Science Writer/Media Specialist Career Opportunity: Family Health International FHI

Family Health International (FHI) is dedicated to improving lives, knowledge, and understanding worldwide through a highly diversified program of research, education, and services in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment, reproductive health, and infectious diseases.

We are seeking qualified candidates for the following position:

Science Writer/Media Specialist, AFRO Research
REF NO. FHI-MS-NBI

JOB SUMMARY:

Supports FHI research utilization efforts in Kenya and the region through communications and writing support

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts research (information gathering) on current medical and scientific literature, clinical and behavioral studies, and
• reports on various health topics, interviewing content experts and gathering information from internal documents and other materials.
• With the goal of documenting research utilization (i.e., processes, challenges, successes), gathers, analyzes, and synthesizes information from multiple sources to write accurate, persuasive materials (synthesis documents, news articles, advocacy materials, reports, work plans, and other documents).
• Develops and implements media outreach, dissemination, and other communications strategies to promote public understanding of the conduct and results of research.
• Assists research teams and other communications staff to manage and diffuse controversy related to research through analysis of the information environment, media monitoring, preparing backgrounders, and providing technical assistance in rapid response communication.
  
• Assists in editing articles and materials for publication; coordinates local print production of publications.
  
• Coordinates review of completed writing with staff and other experts.
  
• Develops new publications projects, as needed.
  
• Organizes and helps facilitate media training and spokesperson training related to research.
• Works in collaboration with Africa Region and North Carolina-based Research Utilization staff to advance the use of FHI research findings and knowledge within programs in Africa.

REQUIREMENTS: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with family planning/reproductive health issues and programs in Africa.
• Proven track record of writing and publishing high-quality articles, feature stories, and research syntheses.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both in writing and verbally. Must have excellent grammar and
• spelling abilities so that prose is understandable to various audiences, including Web users, medical personnel, program staff, partners, and the public in the U.S. and in developing countries.
• Demonstrated ability to do original reporting and otherwise gather (via interviews and library/Internet research) information related to health, science, or medicine as a basis for writing high-quality, accurate publications.
• Ability to evaluate relevance of data or information, as well as work with staff to resolve differences in interpretation of information.
• Working knowledge of dissemination or communications, media systems and structures, and electronic information resources.
  
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally at least 10%.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

BS/BA in communications with 7-9 years full-time professional experience as a writer of high-quality published materials, or an MA in communications with 5-7 years full-time professional experience as a writer of high-quality published materials.

FHI has a competitive compensation package and is an equal opportunity employer. Interested candidates applying for the above posts please submit cover letter and resume including salary requirements via email to:

Kenya-hr @ fhi.org or mail to: Human Resources Office; P.O. Box 38835-00623 NAIROBI, KENYA to be received not later than April 17th 2009.

Kindly note that only shortlisted persons will be contacted. Handwritten applications will be disqualified.

Please quote the Ref. No. indicated above on the subject line while submitting your application.

No phone calls please

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Thanks.