About US:
The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is an international non-profit organization which is a partnership of infectious diseases and public health specialists. The overall objective of the IDI is to strengthen health systems with strong emphasis on Infectious Diseases, through Research and Capacity Development. IDI has five operational areas through which it works to achieve its mission: Prevention, Care and Treatment; Training, Research and Laboratory services (provided through a partnership with the Makerere University – John Hopkins University Core Lab) and Outreach.

Job Summary: The Senior Communications Officer will support the development and implementation of a proactive and effective communications strategy to disseminate the achievements of the Ugandan Academy, both internally within the Academy as well as externally towards relevant Ugandan and international stakeholders. The Senior Communication Officer will provide high-level technical support to the developing communication and advocacy functions. The jobholder will support the development of proactive and effective communications. She/he will develop website updates, news releases, social media content, bulletins, brochures and other written materials. The successful applicant will assist in the promotion of the project objectives and the brand identity and public image of project stakeholders.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and implement a communication strategy/stakeholder engagement plan for internal and external stakeholders in dose collaboration with Academy partners.
Ensure this stakeholder engagement plan is embedded in the Ugandan Academy strategy and serves as an enabler for its goals & objectives.
The jobholder will inform and engage all relevant Ugandan stakeholders, including Academy partners, policy makers, patient organizations, local press and Ugandan public, and support the positioning of The Ugandan Academy within the Ugandan healthcare continuum;
Ensure communication related to the Uganda Academy and its projects is up-to-date, consistent, dear and engaging;
Render support in facilitating the alignment and definition of working relationships for all Ugandan Academy partners;
Ensure optimal internal communications within the Ugandan Academy and support engagement of Academy staff;
Inform and align with Conned for Life partners globally through Janssen Global Public Health;
Support development and production of high quality corporate communication and advocacy materials- including brochures, newsletters, press releases, speeches, articles, newspaper supplements
Support the development of ad hoc and period reports for funding partners induding quarterly and annual reports (including working with the monitoring and evaluation team to ensure communication about the impact of the Academy)
In charge of the development of content for the website and social media (if applicable)
Keenly monitor Ugandan media and advise/take necessary actions (in consultation with Program Manager) if required
Develop Academy graphics and branding materials for enhancing visibility
Develop and maintain inventory of all Academy communication materials including a photographic/video archive of materials.
Support the development of SOPs for the various projects under the Academy as required;
Co-organize key stakeholder engagement events; this includes development of itineraries, coordination with relevant teams, preparation of briefs and documentation of the visit.
Represent the Academy at high profile meetings and events when required
Maintain excellent relationships with all relevant stakeholders: funders, project management and staff, media, national and local governments, communities, and healthcare workers
Serve as a spokesperson OR provide spokesperson training to Academy leadership and staff and company spokespersons as necessary
Co-organize key stakeholder engagement events; this includes development of itineraries, coordination with relevant teams, preparation of briefs and documentation of the visit.
Proactively identify and address all other emerging project communications needs Required

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The applicant should hold a Master’s degree in Communication, Journalism, Health, Social Sciences or any related field with a focus on professional writing, public relations or equivalent work-related experience.
If a journalist or related function, he/she should be politically neutral
A minimum of five years’ experience in communications
This position requires a demonstrated level of initiative and judgment in order to organize and prioritize tasks, workload and projects.
Courtesy, tact and diplomacy are required in dealing with colleagues in every day working relationships.
Excellent communication skills (both written and oral)
Excellent knowledge of Uganda and international media landscape including social media
Understanding of or experience with healthcare in Uganda
Requires an understanding of inter-related work processes to be able to adapt to differing assignments. Suitable for, someone who has experience of writing powerful, concise and accurate content
Provides routine information to coordinate the assignments and work procedures of others.
Professional manner, tad, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with members, non-members, complainants and colleagues.
Good team player
Excellent managerial skills
Affinity with Health Care/NGO preferred and ability to adhere to the core values of IDI
Computer skills to produce effective spreadsheets, reports, documents and presentations, as required.
Working knowledge of marketing and communications principles & guidelines Adaptable to set and prioritize work with varying exceptions.

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their application cover letters with a detailed CV, naming at least two professional referees to:

The Manager, Human Resources,
Infectious Diseases Institute Knowledge Center,
Makerere University, Main Campus College of Health Sciences,
P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda

E-mail to: hr@idi.co.ug

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Deadline: 13th June, 2016 by 5:00 PM