Country: South Sudan (Republic of)
Closing date: 20 Sep 2013
General Description of the Programme: The Health Support Organisation is a leading registered South Sudan based international nonprofit organisation dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programmes.
Formed in 2005, incorporated in 2008 by South Sudanese doctors to support the national efforts in addressing health challenges in South Sudan, THESO is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organisation. Its mission is to implement evidence-based, culturally sensitive, innovative projects promoting health, according to perceived public health needs and priorities as understood through quality research. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at high risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, THESO rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.
THESO is running public health programmes in Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Warrap, and Unity States. THESO Public health activities include curative primary health care, based on the management of primary health care centres and units; preventive health care including HIV/AIDS messaging and testing, malaria, TB and other communicable diseases control, and hygiene promotion; community management of malnutrition, maternal and child health and reproductive health; water and sanitation engineering, grass root capacity building, and health infrastructure development.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
In particular, he/she will be responsible for the following:
1. Provide support in building the organization’s media outreach including government counterparts
2. Provide support in the organization of press conferences
3. Assist in drafting press materials (e.g. press releases, factsheets)
4. Proof-reading and copy-editing reports and media materials
5. Work closely with THESO head office Communication unit in maintaining head office and field sites internet services and communication equipment
6. Manage outreach activities and events in the community capturing photos and short video clips of project activities in action, focusing on empowerment and partnership in line with a human rights-based approach. Capture the lives of communities assisted by the programme. Doctors, Midwives and basic health staff. Coordination meetings. Provide all photos (high resolution JPEG) in an organized manner (folders by location and date), select the “top 20” with variety of activities, with input of programme manager including with full captions.
7. Interview stakeholders in the project to capture their views on the programme in terms of the implementing modalities and the impact it is having for them.
a. Produce a 2-page information sheet on the programme, capturing the major aims, achievements, and voice of clients (e.g. communities, partners)
b. Produce clients testimony from the community on the vulnerabilities faced due to inequitable access to services, and impact the programme has had on them
c. Produce a photo documentary of the project, highlighting the equity issues and solutions to ensuring universal access in remote rural areas
d. Produce a standing vinyl display highlighting programme overview
e. Produce a reader-friendly news story on the programme for THESO Newsletter.
1. Identify key events, in consultation with project staff, for dissemination of visibility (e.g. press releases, photo documentaries, booth shows), and put a plan in place for such.
2. Implement one-day photography training for project staff, including key staff with access to direct implementation such as drivers of cars.
3. Adapt existing InDesign template into Publisher format.
4. Travel to project sites, in urban and rural areas, preferably before harvest, to observe activities and develop press briefings and related write ups.
5. Utilize programme-level style guide, based upon THESO House Style Manual, THESO Spelling List, and THESO Photography Guidelines that include gaining consent.
6. Perform other duties to support the communications unit.
Qualifications and Requirements: 1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations or a related field; 2. Excellent command of oral and written English. Knowledge of Juba Arabic, Arabic or other United Nations languages would be an asset; 3. Strong computer skills, especially MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; 4. Experience with web-based Content Management Systems (CMS) would be an asset.
How to apply:
Interested applicant should send her/his CV with covering letter and supporting documents addressing it to the Human Resource Manager, The Health Support Organisation Email: hr@thesoworld.org copying jobs@thesoworld.org and programme@thesoworld.org THESO is an equal opportunity employer and women candidates are encouraged to apply
NB: Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted for interviews.