Communications and Advocacy Intern

JOB PURPOSE

The Intern will be responsible in supporting in the management and oversight the planning, implementation, and evaluation of CHReaD consortium activities. The officer working with the CHReaD Communications and Advocacy Officer and will also assist in planning, execution of all CHReaD consortium-related communication needs with a specific focus on Health R&D knowledge management, information sharing, and documentation to inform advocacy efforts, policy, and practice.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications Support

• Assist in creating compelling content for CHReaD’s platforms including social media, newsletters, website updates, and communication materials like brochures and policy briefs.
• Help monitor media coverage and identify opportunities to showcase CHReaD’s work in national and regional platforms.
• Support coordination of media engagement activities, including developing media lists, drafting media advisories, and organizing press briefings or interviews.
• Assist in the development and editing of blogs, opinion pieces, and human-interest stories from CHReaD champions and partners.
• Help track ongoing policy conversations and news trends related to health R&D and identify opportunities for CHReaD to engage.
• Contribute to planning and documenting communication activities, campaigns, and events, including logistics, speaker coordination, photography, and media follow-up.
• Support the maintenance of a shared content library (photos, quotes, stories) for advocacy use.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Assist in preparing materials for advocacy engagements including presentations, briefs, and talking points.
• Support the coordination of high-level meetings, webinars, and events by managing invitations, agendas, and participant follow-up.
• Help map key stakeholders, champions, and influencers to strengthen advocacy and visibility efforts.
• Contribute to aligning communication with coalition members by helping draft key messages and ensuring consistency across platforms.
• Maintain an updated calendar of upcoming advocacy moments, deadlines, and policy opportunities to support strategic planning.

Administrative and Programmatic Support

• Help manage documentation and archiving of project reports, communication outputs, and meeting notes.
• Support the Communications and Advocacy Officer in tracking progress against work plans and deliverables.
• Assist with logistical tasks such as vendor coordination, printing of materials, and event supplies.
• Attend internal and external meetings as required and prepare summaries or updates.
• Contribute ideas for improving CHReaD’s visibility and engagement, especially with youth and community audiences.

Qualifications

Academic and professional requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• At least 6 months of demonstrated experience in social media management, content creation, or public relations (experience may include internships, volunteer roles, or freelance work).
• Strong writing, storytelling, and digital content development skills, with proven ability to tailor messages to different audiences and platforms.
• Proficiency in using social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube) for professional communication and brand engagement.
• Basic knowledge of media relations, public engagement, and crisis communication strategies.
• Ability to analyze content performance using analytics tools and apply insights to improve communication outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders including partners, media, and influencers.
• Highly organized with good time management skills and the ability to multitask under pressure.
• Creative, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and as part of a team