About MRC/UVRI:
The Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute (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. It conducts large-scale epidemiological and intervention studies, clinical trials, virological and immunological research and behavioural studies, and has generated a wealth of research results that have been used to inform policy and practice, and that have led to a large number of scientific publications in peer reviewed journals over time.

Job Summary: The Community Liaison Officer will be responsible for establishing, functionalizing and supervising community liaison structures to promote meaningful and mutually beneficial community participation in Bio-medical Research

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Establish and maintain close collaborative links with study communities:
Organize and address key community leaders’ meetings to provide information on planned, on-going studies and need for community support
Work closely with project leaders to provide timely study updates to all stakeholders
Document and provide timely feedback to community on study related concerns
Manage volunteers’ study information review and experience sharing meetings
Actively coordinate MRC/UVRI public relations; Working closely with the media, civil society, District leaderships (political, cultural, religious leaders and other relevant institutions) and international partners
In charge of the design and implementation of study specific recruitment and retention strategies
Design and implement study results dissemination plans
Prepare community liaison activity budgets for approval by programme head
Write community engagement activities reports and share them with research teams
Establish, train and supervise community based study support structures (peer leaders, volunteer representatives, VHTs)
Work in liaison with the site Community Advisory Board to understand and address factors that facilitate meaningful community partnerships.
Plan and conduct research literacy promotion workshops, seminars and events
Establish and maintain collaborative links with other HIV/AIDS research and service related institutions for synergy
Manage community mobilization and field teams

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate for the Community Liaison Officer should hold a Degree in Social Sciences or related field. Possession of a Master’s degree either in a Social Sciences, Communications, Public Health or related field
Past experience in communication with HIV/AIDS research organisations, and stakeholder engagement (including participating communities, civil society and government, as well as international research organisations.
Previous experience of writing reports
Detailed working knowledge of how to engage communities in research and understanding factors that facilitate community participation
Working knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention technologies

How to Apply:
All candidates should send their applications letters, copies of academic qualifications and curriculum vitae including names, telephone contacts and email addresses of two referees should be sent only via e mail to: recruitment@mrcuganda.org. Please clearly indicate the Position Title in the subject line of the email.

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews

Deadline: 24th April, 2015