Tuberculosis Communications Intern

Global Health Fellows Program II

Tuberculosis Communications Intern

Tuberculosis Division, Office of Infectious Diseases, Bureau for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development

Anticipated timeframe: January 2017 – March 2017: Compensated 12 week internship

Location: Washington, DC/Arlington, VA

INT-P6-003

The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with Global Health Corps, GlobeMed, Management Systems International and PYXERA Global. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

GHFP-II’s goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by addressing the Agency’s immediate and emerging human capacity needs. The program seeks to accomplish this goal first through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels. These program participants include fellows, interns, corporate volunteers and Foreign Service National professionals. The program then provides substantial performance management and career development support to participants, including annual working planning assistance, and ensures that professional development opportunities are available.

Looking to the future, GHFP-II also seeks to establish a pool of highly-qualified global health professionals that will ensure the Agency’s ongoing technical leadership and effectiveness. This objective is supported by an extensive outreach program that brings global health opportunities and specialized career advice to a diverse range of interested individuals, with a particular focus on those underrepresented in the field of global health.

BACKGROUND:

The Tuberculosis (TB) Team at USAID has led US Government (USG) efforts in the fight to prevent and treat TB, which kills about 1.5 million people annually. USAID programs focus on improving TB services in 27 countries, saving lives and preventing the spread of TB and multidrug-resistant TB. The goal of USAID efforts is to contribute significantly to the reduction of TB transmission and deaths globally.

INTRODUCTION:

The TB Communications Intern (Intern) will be assigned to the Tuberculosis Division, under the Office of Infectious Diseases within the Bureau for Global Health (GH). S/he will focus on developing communications materials for the TB Team to amplify USAID programs and USG efforts, to fight TB in high-burden countries across the globe. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced communications environment on a variety of projects and learn high-level global health communications tactics. The Intern will receive technical direction from the Senior Tuberculosis Communications Advisor, who will serve as his/her onsite manager.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Gaining experience in communicating technical terms and ideas in easily understandable language.
• Gaining a greater understanding of global health communications in general and how to effectively communicate success related to global TB programs.
• Gaining a solid understanding of strategic communications principles and how to implement them within a USG setting.
• Gaining a better understanding on writing for different forms of print and online communications.
• Deepening skills in collaboration and coordination within a complex organizational and implementation structure.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Working with USAID technical teams and partner organizations to gather materials and write success stories, fact sheets, backgrounders and other public-facing, TB-related informational materials for a diverse audience.
• Creating social media content on a regular basis to promote USAID’s work in TB; including tweets, Facebook posts, blogs, Twitter chats and other materials relevant to an online audience.
• Organizing visual elements (e.g. photos, b-roll) for use on social media, printed materials and future projects.
• Assisting with digital and online-related communications tasks, including additional phases of updates to the newly-developed TB website.
• Providing support around major observances, conferences and events, including World TB Day, observed annually on March 24th.
• Providing support for bedaquiline launch events in donation recipient countries; including creation of social media and communications toolkits, event guides, interview talking points, newsletters, etc.
• Assisting in maintaining important trackers utilized for reporting purposes.
• Assisting with media relations activities, including a media audit, compiling and maintaining a master media and influencer list and conducting outreach as needed.
• Attending program related events within and outside USAID as requested.
• Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on organizational and programming need and/or the Intern’s own interests.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled master’s or other post-bachelor’s degree candidate in a program related to communications, public health or related fields; or, completion of such within the past 12 months.
• Demonstrated experience with or knowledge of public affairs and communications, especially health communications.
• Demonstrated experience and familiarity in creating and managing online and social media content with a variety of social media platforms.
• Ability to produce content on tight deadlines.
• Strong understanding of media relations.
• Demonstrated experience working in communications and/or global health programs is preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Programs and managing social media channels (Twitter, Facebook).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• US citizenship or US permanent residency required.

COMPENSATION:

$1,690 bi-weekly (exempt, salaried position).

HOW TO APPLY:

Detailed information, including an online application and instructions, is available on our website at www.ghfp.net. All applications must be submitted by November 11, 2016 at 5:00 pm eastern time.

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