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October 16, 2009
Research and metrics writer - consultant: Population Services International (PSI)
Location: Washington, DC
Population Services International (PSI) is the world’s leading non-profit social marketing organization, with a mission to measurably improve the health of poor and vulnerable people in the developing world by influencing their behavior, principally through social marketing of family planning and health products and services, and health communications. PSI has programs in more than 60 countries and works in malaria, HIV, reproductive health, child survival, and tuberculosis. PSI’s core values are a belief in markets and market mechanisms to contribute to sustained improvements in the lives of the poor; results and a strong focus on measurement; speed and efficiency with a predisposition to action and an aversion to bureaucracy; decentralization and empowering our staff at the local level; and a long term commitment to the people we serve. For more information, please visit http://www.psi.org.
PSI Research and Metrics (RandM) seeks a Writer (consultant) for a consultancy position of 6 months with the possibility of extension. The Research and Metrics writer will work closely with Research and Metrics and External Affairs staff and will be responsible for communicating about PSI’s RandM tools and resources, as well as study results to a wide variety of internal and external audiences: the international public health community, donors and partner organizations; and media. The Research and Metrics writer is responsible for writing/editing online, print, and other communications. For more information, please visit: http://www.psi.org/research.
Strong candidates will be able to write in the technical voice of applied health research, as well as in more journalistic styles to reach non-technical audiences. They will also have demonstrated success in writing and editing fluid, clear, precise, and correct prose. Strong proofreading skills are essential as well as an ability to take others’ work and translate it into text that reaches the above audiences. Aptitude for adapting to and appreciating cultural differences and language barriers inherent in a diverse international organization is essential. Experience in web-based writing formats is a distinct advantage. This position is based in Washington, DC.
Responsibilities:
The Research and Metrics writer will work closely with PSI/Washington, DC to:
- Prepare research briefs, learning materials, power point presentations, and presentations for improving the understanding of RandM tools and study results internally and externally
- Serve as a ghost writer on working papers and papers for external dissemination
- Develop and maintain content for the soon-to-be-redesigned PSI.org website
- Prepare and/or refine conference and meeting presentations for technically specialized and lay audiences
- Work closely with RandM team and External Affairs division to produce written outputs that raise the profile of the department in the public health community and with the public at large
- Work closely with RandM staff in Washington, DC to improve written communications
- Work with researchers based in the field to improve the quality of written communications
Qualifications:
- MA (or BA with extensive experience) in English, communications, journalism, or a related field
- Two years professional experience with primary responsibility for writing, editing, and producing publications and communications materials (web content, annual reports, newsletters, electronic newsletters, brochures, etc.) for a variety of audiences
- Ability to take complex topics and distill them into material appropriate for many different audiences
- Highly organized, comfortable working on multiple simultaneous projects; great at meeting deadlines
- International experience or experience working for an international organization a plus
- Experience working in a public health-related field a plus
- Located in or near Washington, DC a plus
Additional skills
- Strong desktop publishing skills, including MS Office applications
- Web design skills a major plus
- Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Portuguese a major plus
Preference will be given to candidates with work experience in low and middle income countries, knowledge of public health issues and social marketing product, ability to speak French, Spanish, or Portuguese, and/or familiarity with the international donor development community.
Please apply online at http://www.psi.org. No calls or emails please.
PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.
