Organization: Christian Health Association of Malawi
Location: Malawi
Eligible Citizenship: Malawi
Application Code: M03-Int
Job Function: Advocacy, Communications
Issue Area: Health Systems Strengthening / Healthcare Access, Orphans and Vulnerable Children
About
Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) is an ecumenical association of church-owned health facilities and training colleges in Malawi. CHAM is committed to providing administrative and technical support to member health facilities that provide holistic, quality, affordable and accessible gender-sensitive health services that have preferential treatment for the poor.
CHAM’s associated health facilities and training colleges located throughout the country provide about 37% of health care and train up to 80% of health workers in Malawi. CHAM health facilities are predominantly located in rural areas where they promote equity in access to health care. CHAM is a key partner to the Government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health in implementing the Health Sector Strategic Plan, including delivery of the Essential Health Package and training of human resources for health, and in other sector-wide initiatives.
Position Overview
The Communications and Advocacy Officer will be based in Lilongwe and work to coordinate communications, advocacy and media functions in CHAM, both internally and externally. The Officer will be instrumental in creating compelling publications and materials that promote CHAM’s work and communicate its impact. Additionally, the Officer will be involved in developing a branding strategy and ensuring brand consistency across the organization. The Communications and Advocacy Officer will report to the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement communication plans for CHAM
- Facilitate writing and editing of all publications and important documents
- In coordination with Programs, design, edit, record and produce quality promotional materials such as newsletters, posters, leaflets, fliers and brochures
- Publish bimonthly staff secretariat newsletter
- Ensure quality of donor reports including success stories, best practices, proposals produced by programs and member facilities
- Organize media events for CHAM
- Provide updates about CHAM’s work in Malawi and meet any specific information request
- Develop a branding strategy for CHAM and ensure adherence by all members and employees
- Build capacity of CHAM staff in documentation and report writing
- Act as media focal point for CHAM and develop relations with selected media
- Write media releases, organize press conferences and keep up to date information on general media liaison people
Required Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in mass media and communications or related field
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Three years of experience in communications including public relations
- Knowledge of desktop publishing
- Self-starter and a strategic thinker, analytical and very creative
- Good team worker with excellent interpersonal and networking skills
- Knowledge of the media landscape in Malawi
- Ability to work independently and under pressure
- Reliability in meeting deadlines
- Good marketing and advocacy skills
Fellowship Logistics
During the fellowship year, all fellows are provided with:
- A living stipend of $650/month
- Housing and utilities
- Health insurance
- A professional development grant of $600
- An award of $1500 upon successful completion of the fellowship year
- Travel costs covered to and from placement site, training and retreats
*Note: The living stipend and the completion award may be paid out in USD or local currency, as determined by the placement organization.
Living and Working in Malawi: Fellows are provided with housing and utilities during the fellowship year. Housing arrangements vary based on the placement organization and location within the country. Fellows at CHAM will be provided housing in Lilongwe, an urban center and capital of Malawi.
