Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Communications Intern
Infectious Diseases Division, Office of Health, Infectious Diseases and Nutrition, Bureau for Global health, United States Agency for International Development
Location: Washington, DC/Arlington, VA | January 2016-June 2016: Compensated 6 month Internship | INT-P5-034
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
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of parasitic and bacterial infections that afflict more than 1 billion people – one-sixth of the world’s population. USAID’s NTD Team leads the agency’s efforts for large-scale implementation of integrated treatment programs for NTDs. Over the past 7 years, the US Government (USG) has leveraged $6.7 billion in donated medicines, resulting in the delivery of more than 1 billion treatments to approximately 467.9 million people in some of the world’s poorest communities.
INTRODUCTION
The NTD Communications Intern (Intern) will be assigned to the NTDs Team in the Infectious Disease (ID) Division, under the Office of Health, Infectious Diseases, and Nutrition (HIDN) within the Bureau for Global Health (GH). S/he will focus on developing communications materials for the NTD Team to amplify USAID programs and USG efforts to fight NTDs in high-burden countries across the globe. The Intern will work closely with and receive technical guidance from the ID Senior Communications Advisor. The NTD Team Leader will serve as his/her onsite manager.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Gaining a greater understanding of global health communications tactics and how to effectively communicate success related to global NTD programs.
Gaining a greater understanding of strategic communications principles and how to implement them within a USG setting.
Gaining experience in communicating technical terms and ideas in easily understandable language.
Gaining a better understanding of 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 informational materials for NTDs geared to a diverse 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 a complete redesign of the NTD website.
Creating social media content to promote USAID’s work in NTDs, including tweets, Facebook posts, blogs, Twitter chats and other materials relevant for an online audience.
Providing support around major observances, conferences, events, including the USAID NTD program’s 10th anniversary in 2016.
Assisting in maintaining important trackers utilized for reporting purposes.
Attending programmatic-related events within and outside USAID as requested.
Assisting with media relations activities, including a media audit, compiling and maintaining a master media and influencer list and conducting outreach, as needed.
Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on organizational and programming need and/or the Intern’s own interests.
QUALIFICATIONS
Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on organizational and programming need and/or the Intern’s own interests.
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 in creating and managing online and social media content. Familiarity with a variety of social media platforms.
Ability to work in a fast paced environment and produce content under tight deadlines.
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
$1,680 bi-weekly (exempt, salaried position).
TO APPLY
Detailed information, including an online application and instructions, is available on our website at https://www.ghfp.net/
All online applications must be submitted by December 30, 2015 by 5:00 pm Eastern time.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer.