University Research Co., LLC (URC)
Knowledge Management and Communications Officer
Location: Nairobi
Salary: Commensurate with required experience and qualifications
Reports to: Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor
Position Level: 10
URC is a global company dedicated to improving the quality of health care, social services, and health education worldwide.
With a non-profit affiliate, the Center for Human Services (CHS), URC manages projects in over 45 countries, including the United States.
Established in 1965, URC offers a range of technical assistance to strengthen health and social systems and service quality by empowering communities and health workers to identify and scale up locally appropriate solutions to critical problems.
Internationally, we expand access to and improve the quality of services addressing maternal, newborn, and child health; infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria; reproductive health and family planning; food and nutrition; and vulnerable children and families.
In the US, we focus on improving communication related to issues like substance abuse, with a particular focus on reaching underserved populations.
URC’s mission is to provide innovative, evidence-based solutions to health and social challenges worldwide. Please join us in carrying out our mission (http://www.urc-chs.com/).
Division & Project Overview: The URC Quality & Performance Institute (QPI) is a division of URC which serves as an organizing force to bring together best practices, staff experience, partnerships, and documentation on improving health care at URC.
The USAID Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST) Project is URC’s flagship project in quality improvement.
ASSIST is managed by URC’s Quality and Performance Institute, (QPI), which has implemented quality improvement and operations research programs in health care since 1981 and continues to be at the cutting edge of health care improvement work in countries around the world.
URC is looking for individuals to fill the position of Knowledge Management and Communications Officer for a USAID funded project Applying Science to strengthen and Improve Systems (ASSIST).
The project is a global leader in the implementation, advocacy, development and promotion of cost-effective methods to design and improve healthcare services and systems in developing and middle income countries.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor, and in close cooperation with senior management, the Knowledge Management and Communications Officer will be responsible for managing documentation of ASSIST Kenya activities and guide the in-country team in synthesizing learning resulting from project implementation and in packaging and disseminating such knowledge to ASSIST Kenya, ASSIST Global, USAID Mission, Ministry of Health, URC Partners and other stakeholders.
S/he will implement ASSIST strategies on communications and knowledge management, and will design tools, processes and practices for knowledge sharing.
Specific duties will include the following:
- Help implement effective knowledge management practices for ASSIST, and drive the communication and dissemination of ASSIST projects and activities.
- Coordinate the ASSIST Kenya team in documenting improvement interventions and results through multiple media, including video clips, photographs, interviews, and case studies.
- Lead in content development for ASSIST Portal related to improving the quality of health care in Kenya in the areas of service for the most vulnerable children, health system strengthening, PMTCT, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, MNCH, RH and any other technical area that ASSIST Kenya may be involved in.
- Write USAID Success Stories and web stories about improvement interventions and results, making this information available as appropriate to the ASSIST portal, USAID Kenya website, and Ministry of Health information channels.
- Assist in tracking and effectively communicating the results and impact of ASSIST work in Kenya by supporting ASSIST/Kenya team in the design and implementation of knowledge-sharing activities in the country during learning sessions, coaching visits among others.
- Liaise with knowledge management/communications teams of other agencies and USAID funded projects that are working in areas relevant to ASSIST Kenya.
- Liaise with ASSIST staff in other countries to share progress, successes, challenges, and engage in country to country knowledge exchanges.
- Identify and pursue avenues for disseminating results of ASSIST’s work in Kenya at national, regional conferences and at partners meetings.
- Coordinate and manage the preparation, publication and dissemination of ASSIST knowledge products and services, including helping to determine the best media to achieve its dissemination goals.
- Support in drafting and editing needs of ASSIST team in Kenya.
- Conduct other assignments related to communications and knowledge management.
Minimum Qualifications:
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Degree in communication, information science, journalism or development related field.
- A minimum of five (5) years relevant professional experience.
- An established track record in communications and knowledge management, including web management, editing, proofreading and copy editing.
- Experience in developing video documentary, short films, designing newsletters.
- Knowledge and experience in social media management.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Good drafting skills and demonstrated ability to prepare reports and publications.
- Excellent computer skills, including experience with: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher.
- Good analytical skills and ability to interpret public health and epidemiological data.
Desired Experience & Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience working with a variety of stakeholders, including donors’, senior government officials.
- Knowledge of USAID communications, knowledge dissemination and knowledge management are a plus.
- Well-organized, resourceful with good planning and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work in complex environments with multiple tasks and short deadlines.
- Strong initiative and the ability to think creatively.
- Ability to manage time and prioritize multiple projects and tasks.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Please note: Only candidates who are eligible to work in Kenya for an indefinite period without a need for sponsorship will be considered for this position.
How to Apply:
For immediate consideration, please visit URC’s Career Opportunities page at www.urc-chs.com/career-opportunities.
Qualified applicants can also send a cover letter and detailed curriculum vitae indicating present employer, and position, daytime telephone number, current salary, names and addresses of three work related referees to hrkenya@urc-chs.com.
The closing date for submitting applications is 11th March, 2016.
You must upload your CV/Résumé and your Cover Letter where indicated. Also, please complete your application form and attach a completed USAID Form 1420 Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet as well.
Due to the large number of inquiries we receive, only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications for this position will be contacted. No phone calls please.
However, since we are active around the world in the field of public health, we may wish to retain your CV in our database for other/future opportunities, unless you direct us otherwise. Thank you very much for your interest.
URC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
We value and seek diversity in our workforce.