Job Title: Communications and Engagement Officer
Organization: Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/UVRI) Uganda
Duty Station: Entebbe,
Country Uganda
Reports to: The Unit Director
About MRC/UVRI:
The MRC/UVRI Uganda Virus Research Unit on AIDS was established following a request in 1988 from the Uganda Government to the British Government for collaboration on the research of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency. The Unit is a center of excellence in HIV/AIDS related research. The Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/UVRI) Uganda Research Unit on AIDS based at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe is a bilateral multi-disciplinary research organisation funded by the Medical Research Council (UK), DFID (UK) and other donor organisations.
Job Summary: The Communications and Engagement Officer will mainly be responsible for the management of all aspects of communications and community engagement across the MRC unit, and specifically support information flow within the unit, but also with the relevant stake holders and general public.
Responsibilities:
Steers the development, implementation, and evaluation of major national or international communications, projects and strategies for the lay and professional audiences, including innovative demonstration project.
Manages and guides development, testing and timely dissemination of science and audience- based products, tools and message to different audiences (i.e. general public, external organization, partners, and media) in a variety of formats (i.e. print, video, Web).
Offers expert consultation and technical expertise in the creation of strategic and integrated plans and strategies for communication programs, campaigns and activities.
Takes charge of research and evaluation activities related to research communication. Promotes, guides, conducts, and supports audience research and evaluation of communication programs, including formative, process, and outcome evaluation and qualitative and quantitative methods.
Works in liaison with management to ensure that the organization’s strategic plan, mission, vision and values are integrated into all the communications for project’s strategies, goals, objectives, work plans and work products, and services. He/she will manage and all communications in the unit
Serves as a key focal contact liaison between MRC and other partners on organisation-wide issues and networks with a variety of external stakeholders (e.g. UNHRO, Ministry of health, UNCST and local agencies, officials of other countries and international organizations, communication experts, and representatives of the general public).
Processes all internal publication needs of the unit in liaison with the concerned parties.
Guarantees that the organisational website has accurate and relevant information and is updated in a timely manner.
Routinely trains Unit personnel in communication skills on identifying their gaps.
Develops, coordinates the implementation and monitoring of the Unit’s community development activities.
Identifies potential collaborators to engage in shared local community engagement activities.
Works in consultation with Programme Heads and the Directors to keep a financial oversight of communications activities under their leadership, ensuring that expenditure is within the budget limits.
Assists the Programme Heads and Directors at national and international meetings as and when requested.
Qualifications,
The suitable candidate should hold a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Masters in the same field will be an added advantage.
Skills and Experience:
Three or more years’ experience in a communications role.
Communication experience in a research organisation will be an added advantage.
Previous experience ideally in a Public Health or HIV AIDS communication role is preferred.
Extensive knowledge and understanding of Media and Community Engagement programmes is an added advantage
Apply:
All candidates should send their applications including copies of academic qualifications, curriculum vitae and names plus telephone contact details of three (3) referees should either be addressed to: The Human Resources Manager MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Uganda Virus Research Institute, P. O Box 49 Entebbe, Uganda or send by email: recruitment@mrcuganda.org
NB: Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews
Deadline: 21st March, 2014 by 5pm
