Health Promotion and Communication Advisor for USAID URBAN TB LON II 97 views

Introduction:

REACH Ethiopia is a nonprofit organization registered as an Ethiopian Residents Charity, dedicated to community development through innovative projects. Since 2013, it has implemented community-based TB care and integrated health service projects in Sidama, Central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, Tigray, parts of Oromia and Afar Regions. Currently, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Regional Health Bureaus, REACH Ethiopia is implementing various projects including new project called USAID- Urban TB LON-II.

The USAID URBAN TB LON II Project is an ambitious initiative aimed at addressing the urban tuberculosis (TB) challenge in Ethiopia. Focused on the city administrations of Addis Ababa, Shaggar, Harar, and Dire Dawa and national TB hot spot areas in 8 zones across four regions: Oromia, Sidama, Central Ethiopia and South Ethiopia. The project’s primary goals include identifying missed TB cases, delivering patient-centered care, and fostering innovative solutions to combat TB. This project is pivotal in enhancing TB detection and treatment, with an overarching aim to reduce TB prevalence and mortality in urban environments.

Position Summary:

The Health Promotion and Communication Advisor is a critical role within the USAID URBAN TB LON II Project. This position entails leading the development and implementation of advocacy, communication, and social mobilization strategies. The Advisor will be instrumental in engaging stakeholders, raising awareness about TB, and ensuring that project interventions are effectively communicated. The Advisor will lead efforts to develop and disseminate targeted messaging, foster multi-sectoral collaboration, and ensure that key project interventions are effectively communicated to diverse audiences, including policymakers, healthcare providers, community leaders, and the general public. This position requires a proactive and innovative professional with the ability to navigate complex health communication landscapes, build strong partnerships, and drive impactful, evidence-based engagement strategies that contribute to the overall success of the project.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Strategy Development:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive health promotion and communication strategy for the USAID Urban TB LON II Activity, aligned with national TB control guidelines and USAID requirements.
  • Design and implement communication campaigns to raise awareness about TB prevention, symptoms, and treatment.
• Materials Development:
  • Develop culturally appropriate and accessible communication materials, including brochures, posters, radio messages, and social media content.
  • Ensure all materials are accurate, consistent, and reflect key project messages.
• Community Engagement:
  • Facilitate community dialogues and workshops to promote TB awareness and engagement.
  • Work with community health workers and local leaders to disseminate information and mobilize support for TB control activities.
  • Establish and strengthen community feedback mechanisms.
• Media Relations:
  • Develop and maintain relationships with local media outlets to promote project activities and raise public awareness about TB.
  • Prepare press releases, articles, and other media materials and share them on the organizational platforms including website and social medias.
  • Manage the organizational website
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and activities.
  • Prepare regular reports on communication activities and outcomes.
  • Document best practices and lessons learned.
• Capacity Building:
  • Provide training and technical assistance to project staff and community health workers on health promotion and communication skills.
  • Support the development and implementation of behavior change communication interventions.
• Coordination:
  • Collaborate with other project staff, partners, and stakeholders to ensure integrated and coordinated communication efforts.
  • Participate in relevant meetings and workshops.

Reports to: USAID Urban TB LON II Deputy Chief of Party/ Technical Director

Location: Addis Ababa

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Duration: 1 Year

Number of Positions: 1

Salary: As per the scale of the Organization

Application Period: March 21, 2025 – March 27, 2025

Category: Senior Programmatic Position

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Communication, Journalism, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in health promotion and communication, preferably in TB control or related public health programs.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies and campaigns.
• Strong understanding of health communication principles and behavior change communication.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Experience in developing culturally appropriate communication materials.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and media outlets.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, graphic design software and website management).
• Fluency in English and Amharic, with additional local languages preferred.
• Experience working with USAID funded projects is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of the Ethiopian health system.