Communication Manager at Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP), Kampala, Uganda

Job Description

Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is a non-profit biomedical research organization, whose mission is to mitigate disease threats through quality research, health care and disease surveillance. MUWRP was established in 2002 by a Memorandum of Agreement between The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) and Makerere University (Mak) to undertake medical research to test HIV vaccines. Over the years, MUWRP’s portfolio has progressively expanded to include vaccine research for Ebola and Marburg viruses, Emerging Infectious Diseases Program (EIDP) for surveillance of influenza

Vision
• To be a leading biomedical research organization for better health

Mission
• To mitigate disease threats through quality health research, disease surveillance and health systems strengthening.

Institution Pillars
• Research and Surveillance
• Health Systems Strengthening for Service delivery
• Organizational Development
• Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
• Strategic Objectives
• To strengthen and diversify research and surveillance focus within and beyond the current areas .
• To enhance health systems strengthening using research results, global health guidelines and other
• health innovations.
• To improve visibility, and public relations for MUWRP
• To enhance governance, leadership and management of MUWRP
• To mobilize adequate resources for strategy implementation through new and existing partnerships

Core Values
• In pursuit of its mission, MUWRP will be guided by the following values:
• Excellence: MUWRP is committed to high ethical standards in its research and in delivery of its services. Excellence will enhance the quality of MUWRP’s products and services and position the organization in a leading position.
• Integrity: All MUWRP personnel are expected to be truthful, reliable, and accountable for their actions.
• Teamwork: Collective understanding of the strategy, sharing of responsibility and benefits and mutual support to each other in implementation of planned activities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

Oversee organization’s communication and community engagement channels.
Lead planning and management of branding materials.
Maintain consistent communication and branding architecture.
Ensure messaging aligns with brand and reaches the target audience.
Establish internal and external communication protocols.
Coach and assist team members in improving communication skills.
Update communication and visibility strategy.
Integrate communication activities across departments.
Build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Create effective communication and visibility campaigns.
Research for impactful brand experiences and evaluate branding projects.
Mentor and supervise the Communication Department.
Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor/Management.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience 
Minimum 5 years’ in communications, public relations, or a related field in the health sector or a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
Proven experience as a Communications Manager or specialist.
Strong content creation and storytelling skills for various media platforms.
Ability to collaborate with scientific and program leaders.
Exceptional proofing, editing, and research skills with strong attention to detail.
Understanding of project management principles.
Familiarity with photo and video-editing software is a plus.
Excellent organizational and planning abilities.
Proficiency in media relations and building relationships with key stakeholders.

Personal Attributes & physical ability 
Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
Ability to engage and work collaboratively with stakeholders at various levels.
Ability to travel to and work at the Project’s field sites in Fort Portal, Buikwe, Buvuma, Luwero Nakasongola, Mukono and Kayunga.

Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will serve under the immediate supervision of the Deputy Executive Director