Job title: Advocacy, Campaigns, and Promotion Officer
Number of posts: 1 (one)
Grade: AU/P2 equivalency
Department: Directorate of Communication and Public Information
Supervisor: Head, Corporate Communication and Public Information
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Background:
The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) is a non-profit organization established in 2005 with a mission to improve human health through the strengthening and expansion of applied epidemiology and laboratory capacity in partnership with Ministries of Health, Non-Governmental Organizations, international agencies, private sector and other public health agencies. AFENET has its headquarters in Kampala, Uganda with operations in more than 30 African Countries.
Officially launched in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January 2017 as a specialized technical institution
of the African Union, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is Africa’s first continent-wide public health agency. Africa CDC envisions a safer, healthier, integrated and stronger Africa, where Member States are capable of effectively responding to outbreaks of infectious diseases and other public health threats. The agency’s mission is to strengthen Africa’s public health institutions’ capabilities to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease outbreaks and other health burdens through an integrated network of continent-wide preparedness and response, surveillance, laboratory, and research programs. Towards meeting its mission, the Africa CDC will work with African Union (AU) Member States, WHO, and partners in the five geographic regions of the AU to strengthen their capacity in at least five strategic priority areas: (1) public health surveillance and disease intelligence; (2) public health emergency preparedness and response; (3) public health laboratory systems and networks; (4) public health information and technology systems; and (5) public health research and public health institutes.
The Africa CDC invites applications who are citizens of AU Member States to apply for the position of Advocacy, Campaigns and Promotions Officer.
Job purpose:
The officer will work closely with the Africa CDC team and external stakeholders to ensure the implementation of data-driven interventions and programs. The role will foster collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and communities, creating a supportive ecosystem for positive health outcomes.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
The Advocacy, Campaigns and Promotions Officer shall;
- Develop and implement advocacy strategies and campaigns to support public health messaging about preventive measures and encourage individuals to adopt healthy behaviours.
- Coordinate and lead promotional activities to raise awareness about Africa CDC’s programs, initiatives, and services and influence policy decisions.
- Support research teams in analysing data to inform evidence-based advocacy and communication strategies for disease prevention and control.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop and disseminate communication materials, including press releases, articles, social media content, and publications.
- Assist in organising and facilitating workshops, conferences, and meetings related to advocacy, campaigns, and promotion.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of advocacy, campaign, and promotion activities and recommend improvements as necessary.
- Monitor Global Health policy developments and political processes in areas of interest, identify opportunities, and propose activities.
- Synthesize reports and data and write backgrounds and summaries on policy developments key political junctures, for internal use and for network engagement.
- Stay updated on current trends, best practices, and innovations in advocacy and communication strategies within the public health field.
- Support other Africa CDC team members in carrying out various activities related to public health initiatives.
- Work Closely with the branding and marketing and creative team to ensure all Africa CDC campaigns/advocacy materials represent the Africa CDC brand, and there is adherence to the branding guideline.
Qualification and work experience required:
- A Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public health promotion, international relations, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
- Proven experience in advocacy, campaigns, and promotion, preferably in public health or a related sector at the international level, is desirable.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to target various audiences effectively.
- Able to translate scientific content into consumable simple information for public consumption.
- Strong analytical research skills with the ability to use data-driven approaches in communication and advocacy strategies.
- Experience in developing and implementing social media campaigns and utilising digital platforms for promotion.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Knowledge of public health issues, disease prevention, and control measures in the African context is desirable.
- Proficiency in relevant software and tools for graphic design, content creation, and data analysis.
Required skills and Competencies:
a. Functional skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey health messages and information to diverse audiences.
- Ability to advocate for public health issues and policies and influence critical stakeholders to take action.
- Proficiency in planning, managing, and executing effective advocacy campaigns and promotional activities.
- Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with internal teams, external partners, and community stakeholders to foster collaboration and support.
- Capacity to think strategically and develop data-driven interventions and programs to address public health challenges.
- Excellent computer skills, including word-processing capabilities, proficiency with e-mail and internet applications as well as experience in using office software applications such as MS Excel, PowerPoint and Word
- Additional training in advocacy and emergency response is required.
b. Personal Abilities
- Research and data interpretation skills
- Cultural intelligence
- Negotiation and diplomacy skills
- Creative problem-solving
- Knowledge of international health frameworks and policies
- Results-oriented mindset
- Passion for public health
- Strong judgement and decision-making
Language Requirement
Applicants must be proficient in at least one of the AU languages (Arabic, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese). Knowledge of one or more additional African Union working languages would be an added advantage.
Tenure of Appointment
The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance and fund availability.
Gender Mainstreaming
The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Remuneration Indicative basic salary of US$ 31,073 (P2 Step 1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment 46% of basic salary (US$14,293), Housing allowance of US$ 22,932 per annum. Thus a total of US$68,298 per annum plus Gratuity of 15% of Gross Salary per annum.