Communications & Publications Manager

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in Kenya

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Reports to: Deputy Director of Media and Communications, New York

Organizational Overview

Physicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners.

PHR’s approach includes extensive documentation of the use of illegal and inhumane weapons in armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and the physical and psychological impacts of torture and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Other core activities include protecting the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States, the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and halting attacks on medical facilities and frontline health professionals.

With its dedicated staff of approximately 50 people, dozens of interns, consultants, and thousands of volunteer experts, Physicians for Human Rights:

• Produces evidence about human rights violations based on medical science, research, investigations, and forensic documentation that supports prosecution of perpetrators in local, regional, and international justice settings;
• Trains and supports medical, law enforcement, legal, and justice professionals in conflict and post-conflict regions to document torture, sexual violence, and other violations so that there is an evidentiary foundation for prevention, protection, justice, and redress for these crimes;
• Works with medical associations and individuals to reinforce the highest standards of medical ethics and uphold their professional obligation to “do no harm”;
• Defends medical professionals when they are harassed, attacked, or jailed by authorities for carrying out their professional obligations;
• Corroborates the human rights abuse claims of people fleeing government-sanctioned persecution and torture through a network of more than 2,000 medical professionals who conduct physical and psychological examinations of U.S. asylum seekers; and
• Advocates for human rights policy reforms globally and for robust responses to rights violations from local and national governments, regional bodies, and the United Nations.

Role Description

We are seeking a Communications & Publications Manager to join our Communications team. This position will be based in Nairobi. As the Communications & Publications Manager, you will oversee the editorial review and production of all PHR materials that may be printed, including reports, newsletters, annual reports, fact sheets, and brochures. You will be a storyteller who works proactively with colleagues across the organization to mine, develop, and produce content with the goal of raising the visibility of Physicians for Human Rights’ brand, research and advocacy. You will also work with outside editorial, design, and print vendors. You will maintain and facilitate consistent organizational usage of the PHR style guide and identity guidelines.

This position will work closely with the Development department in promoting PHR to donors and will provide guidance to Communications and Development staff in marketing and messaging best practices. You will lead the development of the annual report. You will be responsible for PHR’s visual brand, including developing global collateral materials, and promotional and written materials, supporting PHR’s presence at conferences, meetings, and events. You will be responsible for producing brand merchandising.

You must have a solid understanding of how to be opportunistic and package PHR’s work and promote its voice to maximum advantage. The position requires strategic thinking, leadership, innovative ideas, exceptional organizational, communication, writing, editing and marketing skills, and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly using consistent messaging and storytelling tactics. You must be detail-oriented, collegial, a self-starter, able to operate successfully in an international environment and to meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary editor and production manager on all PHR reports and publications
• Develop and implement PHR strategic communications that advance the organization’s advocacy goals
• Conceptualize, write, and copyedit content for organizational and external audiences, including in collaboration with the Communications, Advocacy and Development teams
• Acquire photography (stock and original) to illustrate PHR publications; Conceptualize graphics to illustrate PHR publications and collaborate with graphic designers to implement vision
• Oversee implementation of PHR brand, style guidelines, and visual identity
• Post content and perform other technical duties as assigned
• Support the Communications team to expand PHR’s footprint in the news media as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or similar field strongly preferred
• 7-10 years of experience of well-rounded professional experience in communications, professional writing, editing, and content development, preferably with international non-profit organizations
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive leadership and management experience
• Superior writing and editing skills – able to translate complex issues into compelling points for target audiences across varied communications platforms
• Strong understanding of and experience in audience definition and brand positioning of nonprofit organizations
• Demonstrated project management experience as well as interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• A proactive attitude and strong work ethic, with the ability to identify problems and develop solutions
• Mature, adaptable, resourceful, and detailed oriented, with the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team and across time zones.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially MS Word. MS Excel, and MS Outlook
• Advanced skills in copy editing and knowledge of AP and Chicago style; familiarity with Adobe and Creative Suite
• Genuine passion for human rights and excitement about the notion of bringing PHR’s stories to new and strategic audiences