Myanmar: Health Communication and Media Consultant (deadline extended to 16-Oct-15)

Organization: UNAIDS
Country: Myanmar
Closing date: 16 Oct 2015

Period:14 October to 31 December 2015

Location:Yangon, Myanmar

Project Description

On a global scale 35.3 million people are living with HIV. In Myanmar, epidemiological modelling suggests that in 2014, there were around 210,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV), 34% of whom were females.

In partnership with four UN agencies (UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF and the WHO) UNAIDS works with the Ministry of Health and its partners to strengthen the health system in Myanmar, and support the country in reaching its vision of Universal Health Coverage by 2030.

As part of this global health campaign, World AIDS Day (WAD) stands as a landmark opportunity to raise awareness health issues, including HIV and communicable diseases, as well as to address social and structural issues such as fighting stigma, improving education, mobilising resources and raising funds for the global response to HIV/AIDS.

Under the “Getting to Zero” thematic (zero new HIV infections, AIDS related deaths and zero stigma discrimination), this year’s WAD in Myanmar takes place in the midst of the review of the current National Strategic Plan and the development of a new one for the next 5 years (2016-2020).

In this context, UNAIDS Country Office seeks for a short-term Health Communication and Media Consultant to ensure a successful communication and media mobilization on HIV-related health issues.

Purpose of Consultancy

As part of effort to increase coverage of key health issues and challenges for the people of Myanmar, the Communication and Media strategy to be developed aims to advocate for health-seeking behaviour using the opportunity of WAD and related campaigns to increase public awareness of importance of health. Issues to include range from Universal Health Coverage, HIV/AIDS testing, and issues such as HIV co-infections (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis).

The specific objectives of this consultancy are as follows:

(a) To coordinate the media coverage around health issues, including HIV and communicable diseases:

I. Liaison with the media prior to, during and after the events and campaigns;

II. Manage social media communication.

(b) To ensure a media relation by organising press briefing and press conference when needed.

Scope & Tasks

Under the overall guidance and supervision UNAIDS Country Director, in close collaboration with the Investment and Efficiency Adviser, UNAIDS, and the Community Mobilization and Networking Adviser, UNAIDS, the Health Communication and Media Consultant is required to support the implementation of the communication strategy for UNAIDS health campaign in Myanmar, including WAD.

Provide inputs on UNAIDS Health media strategy in Myanmar.
Promotion of outreach to media and press (print, radio, TV, social media) to ensure good coverage of health-related events among Myanmar and International media.
Oversee the implementation of various component of the media strategy

I. Audio-visual presentation and exhibition

II. Press conference

III. Social media engagement around health-related events, such as WAD.

Draft all relevant information and promotional material such as press kits, information flyers, etc.
Place opinion editorials and briefings for health editors in national and international newspapers.
Produce a regular press review in order to spread information among all stakeholders.

Required qualifications

Education

University degree in media, communication or journalism.

Skills and knowledge

Experience working in media mobilization and outreach is required.
Excellent communication (written and spoken) and analytical skills.
Experience with health and HIV-related programmes at various levels would be an asset.
Familiarity with the health systems and public health agenda in Myanmar preferred.
Previous experience with organizing large events, workshops or conferences.

Language