Senior Program Officer -Communications and Proposal Development

Planned Parenthood Global is the international division of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), an international nongovernmental organization working in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights.The Africa Regional Office of PP Global seeks to recruit a full time Senior Program Officer for Communications and Proposal Development to be based in the Africa Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya. Reporting to the Regional Director, she/he will facilitate the development, implementation, and long-term viability of PPFA’s sexual and reproductive health and rights programs in Africa, with a particular emphasis on communications and proposal development. Facilitates the improvement, quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of implementing partners (partners) in the Africa Region to carry out their respective missions by providing technical assistance to strengthen partners’ communications efforts, and works with regional staff to document and share program learning among partners. Works closely with other team members to develop a communication strategy for PP Global in Africa. Collaborates with others to identify opportunities for new projects and manages the regional processes for developing proposals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
1. Collaborates with others in drafting and disseminating communication materials on behalf of PP Global and its partners that build a broader understanding of our work, garner increased support for programs, and share program learning from the region. Materials could include: program briefs, reports, factsheets, donor communication materials, website and social media content, news articles, academic articles on relevant sexual and reproductive health issues, and news releases, among others.
2. Works with others to identify funding opportunities and develop funding proposals from beginning (conceptualization of project) to end (authoring narrative.
3. Develops media lists of journalists and news outlets in the region covering topics related to SHRH and works closely with the Director of Global Communications to cultivate media relationships and place news stories to raise visibility of PP Global’s experts and programs.
4. Works with others to develop and adapt template presentation tools and provide presentation training and support for PP Global staff.
5. Works closely with others to draft articles and abstracts for publication in academic journals and presentation at professional conferences
6. Identifies, develops, adapts, and facilitates appropriate training and technical support for partner organization staff on communication techniques that help improve quality and effectiveness of programs, and facilitates program learning.
7. Establishes and maintains relationships with other international agencies working in SRHR to identify new opportunities and exchange information
8. Completes special projects as assigned and required.

Qualifications and Experience
Education: Masters degree in Science Communications, International Health, Public Policy, Public Health or related field. Strong background in reproductive health services and rights issues is strongly preferred.
Experience: Minimum five years of experience in strategic communications planning and producing communications materials for a variety of audiences and a minimum of three years experience in proposal development for new projects.

Skills or Related Knowledge:
1. Excellent training and facilitation skills
2. Excellent oral and written communications skills. Fluent in English. Knowledge of French will be an advantage.
3. Knowledge of diverse groups, working with a multicultural workforce, and sensitivity and appreciation to cultural differences is required.
4. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues from diverse disciplines and perspectives; ability to maintain strong working relationships and close communication with colleagues working in other countries and time zones.
5. Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure to respond to PP Global fund raising needs and the needs Africa partners.
6. Willingness to work outside of the 9-5 workday when necessary, and to travel about 35% time.

How to Apply
Please send your application cover letter, curriculum vitae with three references and salary history and one writing sample via email to recruit@ppfa.or.ke no later than 31 January 2013 with the email subject Senior Program Officer – Communications & Proposal Development.

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.