Public Relations Officer I (I Post)

Position : Public Relations Officer I (I Post)
Reporting to: Head of Public Communication and Customer Service Unit

Duties and Responsibilities
Public Education
a)    Write stories and features articles in the newspapers that may enlighten the public on MNH activities, its policies and major challenges and how the Hospital is addressing them.
b)    Coordinate and development of health education programs in all types of media so as to maintain MNH image and other stakeholders perceptions
c)    Liaise with Heads of Department to identify key departmental success stories and ensure that are publicized accordingly
d)    To coordinate doctors and nurses to participate in various health programs organized by media houses
e)    To liaise with the Director of Human Resources and ensure that all staff are positively well informed on issues that affect them such as remunerations, benefits, working hours, and other social welfare

Website and Social Media
f)    To maintain the Hospital website and keep it updated with current news
g)    To leverage public opinions as discussed in the open forum of the Hospital website
h)    To moderate discussion on Hospital issues as discussed on various social media such as Facebook, twitter and other platforms
i)    Produce short video clips for uploading on You Tube containing Hospital procedures and other outstanding operations performed, medical milestones and expert opinions on a broad range of healthcare topics as well as issues that involve the Hospital on daily basis
Production and Distribution of Hospital Promotional Materials and Reports
j)    To produce the Hospital Quarterly Newsletter and ensure its timely distribution to key stakeholders
k)    To prepare and distribute Hospital corporate brochures, fliers, posters, banners and the like
l)    To prepare outdoor and indoor signs for directing both internal and external stakeholders to easily find our services
m)    To ensure Hospital calendars, diaries are prepared and distributed timely

Handling Media and Police Officers
a.    Becoming an organization's mouthpiece by responding to media inquiries from local, national and international media outlets that seek information on research, medical milestones and expert opinions on a broad range of healthcare topics as well as issues that involve MNH daily.
b.    To organize quarterly media tour at the Hospital
c.    To organize training to media outlets on how best they can report health issues
d.    To organize press conference on issues that need immediate public attention
e.    To monitor the media during press coverage, public speaking on various presentations, news bulletins, radio and TV talks
f.    To prepare daily Hospital reports based on 24 hours status for media briefing
g.    To receive requests and issue permits to journalists and Police Officers for interviewing patients and monitor, control the information they seek
h.    To liaise with responsible directors, heads of department and coordinate the process of compilation of facts in responding to matters regarding MNH activities raised through the media
Handling Complaints and Customer Care Issues
n)    To seek data and information about patient care concerns, needs and problems and coordinate implementation of appropriate corrective actions and provide timely feedback to concerned patients.
o)    To analyse statistics or other data to determine the level of Hospital's customer service and recommend appropriate interventions accordingly.
p)    To perceive and interprets patient needs in conjunction with departments related translates them into effective solutions.
q)    To refer complaints of a serious nature to Executive Director through his/her supervisor and follow up their solutions.

Managing Events
r)    To ensure that all major Hospital events and ceremonies are well prepared, covered and publicized timely, correctly and widely disseminated
s)    To assist in organizing official functions and tours of Hospital's officials
t)    To assist in organizing and coordination of annual sports Bonanza and Muhimbili Day
u)    Liaise with Heads of Department to mark several international health days such as World Cancer Day, Kidney Day and ensure the Hospital is fully participatin

Documentation and Archiving
a)    To ensure that outstanding surgical and medical procedures are well documented in terms of video and still pictures
b)    To ensure proper recording and filing of press cuttings
c)    To take photographs during various Hospital events for internal and external public use
d)    To establish and maintain modern picture library showing all the Hospital activities since its inception

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Holder of a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, Public Relations or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution. Possession of a Master Degree in any field will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of writing features and soft news for newspaper publication is compulsory
• Strong analytical, communication, strategic planning and interpersonal skills with creativity and highest ethical standards
• Good command of both English and Kiswahili languages
• Good knowledge of photojournalism
• Good working knowledge of computer applications is mandatory.

Work experience not more than five years
Personal Attributes

• Able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of principles of new public management and familiar with health reforms.
• Good leadership skills and qualities.
• Ability to work under pressure with high quality deliverables.
• Ability to work weekends and public holidays G Able to communicate with proven interpersonal skills.

Mode of Application
Applications accompanied with a detailed CV, copies of academic certificates and names of three referees, one of which being the immediate/ current employer.
Applicants already working with the Government Institutions need to route their letters to their current Employers.

Envelopes should be labelled the position you are applying
All applications should be channeled through postal office. Hand delivered applications will not be considered.

All applications should be addressed and reach not later than 12th March, 2015 to:

Executive Director,
Muhimbili National Hospital,
P.O. BOX65000,
DAR ES SALAAM,

Also,visit: www.mnh .or.tz, but only shortlisted candidates will be called for interview