programs and issues while working at .

4.
I
have years of DIRECT experience
with project management
techniques to plan communication and public affairs strategies
while working at .

5.
My
ability to communicate in English is 1) FLUENT: Level
IV 2)
Proficient 3) Basic or 4) Not Applicable with the following:

1.
Reading:
___

2.
Writing:
___

3.
Speaking:
___