Job Title: Advocacy and External Communications Officer
Department: Technical
Reports To: Technical Programme Coordinator/Deputy Country Director, with technical support provided by the Public Health Communication Cluster Direct Reports; None
Organisational Background
Malaria Consortium is one of the world’s leading non-profit organisations dedicated to the comprehensive control of malaria and other communicable diseases to Africa and Southeast Asia Malaria Consortium works with communities, government and non government agencies. academic institutions, and local and international organisations, to ensure good evidence supports delivery of effective services, providing technical support for monitoring and evaluation of programmes and activities for evidence based decision-making and strategic planning The organisation works to improve not only the health of the individual, but also the capacity of national health systems which helps relieve poverty and support Improved economic prosperity. Malaria Consortium is seeking a qualified Ugandan national to occupy the position of Advocacy and External Communications Officer.
Job Purpose:
The person in this position will be overall responsible for developing and implementing advocacy programs and strategic external communications for Malaria Consortium in Uganda The incumbent will be expected to guide advocacy efforts to support the effective dissemination of learning and lead the implementation of advocacy activities in order to promote the uptake of learning amongst key decision makers and policy influencers in-Uganda, with the overall aim of contributing towards improved policy and practice in the country S/he will also ensure a high level of relevant visibility for Malaria Consortium among relevant stakeholders through engagement with the media, national events, and other relevant forum.Development of advocacy approaches and workplans
Under the lead or the Country Director and the Deputy Country Director and with the cooperation in the Middle Management Team, develop a coherent approach/strategy for advocacy activities at district and national levels
Develop an advocacy activities workplan to put into action the above agreed approach and revise it on a routine basis to maximize Identified opportunities for Influence
Coordination and implementation of advocacy activities
Ensure the coordination of all relevant stall to implement the activities planned, advocacy strategies and plans are included in all new proposals and improved coordination of the advocacy efforts of all projects / individuate
Networking
Support the development and sustenance of effective relationships within the Ministry of Health Social Services Committee of parliament, local government, project partners, technical specialists and other persons of influence so as to advance advocacy aims.
Identify and coordinate work with existing and emerging networks for health advocacy in Uganda, and monitor now developments within the Ugandan health policy and funding environment.
External Communications.
Act as the key media liaison and public relations person tor project activities and technical issues, liaising with Uganda technical team and UK-based Malaria Consortium International communications department as appropriate
Coordinate activities for live organisation within Uganda and ensure active participation in public events and celebrations such as World Malaria Day. Pneumonia Day. etc
Draft press releases and conduct media briefings around pertinent or Malaria Consortium led activities, and national events as well as prepare taiking points and/for speeches for Malaria Consortium representatives who will be addressing the media or high level delegations.
Ensure that advocacy and external communications efforts are documented, monitored and evaluated for effectiveness and value for money so as to develop an evidence based approach to advocacy and external communications are documented, monitored and evaluated for effective and value for money so as to develop an evidence best approach to advocacy and external communication. Provide recommendations as to which initiatives should be sustained or repeated and which should be discontinued.
Support the development of materials (brochures briefings power point presentations) for external communication and advocacy related events.
Requirement:
Essential
Minimum of three years of professional experience in advocacy, public relations or related field
Degree / Postgraduate degree in mass communications, public relations, journalism, social sciences, public health, or related discipline
Experience developing and implementing advocacy strategies
Experience in best practice and/or research dissemination
Experience in a range of communications activities (writing briefing papers, press releases or other documents, use of social media, etc.)
Desirable
Understanding of the Ugandan Health Sector
Experience In health sector advocacy work
Foundational knowledge of public health approaches
Experience and skills in training and transfer of knowledge
Skills in the use of different media outlets (photography, trim. TV. radio newspapers, etc.) for communications/advocacy purposes.
Experience working with social media initiatives such as blogs and other online communication toots.
How to apply:
The position is based In Kampala with up to 25% of time spent visiting Malaria Consortium projects and offices outside of Kampala
Candidates who fully meet the above requirements should submit a detailed, CV, a covering letter explaining how and why you are suited to the role and the contact details of three referees quoting the ref number MC UG/TEC 14/08/008 to human resource@malariaconsortium.org before the 31st May 2013.
Note A detailed Job Description/Profile of the position can be availed upon electronic request on the above email.
