Communication Coordinator

Role Overview

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, the Communication Coordinator develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies, manages media relations, creates compelling content, engages stakeholders, documents success stories, and oversees overall communication activities for the Core Group Polio Project (CGPP). The incumbent will strengthen community engagement, enhance visibility, and support evidence-based messaging for disease prevention, surveillance, and response activities. The role involves leadership, strategic planning, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders to enhance the organization’s visibility, impact, and advocacy efforts.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Internal Communication Strategy

• Implement an internal communication strategy involving regular team meetings and collaborative platforms.
• Work with Country secretariat technical lead and CGPP HQ communication advisor to conceptualize and implement communications strategies and campaigns.
• Conduct training sessions for implementing partners on effective internal communication using SharePoint, Teams, and other platforms.

Knowledge Management

• Establish and maintain a centralized repository (SharePoint) for project-related content.
• Implement knowledge-sharing mechanisms for exchanging best practices among project teams and external partners.
• Utilize project documentation to contribute to the broader knowledge base in CGPP projects.

Content Development and Distribution

• Collaborate with project subject matter experts to develop communication instruments, including presentations, bi-weekly bulletins, and briefing materials.
• Develop and disseminate programmatic quarterly and annual reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with various departments to gather updates, achievements, and success stories for quarterly newsletters.
• Research, develop, and edit public relations materials, brochures, information sheets, and capacity statements for social media content.
• Support field teams in developing context-specific communications materials for local stakeholders and county governments.
• Oversee the production of project videos, including testimonials, expert interviews, and documentary-style content.
• Maintain digital media archives and ensure all materials align with branding and marking guidelines.

Publications and Evaluations

• Develop scientific abstracts, manuscripts, research publications, and policy/technical briefs.
• Manage peer review systems and journal submission processes.
• Utilize statistical literacy and data visualization tools to communicate project impact.
• Conduct regular evaluations to assess the impact of communication efforts on project success.

Team Communication and Coordination

• Organize and facilitate regular team meetings, conference calls, and videoconferences across different time zones.
• Facilitate field team meetings, write minutes, and ensure clear communication of action points.

Project Documentation and Reporting

• Write, review, and edit program reports for submission to donors.
• Coordinate the translation, proofreading, and editing of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) documents.
• Work with the M&E coordinator to maintain project management information systems and databases.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Conduct field monitoring visits (spot checks, SIA campaigns, data quality audits) to project areas.
• Support partners in implementing community-based disease surveillance systems for polio and other infectious diseases.
• Track performance of planned activities, outputs, and project indicators to measure achievement against strategic objectives.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Communication, or other medical-related fields. A Master's degree in a scientific discipline with strong health communication experience is an added advantage.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in health communication, public relations, scientific/medical writing, research publications, or stakeholder engagement, preferably in NGOs or development sectors.
• Technical Proficiency: Expert command of Content Management System (CMS) platforms (WordPress), MS Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and digital communication tools.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze program statistical records/data using Stata, SPSS, QGIS, or Arc GIS.
• Language: Fluency in English and Swahili (both oral and written). Knowledge of local languages in CGPP operational areas is an advantage.
• Travel: Willingness to travel frequently to Northern Kenya and border regions of Somalia.

Core Skills

• Experience in disease outbreak communication and immunization campaigns.
• Expertise in content creation, media relations, and campaign management.
• High quality writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills for engaging with internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to translate complex scientific data into common language messaging for the general public.