Job Title: Communications and Engagement Officer (PE)
Organisation: Medical Research Council (MRC UK) /UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit
Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda
Position Code: C&EO – 822
Reports to: Head Communications & Engagement
About US:
The Medical Research Council (MRC UK) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts.
Job Summary: The Communications and Engagement Officer (PE) will coordinate key aspects of Unit communications and engagement through on and offline platforms with accuracy, creativity, and in an engaging manner, and facilitate the growth of proactive communications that build the identity, reputation, and profile of the Unit and its partners.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Principal duties;
- Collaborate with management to develop and implement effective communication and engagement strategy based on our target audience;
- Write, edit and distribute content, including publications, press releases, website content, reports, speeches, and other marketing material that communicates the organization’s activities, studies, and capabilities;
- Liaise with media production firms to ensure that all audio/visual and written content effectively profiles the Unit’s capacity and impact, and fully incorporates the Unit brand identity;
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with journalists, and maintain a media database;
- Monitor the Unit’s coverage in the media, communications, and other public engagements, and collate periodic analytics and metrics using the Unit’s KTE monitoring framework;
- In partnership with communications assistants and community engagement staff across Unit stations seek opportunities to enhance the reputation of the brand, and coordinate publicity events as required;
- Rate with management to develop and implement effective communication and engagement strategy based on our target audience;
- Write, edit and distribute content, including publications, press releases, website content, reports, speeches, and other marketing material that communicates the organization’s activities, studies and capabilities;
- Liaise with media production firms to ensure that all audio/visual and written content effectively profiles the Unit’s capacity and impact, and fully incorporates the Unit brand identity;
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with journalists, and maintain a media database;
- Monitor the Unit’s coverage in the media, communications and other public engagements, and collate periodic analytics and metrics using the Unit’s KTE monitoring framework;
- In partnership with communications assistants and community engagement staff across Unit stations seek opportunities to enhance the reputation of the brand, and coordinate publicity events as required;
- Represent the Unit on communications and engagement forums/networks to ensure the facilitate enhanced visibility and positioning of the Unit’s mission;
- Manage and grow the Unit’s online presence through intuitive usage of contemporary social media channels;
- Coordinate the implementation of relevant, influential communications campaigns around international days;
- Lead the promotion of Unit impact through the design and dissemination of infographics through relevant platforms;
- Assist in the development of the Unit multi-media library, adding photo and video assets with appropriate metadata to improve users’ experience; and,
- Lead the timely development and dissemination of the Unit quarterly newsletter; and,
- Support capacity building of staff in communications and engagement.
Financial Management
- The post holder is not expected to have delegated authority to manage budgets or funds at the Unit.
Line Management
- The post holder will support the supervision of Communications Assistants as well as staff engaged in community engagement across different sites (via “dotted lines”).
LSHTM Integration
- Support activities that drive the further integration of the Unit’s Communication function into LSHTM;
- Collaborate with colleagues across all 3 LSHTM sites (London, The Gambia, Uganda); and,
- Work closely with London-based colleagues to maintain and manage the Unit website.
Environment
- Participate in carbon emission reduction activities across the Unit and wider LSHTM; and,
- Act as an advocate for the responsible and efficient use of resources.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- University degree in Mass Communications or another relevant subject area
- Master’s degree in Mass Communications or another relevant subject area is an added advantage;
- A minimum of three to five years of experience working in a communication role in a fast-paced environment (media relations and/or content creation);
- Proven experience in developing a variety of engaging content (articles, blogs, audio, video, images);
- Extensive practical experience in social media, producing website content and Understanding of ethical storytelling;
- Experience in undertaking analysis using relevant analytical tools and information to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns and activities;
- Experience in coordination of multiple communications teams and projects;
- Knowledge and experience working with people of different backgrounds and cultures;
- Experience working in the global health or international development sectors and handling media relations;
- Experience developing and implementing effective community engagement strategies;
- Experience working with global teams to achieve a common goal;
- Significant experience building and managing institutional websites, social media accounts web content in a corporate/institutional setting;
- Significant experience managing corporate/institutional profiles and content on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms;
- Demonstrable understanding of the principles of content development;
- Excellent skills in writing, proofreading and editing;
- Ability to translate technical language and complex research into communications that a variety of audiences can understand and engage with (donor community, NGOs, the general public, etc.);
- Ability to coordinate the production of quality A/V, and print materials
- Excellent report writing skills;
- Good skills in photography and/or videography;
- Interest in neglected tropical diseases and/or public health;
- Excellent knowledge of writing for the web and using web content management systems (CMS) such as Drupal, WordPress, etc.;
- Desktop graphics software such as Adobe creative suite;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Excellent command of English and widely spoken local languages;
- Proficiency in relevant software and applications (including but not limited to MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint);
- Excellent Ability to work with a high level of independence;
- Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
- Ability to prioritize, plan work and respond flexibly to unexpected changes or multiple demands;
- Excellent influencing skills, Ability to innovate and think creatively, Proactive, Outcome driven, High degree of professionalism; and,
- Capability to work well with colleagues from other departments.
How to Apply
Follow the link below to fill a form and submit your application documentation:
Filling the form more than once will lead to automatic disqualification. High level of integrity while filling the form is required and will be considered during shortlisting.
All candidates should combine all their application documentation i.e. cover letter, CV & certified copies of academic documents into one PDF document. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. This position is open to Ugandan nationals only. Strictly follow the application procedure as failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification. Only online applications through the link provided will be accepted. You will receive a notification in your email if your application and documentation have been successfully received.
N.B: You will be required to present certified copies of your academic documentation before employment.
The applications should be addressed to:
The Head of Human Resources,
MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit,
P.O. Box, 49, Entebbe,
Uganda.
Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to automatic disqualification. By submitting your personal information, you consent to the MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit holding and using it in accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure. The Unit reserves the right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding institutions to authenticate their validity.
NB: MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit strives for inclusion and diversity and therefore considers all job applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, and disability. We highly encourage persons with disabilities to apply and compete for different job openings at the Unit. The Unit is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse work force and does not ask for money at any stage of recruitment.
Deadline: 21st April 2023 by 5:00 pm.