Specialist, Communications & Knowledge Management

Pan American Health Organization

Full-time - Mid Level

About the position

The Specialist, Communications & Knowledge Management position at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) involves a critical role in promoting and implementing the organization's technical cooperation in access to quality medicines and health technologies. The incumbent will work under the general supervision of the Director of Communications and the direct supervision of the Director of the Innovation, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies Department (IMT). This role is essential for coordinating the development and implementation of the Knowledge Management and Communications Strategy within the department, ensuring alignment with the organization's priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The position requires a proactive approach to enhance communication and advocacy activities that support the department's biennial work plan and strategic objectives, thereby increasing visibility and understanding of its technical cooperation with Member States and stakeholders. The Specialist will lead the development and evaluation of knowledge management and information sharing strategies, collaborating closely with departmental teams to create strategic communication plans for high-priority campaigns. This includes identifying and leveraging online tools and platforms to enhance communication efforts, analyzing web metrics to track engagement, and providing data-driven insights to optimize the department's online presence. The role also encompasses providing editorial support for various materials, managing the department's dissemination and publication policies, and ensuring the integrity of information shared both internally and externally. In addition, the Specialist will be responsible for promoting institutional branding and visibility in thematic campaigns, supporting the innovative use of virtual resources, and developing partnerships to enhance outreach activities. The position requires a strong commitment to ethical practices, teamwork, and respect for diversity, as well as the ability to adapt to changing environments and propose effective solutions. Overall, this role is pivotal in fostering a knowledge-based learning organization that effectively communicates its mission and initiatives to a broad audience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development, adoption, and implementation of the Knowledge Management and Communications Strategy within the Department.
• Lead the development of the Department's communication and advocacy activities to support and promote the Department's biennial work plan and strategic objectives.
• Develop, implement, coordinate, and evaluate the knowledge management and information sharing strategies and activities.
• Assist in the design and implementation of an integrated management approach for the Department's dissemination, communication, and publication policies.
• Collaborate with departmental teams to develop strategic communication plans and programs for high-priority campaigns.
• Identify and leverage existing and emerging online tools, platforms, and channels to enhance communication and advocacy efforts.
• Analyze web metrics reports to track engagement, reach, and impact, providing data-driven insights to inform communication strategies.
• Serve as the EIH and CMU's focal point in the Department to provide strategic support and inputs for developing principal EIH and CMU's products and services.
• Conduct training sessions for the Department's staff regarding the use and best practices of virtual tools.
• Provide editorial support for scientific, technical, and promotional materials produced by the Department.
• Participate in the review process to update the Organization's taxonomy and information architecture.
• Act as contact person for external media requests and support the timely response to these requests.
• Provide technical support in the promotion of a focused branding and strategic approach to the Organization's name and public relations efforts.
• Ensure IMT visibility in the Organization's thematic campaigns.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in communications, public health, information sciences, information management, knowledge management, or related fields from a recognized institution.
• Five years of combined national and international experience working in communication projects and information and knowledge management.
• Very good knowledge of Spanish and English, with excellent writing skills in both languages; knowledge of French or Portuguese is an asset.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver knowledge management programs and content management systems.
• Strong professional oral and writing skills, including the development of reports and technical documents.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, including Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word.

Nice-to-haves

• Training in access to medicines and health technologies, and/or methodologies for knowledge management and communication would be an asset.
• Experience designing or implementing communication strategies on innovation and access to medicines and other health technologies.

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave
• Dependency benefits
• Pension plan
• Health insurance scheme
• Home leave for internationally recruited staff
• Travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation
• Education grant for dependent children
• Assignment grant and rental subsidy