Communications Officer

Organization Name: Ministry of Health – Rwanda

Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Eligible Citizenship: Rwanda

Role Code: R05B-Nat

Role Overview

The Communications Officer will be responsible for communicating all the Ministry of Health’s activities, regularly sharing information on the Ministry’s website and social media platforms. They will propose coverage topics and coordinate and provide content about events that the Ministry officials attend. They will participate in communication planning meetings held weekly at the Rwanda Health Communication Centre Division (RBC headquarter). The Communications Officer will report to the Rwanda Health Communication Centre Division Manager at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).

Responsibilities

Planning

• Develop and implement communication and media plans

• Develop social media plans and content

Social & Traditional Media 

• Produce media briefs and press kits; build internal capacity to work with media effectively

• Handle media inquiries and conduct triage including setting up media interviews

• Prepare quarterly press conference

• Contribute to preparations of events/campaigns and ensure proper media coverage

• Provide and manage content (e.g. video, soundbites, infographics and media clips from mainstream programs about health issues) for the Ministry of Health website and social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube

• Conduct daily local and international media reviews; ensure quick feedback to issues raised and advise on actions to be taken

Writing & Messaging

• Draft talking points to guide the Ministry of Health’s leadership for occasions like press conferences, awareness campaigns, and events

• Develop success stories and opinion pieces on various Ministry projects and programs in collaboration with leaders and experts for publication in local and international newspapers

• Design, develop, print, and publish the Rwanda Public Health Bulletin and a quarterly Ubuzima Magazine

Government representation

• Attend communication planning meetings for all entities within MOH and its implementing partners and take charge of all recommendations

• Ensure proper branding in communications and tools developed for the Ministry and its partners

• Support wider cross-government communications work as required

Skills and Experience

Items indicated with an asterisk (*) are required

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, sociology, or a related field*
• At least two years of experience working in communications, media/journalism, external/public relations, or a related field*
• Excellent writing skills with experience creating materials for publications, e.g., feature stories or opinion pieces*
• Master’s degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, sociology, or a related field
• Working proficiency in Kinyarwanda and/or French
• Experience with photography, graphic design, and/or web design
• Experience managing an organization’s social media accounts
• Experience working with or in a government or public health context, especially in Rwanda
• Experience in risk communication and/or crisis management
• Willingness to travel
• Ability to operate with minimal supervision and on tight deadlines
• Team player, results oriented, innovative, and committed to continuous learning
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication skills, including strong speaking, written, and editing skills
• Strong attention to detail

About the Organization

The goal of the Ministry of Health is to provide and continually improve health services to the Rwandan population through the provision of preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare, thereby contributing to the reduction of poverty and enhancing the general wellbeing of the population. Specifically, the Rwanda Health Communication Center is a division that coordinates health communication to emphasize health promotion and positive social health behaviors. It has a mandate to serve both the Rwanda Biomedical Center, the Ministry of Health, and other affiliated institutions in the health sector.

Role Function: Communications, Policy, Research

Issue Area: Community Health Workers, Health System Strengthening, Primary Health Care

Stipend, Benefits, and Logistics

Click here to learn about the stipend, benefits, and logistics associated with the GHC fellowship.

Note: these vary depending on placement country and citizenship.