Communications and Knowledge Management Specialist
Working at ICF
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Want to use your communication skills to address global health security issues through the strengthening of surveillance systems and laboratory diagnostic networks? Then consider ICF. We work at the forefront of today’s global health issues, helping clients understand the specific needs of diverse populations and address complex health challenges.
Job Description:
Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) is a five-year United States Agency for International Development-funded project with the following overall objectives: (1) improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in priority infectious diseases through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely, and integrated diagnostic network system; (2) improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases, and; (3) generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostic networks and surveillance systems. ICF is seeking a Communications and Knowledge Management Specialist to design and implement communications strategies, ensure strong knowledge management across the project, and facilitate project learning. The full-time position is based in Rockville, MD (in the Washington, DC metro area) and will report to the IDDS Monitoring and Evaluation Lead.
Key Responsibilities:
Working collaboratively with project staff, the Communications and Knowledge Management Specialist will use communications and knowledge management to enhance the projects’ strategic approach, project implementation, and learning. Specifically, the Specialist will:
- Develop and implement a project level communications strategy and plan, including identification of key audiences, message development, outreach, and engagement;
- Work with project leadership and technical teams to establish and implement a knowledge management learning agenda and system that to facilitate and document project level impact;
- Ensure that project documents follow USAID publication guidelines working with project staff who provide the technical writing and ICF publication staff who finalize the document;
- Develop communications products for both internal and external audiences;
- Ensure compliance with the project’s branding and marking plan;
- Establish guidelines for use of the project’s knowledge management platform. Support project staff in maintaining content on the KM platform;
- Stay abreast of the state of the art in KM approaches, methods, tools and platforms;
- Coordinate project events both in Washington, D.C. and in countries to showcase project accomplishments; and
- Conduct communications- and knowledge management-related training for project staff.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related subject
- At least 8 years of experience providing communication and knowledge management expertise to a technical assistance project
- Experience developing communications strategies, learning agendas, and materials related to relevant project technical areas
- Expertise in knowledge management platforms such as SharePoint
- Experience working on short- or long-term assignments overseas in a developing-country setting
- Ability to travel domestically or internationally as necessary (approximately 25% time)
- MPH or Master’s degree in communications, marketing, international development, or related field
- Experience with knowledge management and/or communication for USAID projects
- Experience with digital communications strategies involving social media
- Knowledge of global health security, infectious disease programming
- Additional foreign language skills especially in French are highly desirable ()
- Experience with Adobe’s creative suite
- Ability to work independently and also across teams
- Excellent English verbal and written communication skills
- Good facilitation and editing skills
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations and developing country environments
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel)