Communication Officer- Public Engagement at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB PURPOSE: 

The post has been developed to promote the ability of the KWTRP to engage and communicate with multiple audiences including Ministry and County Education and Health stakeholders, schools and colleges, the media, health practitioners and the public, on the nature, conduct, results and implications of KWTRP’s research.

Description: 

REPORTS TO:  PI, Nairobi Programme Director and Head of Communication

INDIRECTLY REPORTS TO: Head of Engagement

BUDGET AND RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY: 

• Will have limited role in planning expenditure and managing funds.

JOB DIMENSIONS:

• Participate in the design and planning of stakeholder/public/school /university engagement activities including setting up meetings and identifying resource requirements.
• Ensure smooth implementation of public engagement and communication activities in Nairobi Programme as agreed upon in the Programme engagement and communication work plan.
• Support in the facilitation and expansion of school engagement activities including: on-line school engagement (SEP KEMRI website); “I’m a scientist” on-line engagement platform; and other appropriate Nairobi school engagement approaches identified through 1 and 2 above
• To explore potential opportunities for communication/engagement in Nairobi and beyond, through engagement with key health/education stakeholders, researchers, and members of the public.
• To support the Head of communications in communication activities including, media engagement and liaison for dissemination of research.
• To support the Head of communications in management of communication tools including Website, social media pages in collaboration with the ICT department and research teams:
• Liaise with the Head of Communications, and /or other programme officers working in relevant areas to implement an overarching communication and engagement strategy.
• To develop write-ups as may be required for inclusion in/ to support proposals, posters, presentations/seminars, IEC materials and publications.
• To develop digital content for engagement activities including photography, videos, infographics, e-newsletters, Information briefs etc.
• Participate in tracking use of project funds/ grants through the monitoring, review and preparation of field expense reports, tracking of study expenses etc.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports as required including activity reports, project progress reports, short videos etc.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in the design and implementation of new community/public/school/university engagement and communication activities.
• Engaging with health and education stakeholders in the implementation of engagement/communication activities
• To implement KWTRP school and university engagement activities
• To keep KWTRP website updated with KWTRP Nairobi updates
• To support media liaison/communication and policy engagement where required
• To prepare/draft write-ups as may be required for inclusion in/ to support proposals, posters, presentations/seminars, IEC materials and publications.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCE:

• A degree in a relevant discipline (communications/ journalism/Public Relations/ Social science / health / Community Development)
• Experience in desktop publishing software (Correl Draw, Canva, Adobe suite, etc.)
• At least 3 years’ experience in public engagement/communication/development
• Experience of creating and implementing engagement/communication plans and activities in a busy organization
• Experience of preparing visual content for scientific/health communication media (e.g. websites, video, magazines, policy briefs, newspaper articles etc.) in a variety of styles to suit different audiences.
• Excellent familiarity with modern and best practice approaches to communication, knowledge exchange and information management
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications

COMPETENCIES:

• Good inter-personal skills and ability to network, build and maintain strong relationships.
• ICT skills including familiarity with Website CMS
• Excellent presentation skills (use of PowerPoint or other media including video), excellent quality of written work in English.
• Ability to work with limited supervision to meet deadlines.