Writer

Arlington

Organization: MSH - Management Sciences for Health
Location: Arlington
Grade: Administrative support - FG I, Function Group 1, Contract Agent
Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
- Translations and Languages
- Advocacy/Communications
Closing Date: Closed

The Writer will provide writing, editing, and strategic content development to project and corporate communications efforts to publicize MSH’s mission, technical and thought leadership, and project results. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Relations, the Writer will take a lead writing role and will work closely with MSH leadership and the communications and technical program staff to develop reports, client success stories, press releases, op-eds, speeches and talking points, newsletters, website content, social media, and other communications and advocacy products (both print and digital).

Specific Responsibilities

Writing and Editing (85%)

Write a wide range of communication materials in support of MSH’s projects, conveying technical information in a clear and accessible manner to a range of technical and non-technical audiences. Examples of products include newsletters, technical briefs, case studies, fact sheets, success stories, website content, presentations, and talking points. Work closely with program technical staff to revise content, and edit for clarity, readability, consistency, and grammar.
Write a wide range of media-related materials, including story pitches, press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and more.
Support the CEO’s and Leadership Team’s external engagements with speeches, talking points, and presentations.

Event Support (10%)

In collaboration with the communications team, support event planning and execution with drafting invitations, promotional materials, and post-event roundups.
Provide occasional support to project staff participating in major conferences, such as the International AIDS Conference, Union World Conference on Lung Health, and American Public Health Association Conference.

Capacity Building (5%)

Provide guidance and support to communications staff at HQ offices and in the field with writing and technical assistance.
Provide support for select priority projects. Support includes, but is not limited to: strengthening strategic communications programs and work plans, writing and editing (technical documents, success stories, collateral material, etc.), and providing guidance on branding and content development.

Education

Required: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public health, or related discipline
Preferred: Master’s degree

Experience

Required: 4-6 years of experience (depending on highest attained degree) in journalism, publishing, media relations, communications, or other related discipline
Preferred: Experience with international public health

Knowledge and Skills

Outstanding writing, editing, and research skills are required.
Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and deliver results under tight deadlines.
Strong organization skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and simultaneous projects.
Experience with web communications and social media required.
Fluency in English required with ability to write, deliver presentations, and conduct business in English.
Demonstrated collaboration skills with the ability to build relationships and work with diverse groups.
Prior experience working with international public health, development programs, and USAID desired.
Computer skills essential; proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. Strong knowledge and high level of comfort working with Google Applications is required.
Foreign language skills, especially in French, desirable.

Competencies

A team player who can work with editors and program staff to deliver accurate, compelling content.
Independent worker who is self-starting and enthusiastic with proven ability to take ownership for results.
Results oriented, resourceful and ability to address tasks with a positive attitude.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Able to work with senior technical staff to understand their area of expertise, then convey the technical and complex concepts in a clear and understandable way to diverse audiences.
Able to create effective messages on wide variety of topics.

Physical Demands