Vacancy title:
Communication and Public Relations Officer

Jobs at:
Rakai health Sciences Program

Deadline of this Job:
not later than 12th May, 2017, 5:00pm

Duty Station:
Uganda

Job details:
Rakai Health Sciences Program is a collaborative Bio-medical research and service delivery organization. It strives to improve the quality of life of the local population through a combination of community based research, curative services and prevention strategies in the district of Rakai, South Western Uganda. it is based at the Uganda Virus Research Institute - Entebbe and Kalisizo in Rakai District.

The Program is seeking to strengthen its staffing position in order to efficiently execute its research and service activities at a Regional Level. Applications are therefore invited from qualified and competent Ugandans to fill vacant positions based at RAKAI HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAM
- Kalisizo, Rakai district as indicated below:

Communications and Public Relations Officer (1 Position - One year Contract) Renewable
Reporting to: Director Finance and Administration
Location: Kalisizo — Rakai

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate RHSP’s Public relations working closely with the media, civil society, District leaderships (Political, Cultural, Religious leaders) and other relevant institutions and international partners.
  
• Design, structure and lead implementation of a comprehensive and customised communication strategy for all relevant stakeholders in accordance with their profiles.
  
• Devise ways to enhance visibility of RHSP amongst various kinds of public stakeholders in accordance with its positioning, including in print and electronic media.
  
• Conceive, manage and write content for internal communications and digital-online platforms, such as key messages, news releases, statements, change communications, media kit content, bios.
  
• Recommend, implement and maintain website design, website content and operation, in coordination with the IT team.
  
• Design and prepare a periodic newsletter for RHSP.
  
• Actively engage through RHSP’s social media platforms.
  
• Responsible for writing and managing blogs.
  
• Develop ideas for outreach and promotional materials like brochures, banners, goodies etc. for RHSP activities like conferences, events, roundtables etc.
  
• Copyedit, proofread, and revise communication brochures, agendas etc.
  
• Act as Events Coordinator and communicate information about programmes, events and sponsorships to internal and external audiences.
  
• Prepare agendas and other communication related material for the events.
  
• Promote RHSP activities through public relations initiatives.
  
• Brainstorm new and innovative ways to communicate regarding RHSP’s work, research & events.
  
• Create and deliver press releases, media relations content, newsletter content, and social media content.
  
• Conduct extensive media outreach for RHSP.
  
• identify, develop and execute communications strategy for key media contacts.
  
• Coordinate conference, events and press interviews.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Master’s or higher degree in Business Communications, Public Relations or Journalism or a Professional Qualification in Marketing
  
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Corporate Communications, Public Relations, Business Communications or Journalism
  
• Possesses problem solving skills
  
• able to deal with ambiguity and uncertainties
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  
• Strong strategic thinker
  
• individual possesses a sense of mission and can portray an image of the desired end state that inspires action.

The applicants should have the;

• Ability to see the big picture and understand how to translate it into action and results.
  
• Ability and willingness to work in a dynamic and fluid environment
  
• Strong drive and initiative, a self-starter
  
• Strong willingness to learn and have an open, inquiring mind
  
• Skills in managing new technologies and media platforms
  
• Willingness to show initiative in order to handle unforeseen problems
  
• Superior analytical abilities, effective oral and written communication skills
  
• Strong interpersonal skills with confidence to engage with senior officials
  
• Recognized as a team player with enthusiasm to create a dynamic and exciting work environment
  
• Ability to be Flexible towards long work hours, especially when major deadlines and events are approaching
  
• Ability to work with people of different cultures and nationalities
  
• Ability to speak another foreign language other than English is desirable

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The ideal candidate for the Human Resource _ Manager vacancy should hold a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management or industrial and Organizational Psychology, or Social Sciences or Business Administration (Human Resource Management option). Masters in Human Resource Management.
  
• Membership of the Human Resource Managers‘ Association of Uganda will be an added advantage.
  
• The applicant should have at least five years of proven human resource managerial work experience in recognized institutions including the local government sector.
  
• The ideal candidate should be a Ugandan citizen with broad knowledge and understanding of the Uganda employment legal and statutory framework.

Person specifications:

• Pleasant, social, flexible, with good interpersonal skills and a spirit of team building/work
  
• Problem Solving skills
  
• Counseling Skills
  
• Decision Making Skills
  
• Ability to plan ahead
  
• Sensitivity to different personalities, characters and behaviors/cultures
  
• Ability to work in remote areas
  
• Good oral and written communication and report writing skills

Job application procedure
Only qualified applicants should submit their application letter, valid academic documents and detailed resume (C.V) with three recognizable referees not later than 12th May, 2017, 5:00pm to:

The Human Resource Manager
Rakai Health Sciences Program,
P.O. Box 279, KALISIZO Or
Send by email: jobs@rhsp.org