About US:
Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) is one of the constituent research institutions under the Uganda National Health Research Organization (UNHRO). UVRI has a broad mission to carry out scientific investigations on communicable diseases of public health importance and to advise government on strategies for their control and prevention. UVRI is a collaborating partner in the Target Malaria consortium. Target Malaria is a not-for-profit research consortium that wants to contribute to saving millions of lives from malaria. This project started a decade ago with a funding from the Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative and is now funded through a program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Job Summary: The National Stakeholder Engagement Officer will play a focal role in the creation and recognition of the importance of having dialog with stakeholders at national level to build and maintain effective and constructive relationships with multiple stakeholders for the success of the project. The project interacts with a broad range of stakeholders at national level including representatives of the national government, regulators, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, scientific research groups, civil society groups or individuals. In the longer-term engagement at the regional and pan-African level will also be essential for the success of the project. The National Stakeholder Engagement Officer will play a critical role in building the profile and voice of Target Malaria through strategic engagement. The role will require liaising across the full range of the Target Malaria teams to ensure engagement on the project is coordinated, coherent and is a two-way dialog. The role is to ensure that stakeholders are informed but also that their feedback, expectations and concerns are shared with the project team. This is an essential part of the co-development and co-ownership values of the project. The national stakeholder engagement officer will actively facilitate the dialog between the national level stakeholders and the project. He/she will be responsible for the promotion of trust and confidence between the national stakeholders and the project

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Engagement activities:
Ensure adequate information for national level stakeholders on project activities (whether current or future)
Ensure appropriate consultation of national stakeholders before the implementation of activities and feedback concerns, suggestions to the project for them to be considered;
Ensure that the national level dialog is inclusive by mapping key stakeholders;
Support the regulatory process by advising on and managing potential stakeholder issues and coordinating stakeholder engagement activities with the regulatory team;
Actively promote communication by supporting the development of culturally appropriate methods taking into account social and cultural contexts;
Represent the project as required to high-profile, regional and national stakeholders, building constructive relationships across governmental, non-profit and private sector organisations
Support the project team by facilitating the dialog with national authorities;
Actively participate in regional and pan-African engagement activities according to the international stakeholder engagement plan and under the leadership of the consortium stakeholder engagement manager.

Strategy Activities:
Lead the formulation and the implementation of a stakeholder engagement strategy at national level in Uganda;
Take part in the formulation of tools, procedures and policies for stakeholder engagement and documentation of activities;
Actively contribute to consortium activities related to stakeholder engagement. Take part in risk management of this project on issues related to stakeholders’ acceptance of the project;

Reporting Activities:
Participate in the monitoring and evaluation of the engagement and stakeholders’ acceptance level for the project;
Provide activity report and updates of support tools to facilitate follow- up and reporting on engagement activities;
Report regularly to the Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator and the Principal Investigator

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The applicant must hold a University Degree in Social Science, Mass Communication or related field
At least five years’ experience working at a position with responsibility for community engagement in sub-Saharan Africa, including development and implementation of stakeholder engagement strategies and national stakeholder engagement in a research, scientific or corporate environment
Previous experience of working developing appropriate communication materials to support external stakeholder engagement
Prior experience of working providing constructive relationships and credibility with influential stakeholders at national level including governments, regulatory bodies, civil society groups and individuals
Strong existing network of stakeholder contacts in national health and/ or research sector
Previous experience of working with regional level (East Africa) or pan-African level
Experience of Ugandan regulatory frameworks
Familiarity with ethical standards for biomedical research or community informed consent processes
Ability and willingness to travel within Uganda and overseas
Ability to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues, external consultants, and multiple stakeholders with direct management and functional reporting lines
High level of interpersonal and influencing skills
Proficiency in written and oral English as well as at least one Ugandan dialect;
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce effective communication for a broad variety of audiences
Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple work streams and meet tight deadlines
Flexible approach to deliver work plans and revisions as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements
Impeccable ethical standards

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications with the following: an updated C.V., detailed, with names and contacts (e-mail and phone) of two work-related referees, and certified true by the candidate: with copies of academic certificates, and transcripts. The interested candidates should submit their applications in a sealed envelope marked: “National Stakeholder Engagement Officer” to:

The Director,
Uganda Virus Research Institute,
P.O. Box 49, Entebbe. Uganda

Email to: directoruvri®uvri.or.ug (make sure to put Target Malaria in the subject tine)

OR Hand-deliver to his office at Plot 51-59, Nakiwogo Road, Entebbe.

Deadline: 22nd August, 2016 by 5:00PM