The person will be based at UVRI campus in Entebbe. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week minimum) Target Malaria Communication Officer
Until 31 January 2025 (renewable) with six months’ probation period
Background on Target Malaria
The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) is a leading health research institution in Uganda, based in Entebbe Uganda Virus Research Institute is a collaborating partner with Target Malaria consortium. Target Malaria is a non-for-profit research consortium that wants to contribute to saving milions of lives from malaria. It includes African, European and North American scientists with a focus on the most malaria-affected countries currently working in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Uganda. The consortium includes a diversity of researchers- molecular biologists, medical entomologists, population geneticists, protein engineers, social sciences researchers as well as risk, regulatory and stakeholder engagement experts.
Our teams are researching approaches that can reduce the numbers of mosquitoes that spread malaria, which would help complement existing control methods. Our research is at an early stage, and while results so far have been promising, there is still a long way to go. By reducing the population of the malaria mosquito we aim to combat transmission of the disease. The control method would be a long-term, sustainable, and cost effective solution to prevent malaria. This project started a decade ago with funding from the Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative and is now funding through a program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The project is led by the following values:
• To achieve excellence in all areas of its work, creating a path for responsible research and development of genetic technologies
• To co-develop both technologies and the associated knowledge base
• To ensure its work is evidence-driven so it can deliver safe and effective technologies
• To be open and accountable in how it works, in its relationships and in its decisions
• A deep commitment to the mission of developing and sharing new. cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission is required
SUMMARY OF POSITION
• Target Malaria Uganda is seeking to recruit a Communications Assistant.
• The Communications Assistant would provide support to various teams of Target Malaria Uganda. The Communications Assistant will be responsible and accountable for the following aspects:
• Support the development and implementation of internal and external communications strategies and activities in line with Target Malaria Consortium’s aims.
• Support in writing original documents to be used through various communications channels (blog posts, briefing notes, talking points, webpages, factsheets, key messages, newsletters, and social media platforms like Facebook and twitter)
• Manage day-to-day communication activities for brand issues
• Collaborate with Stakeholder engagement and Communications team in a timely manner to determine appropriate responses via various communication channels
• Support the development of written materials including press releases, Q&A, media standby statements on brand issues as required.
• Support communications in sourcing for marketing fundraising materials in form of stories, photographs and videos
• Ensure compliance to all Target Malaria Communication, Branding and Visibility requirements
Essential Requirements
To be successful in this role you must possess the following:
• At least a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication/ Joumalism Social sciences or any field related to development
Work experience:
• Minimum of 3 years working experience in communication role in a corporate institutional setting. Significant experience in social media, managing websites, web content and other general office productivity software and other programs related to Communication in a corporate/institutional setting.
• Experience working in a research organization is desirable.
All applications must be in English and include a Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter explaining why this position is attractive and why your profile fits, and three references.
Interested candidates should submit their applications marked “Communication Assistant” – Target Malaria” to: The Director,
Uganda Virus Research Institute
P.O. Box 49 Entebbe. Uganda
Email to: uvritargetmalaria@uvri.go.ug
OR: hand-deliver to his office at Plot 51-59, Nakiwogo Road, Entebbe.
This Vacancy is Open to Nationals of Uganda. Closing date for applications is 27th December 2023
NB: Previous applicants please do not reapply. We regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted