Communication Officer

WE ARE HIRING
The Ciheb Initiative is a local nonprofit established by Board of Directors to carry out programs to strengthen health systems and improve the human condition in Malawi. Ciheb Initiative activities are funded by various institutional donors, including the U.S. government entities.

Applications are therefore welcome for the following vacant position to Malawian nationals on fixed term contract basis.

1 x Communication Officer (Lilongwe)

Position Description
The Communications Officer is responsible for overall communication and knowledge management related to the program. The successful candidate will report to and support the Chief Executive Officer in ensuring that all communications requirements set by the donor and Ciheb Initiative are fulfilled completely.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Internal Communications Management:

• Coordinate and facilitate the development of program reports, specifically the monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to donor(s).
• Work with the program team to develop/update program presentations, briefs, reports, success
  stories, and other relevant communications materials for Ciheb Initiative, donors, and other audiences.
• Lead the implementation of the program communications plan in line with program needs, staff requirements, and donor communications guidelines.
• Support staff with developing presentations, videos, and audio materials.

2. Writing and Copy-Editing:

• Coordinate, write and edit sections of the program’s quarterly and annual reports for donor, as well as other documents for external audiences.
• Organize, support production of, and edit success stories.
• Write feature stories or blogs for publication and/or posting on websites and social media.

3. External Communications Management:

• Work with the Ciheb Initiative team and key partners to develop materials and messages that demonstrate program progress and achievement, tracking and telling the story with program data, including factors critical to success and/or areas needing improvement.
• Work with the M&E team to develop impactful data visualization for program presentations.
• Guide Ciheb Initiative team members and program grantees on branding requirements.
• Lead the development of regular bi-weekly program updates to be shared with the donor.

4. Content Creation and Management:

• Create engaging content (text, images, videos) for various social media platforms.
• Manage and update the organization’s website content, ensuring it remains relevant and up to date.
• Develop and maintain a content calendar for social media and website.
• Respond to inquiries and engage with followers in a timely and professional manner.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• A relevant Bachelor’s Degree in required.
• Excellent command of both English and Chichewa languages, verbal and written is required.
• 6+ years of applicable work experience within the field.
• Experience in communications, marketing and/or and social media, including the management of social media platforms, content development, and website maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly, persuasively, and impactfully about complex science, global health, and development issues.
• Proven experience utilizing data and programmatic information to communicate technical and policy information creatively and engagingly to both health and non-health audiences.
• Proven experience with communications and messaging strategy, content development, and public relations
• Ability to think strategically and collaborate across teams and take initiative, prioritize, and complete projects in a demanding environment.
• Experience with video development and video editing software preferred.
• Experience with Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, (Adobe Creative Suite) and web-based design programs, such as Canva and Adobe Express preferred
• Demonstrated leadership, communications, problem solving, and people skills to work effectively with a broad range of USG personnel and international partners.
• Knowledge and specialized experience in global health and/or international development desirable
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Mode of Application

Suitable candidates should apply by sending a resume, motivational letter, copies of certificates and contact details of at least 3 current / former employers to the email address below.

Email address: Recruitment_Malawi@cihebinitiative.org

The closing date for receiving applications for the position is 23rd May 2025.

“Ciheb Initiative is an Equal Opportunities Employer”