Job Title: Corporate Communications Specialist
Organisation: Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
Reports to: Executive Director
About US:
Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is an independently governed institute within the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University and has the mission “To strengthen health systems in Africa, with a strong emphasis on infectious diseases, through research and capacity development.” IDI has operations across Uganda as well as in a number of other African countries and has a staffing of over 1,000 managing multiple projects in research, clinical services, public health and training.
Job Summary: The Corporate Communications Specialist will report primarily to the oversee communications for the institute through the Office of the Executive Director. He/She will be responsible for supporting communications activities under two broad areas; Content Development and Programme Communication. The overall objective for this role is to enhance visibility and demand for IDI core program achievements to Governments Development Agencies and IDI’s Strategic Partners, including internal stakeholders.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Innovate for Communication and Content across all platforms
- Communication Culture – Explore and implement innovative methods for building an internal culture for sharing internal updates and information
- Draft and edit communications copy (e.g. press releases, newspaper, social media posts)
- Oversee the maintenance of web content and social media channels through the development of a digital communications plan in line with the strategy.
- Ensure that all stakeholder databases and media lists are up to date(knowledge of mailing applications such as MailChimp and Hootesuite is encouraged)
- Track projects and media exposure and maintain event calendars and appointments
- Prepare presentations and reports and manage communication brand database
Programme Communications
- Coordinate the production of promotional materials, including brochures, fact sheets, presentations, and reports.
- Disseminate regular communications of institutional work through periodical reports i.e. institutional emails, Annual, Quarterly and where necessary, monthly reports.
- Technical Events – Work with the communications team to organize and set up high level meetings in consultation with the Executive Director
- Press Conferences _ plan for timely and efficient press conferences as needed
- Oversee organization and brand management trainings
- Organise and implement communication campaigns, events, and conferences.
- Monitor media coverage and industry trends related to infectious diseases and public health, and prepare regular reports for internal stakeholders.
- Represent IDI at partner and specific MOH meetings and share updates with the middle managers and senior management.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The applicant should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
- At least five years of experience in n communications, public relations, or a related field in the health sector
- Proven experience as communications officer or specialist
- Strong storytelling and content creation abilities, with experience in writing for web, social media, and traditional media outlets.
- Proven ability to work with multiple scientific and programme heads articulate their achievements
- Excellent proofing, editing and research skills and strong attention to detail
- Solid understanding of project management principles
- Working knowledge photo and video-editing software is an asset (Adobe Creative Suite experience (particularly InDesign, Illustrator, photoshop and Canva)
- Outstanding organizational and planning abilities
- Media relations and ability to build relationships with journalists, influencers, opinion leaders etc.
- Working knowledge of Ministry of Health protocols, public health, infectious diseases, or related fields is highly desirable. Rapport with public health professionals a bonus.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
- Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Ability to work collaboratively and engage with stakeholders at various levels.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested applicants should apply online at the link below.
Deadline: 13th July 2023