Organization: Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima
Location: Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
Eligible Citizenship: Rwanda
Application Code: R09-Nat
Job Function: Communications
Issue Area: Community Health Workers, Health Systems Strengthening / Healthcare Access
About
Partners In Health (PIH), headquartered in Boston, MA, is an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. Through its service delivery, training, advocacy, and research, PIH works globally to bring the benefits of modern medical science to those most in need and to serve as an antidote to despair. PIH operates sites for clinical care, research, and training in 10 countries (Haiti, Peru, Russia, Boston, Rwanda, Lesotho, Malawi, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic).
In 2005, Partners In Health was invited by the Rwanda Government to start working in Rwanda, and a sister organization locally known as Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB) was initiated. Today, PIH/IMB accompanies the Ministry of Health (MOH) in three rural districts (Kayonza, Kirehe, and Burera), with a total catchment area of 900,000 people, to deliver high quality healthcare at three district hospitals and 40 health centers, and at the community level through roughly 2,700 community health workers. PIH/IMB partners with the Government of Rwanda (GOR) to deliver dramatic gains in population health, equity, and prosperity in previously underserved rural communities.
Position Overview
The Communications Fellow’s primary objective is to enhance IMB communications by creating a suite of materials reflecting our work and by improving and building effective communication platforms. Building a comprehensive communications strategy will broaden staff’s understanding of the work done at IMB outside of an individual’s department, thereby developing stronger organizational ambassadors. The work will also aim to raise our visibility as an organization and provide improved opportunities for funding and partnerships.
The position will require close collaboration with all IMB programs, and the fellow will need a deep understanding of each initiative to effectively communicate goals and priorities to both internal and external audiences.
Responsibilities
- Develop a comprehensive communications strategy for IMB
- Craft positioning and branding to promote a positive image of the organization to both external and internal stakeholders
- Create platforms to improve internal and external communication
- Improve website and social media content
- Strengthen IMB’s relationship with existing media partners and expand our directory of Rwandan media contacts
- Develop communication materials for external stakeholders (donors, visitors, etc.)
- Create one-pagers and briefing documents describing our work
- Write blog posts featuring patient stories
- Develop additional materials to raise visibility of our work
- Improve internal communications at IMB as a means to developing the organization’s internal relations
- Create and implement an organization-wide intranet portal
- Develop the IMB Quarterly Newsletter
Desired Skills and Experience
Items indicated with an asterisk (*) are required- Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field*
- Proficiency in web design, infographics, graphic design*
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point*
- Superior writing and communications skills*
- Background or interest in social sciences or public health
- Experience in communication for fundraising
- Demonstrated experience providing administrative and logistics support in an office setting
- Cross-cultural communication and business experience preferred
- Passion for global health
- Strong organizational skills and detail orientation
- Demonstrated maturity and good judgment
- English language skills required; French and/or Kinyarwanda preferred
- Photography skills strongly desired
Fellowship Logistics
During the fellowship year, all fellows are provided with:
- A living stipend of $650/month
- Housing and utilities
- Health insurance
- A professional development grant of $600
- An award of $1500 upon successful completion of the fellowship year
- Travel costs covered to and from placement site, training and retreats
*Note: The living stipend and the completion award may be paid out in USD or local currency, as determined by the placement organization.
Living and Working in Rwanda: Fellows are provided with housing and utilities during the fellowship year. Housing arrangements vary based on the placement organization and location within the country and are subject to change. All housing will meet GHC safety standards. Fellows at PIH/IMB are provided with a room in a house that will be shared by the four GHC fellows in the Partners In Health compound. The living quarters are self-contained, meaning that the bathroom, living, and sleeping areas are in one building. There are limited kitchen facilities accessible since all meals are provided by PIH. It is basic but comfortable, situated in Rwinkwavu, a rural community in Rwanda.
