LEAP Program Description

Global Solutions Ventures (GSV) – a joint-venture partnership between ZemiTek, LLC and Dexis Consulting Group – is implementing the Long-term Exceptional Technical Assistance Project (LEAP Global), a mechanism originally used by USAID to battle against infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, and pandemic influenza. As of July 1, 2025, LEAP Global transitioned to the U.S. Department of State (DOS). This initiative aims to address the complex human resource challenges faced by national infectious disease programs in the USA-supported countries.

The intervention of this project is to hire and embed technical expert advisors and subject matter experts within government entities. By directly embedding the technical expertise within the national programs, LEAP provides long-term, sustainable lifesaving support to empower host governments to lead and manage key aspects of their infectious disease portfolios and improve coordination between the U.S. Government and the host country.

About the Position

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) is launching the Contributory Linked Incentive. The program rewards PhilHealth members who keep up their contributions with benefit top-ups and other added support. The idea is simple: paying in today protects you tomorrow.

The program's success depends on more than good design and strong administration. Members also need to understand it and trust it. They need to know why contributions matter, how PhilHealth uses the money, what benefits they can expect, and how the program protects their health over time. That includes access to tuberculosis (TB) screening, treatment, and continuity of care. Steady contributions also make the Philippines more resilient. When members keep paying in, the health financing system stays strong enough to fight TB and to detect, prevent, and respond to outbreaks, advancing global health security (GHS) goals.

PHIC therefore needs a Strategic Communications Advisor to develop a coordinated communications strategy that should build understanding and support among PhilHealth members and the general public, employers and other contribution partners, hospitals and healthcare providers, including TB treatment facilities, civil society and community leaders. The Advisor will support PHIC in carrying out life-saving humanitarian assistance (LHA) service delivery in full alignment with the new Presidential Executive Order (EO) directives. 

Responsibilities

• Support PHIC in the development and implementation of an integrated Marketing and Communications Strategy and Plan for the Contributory Linked Incentive program.
• Work with the information/communications department of the Agency and other relevant offices to monitor progress, ensure alignment of timelines, and flag technical, operational, or legal risks that need swift resolution among offices
• Coordinate with the Department of Health, local government units, and TB and GHS partners to keep messaging consistent.

Specific Responsibilities

The following are the specific duties and responsibilities of the Advisor:

1. Conduct key informant interviews, analysis of available and forthcoming research findings, and supervision of subsequent research efforts.
2. Help develop an integrated Marketing Communications Strategy and Plan for the Contributory Linked Incentive program that includes a Stakeholders engagement approach and Social Media Strategy.  The plan should incorporate messaging on public awareness and use of PhilHealth TB benefits, as well as public perceptions of health security risks and emergency preparedness.
3. Assist the Agency in the production and development of communication materials in appropriate languages (i.e. AVPs, TVCs, RCs, social media materials), including identification and coordination with third-party communications partners, whenever needed.
4. Perform other related tasks assigned by the PHIC's Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer.

 Key Outputs

1. Marketing and Communications Strategy and Plans incorporating TB and GHS components
2. Stakeholder's Analysis and Engagement Plans, including TB and GHS stakeholders
3. Social Media Plan for PHICS and the Contributory Linked Incentive program, including TB and GHS content

Duration of Engagement

• About 6 months

Reporting

• The Advisor shall directly report to PHIC's Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer as the clearing house for Agency communications
• The Advisor will work day-to-day with PHIC's information/communications department.
• For communication products that incorporate TB and GHS, the Advisor will coordinate with the DOH National TB Program, Epidemiology Bureau, Health Promotion Bureau and the U.S. Embassy Manila – Department of State point of contact.
• The Advisor will provide a detailed monthly report to the U.S. Department of State, submitted by the 5th day of the following month. Additionally, they will participate in bi-weekly calls with U.S. DOS staff. The format for reporting may be adjusted with concurrence from the DOS Grants Officer Representative

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience, especially in communication strategy development and project management
• Demonstrated experience in conceptualizing and running national communication campaigns in the Philippines
• Relevant master's degree such as communications, public health, or a related field
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Filipino
• Work adaptability, ability to work under tight deadlines, and ability to balance multiple work streams
• Relevant regional experience in the Philippines