DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

As an experienced marketing/communications professional, the Communications Officer will contribute to the planning, development, implementation and monitoring of complex communications strategies in support of North Star’s strategic goals and objectives. S/he will work closely with senior leadership to promote North Star’s added value in the global health sector and to monitor global political developments to determine the best positioning of the organisation and to implement the resulting communication needs. Specifically, based on North Star’s annual communications plan, s/he will:

Messaging and Positioning

• Develop messaging and ensure the consistent and impactful external positioning of North Star Alliance. This includes contributing to the planning and production of talking points, media engagement, presentations and North Star Alliance brand engagement.
• Identify, organise and manage exhibitions at key industry conferences using innovative formats, platforms and technologies that create world class experiences for delegates.
• Develop and deliver a creative brand strategy, plan, organise and execute experiential events to attract sponsorship and market North Star’s programmes and projects.
• Manage the organisation’s website and social media platforms, ensuring regular updates, keeping abreast of trends within the development sector
• Participate in developing content and materials for all events, exhibitions, meetings and conferences;
• Participate in the organisation and successful hosting of all of North Star’s events, meetings, exhibitions and conferences to attain maximum value and ROI

Communications Products

• Develop informational and promotional materials, including reports, fact sheets, brochures, posters, infographics, website content, marketing plans, social media strategies and content, digital products and e-newsletters for various audiences.
• Ensure brand consistency based on established guidelines across the organisation.
• Develop external communications campaigns targeted at drawing in sponsorship for the organisation’s programs, projects and campaigns
• Explore opportunities to strengthen internal communications.
• Contribute to proposal and/or report writing for current and potential partners.
• Contribute to the development and organisation of meetings, training courses and workshops for management and staff.
• Write and edit communication products for print, the website, public presentations, speeches, press releases and content for all digital platforms
• Perform other appropriate duties as and when required in a competent, professional, and courteous manner.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a communications and/or marketing role.
• Bachelor’s degree and/or advanced degree in Marketing/Communications or related field.
• Demonstrate a successful track record in content and social media management.
• Proficient skills in the MS Office software and knowledge of digital communication and design tools (for example WordPress, Canva, Mailchimp, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience with project management and inter-and intra-team coordination.
• International experience in the development sector (e.g., social entrepreneurship and social innovation) is an asset.
• Exceptional ability to translate complex ideas and information into simple messages and communication strategies.
• Outstanding public and corporate communications skills, both written and spoken, as well as diplomacy and tact.
• Native or close to native oral and written English language skills
• Experience in and understanding of the healthcare sector in sub-Saharan Africa would be an asset.

COMPETENCIES

• Written communication – excellent commercial writing and editing skills across a variety of communications formats.
• Relationship Building – establishes rapport with people easily, developing and maintaining a network of contacts that can provide information, help and access to others.
• Displays tact, creativity – demonstrates good judgment and knows when a situation needs to be escalated or mediated.
• Innovative – identifies novel ideas; spots new approaches; has the ability to conceptualise beyond conventional and mainstream opinions and convictions.
• Organisation – establishes a systematic course of action for oneself or others to ensure accomplishment of a specific objective. Determines priorities and allocates time and resources effectively.
• Client orientation – has the ability to manage a variety of projects maintaining quality and meeting client needs, deadlines and budget requirements.
• Team player – willingly cooperates and works collaboratively toward solutions that generally benefit all involved parties and accomplish group objectives.
• Passion – is enthusiastically committed, shows ability to persevere and be productive under pressure.
• Cross-Cultural Skills – has strong cross-cultural competency and the ability to merge different worldviews into a “third” way of thinking beyond the constraints of each individual’s cultural conditioning.
• Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making – Gathers inputs, assesses risk, considers impact and articulates benefits of decisions for internal and external stakeholders over the long-term.

FUNCTIONAL CONTACTS 

• Colleagues in all offices and Blue Box clinics (in sub-Saharan Africa)
• Strategic partners (for communications purposes)
• External contractors (designers, photographers etc.)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Full-time position
• Six months’ initial contract, prolonged based on good performance
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally (e.g., Africa)
• Recognises our Values: People Matter/Integrity/Quality/Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Passionate about North Star’s mission
• Multiple interviews and an assessment can be part of the application procedure