Reports to: Cluster Prevention Team Lead

About the Company:

Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is an independently governed institute within the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University and has the mission “To strengthen health systems in Africa, with a strong emphasis on infectious diseases, through research and capacity development.” IDI has operations across Uganda as well as in a number of other African countries and has a staffing of over 1,000 managing multiple projects in research, clinical services, public health and training.

Job Summary:   The Communications Officer will be responsible for creating and disseminating timely, engaging, and targeted content that aligns with the external content strategy to effectively position the Masaka-Wakiso project (MWP) and the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) with key stakeholders. This role involves collaborating with project and programme teams to capture and  communicate progress, results, and lessons learned through various formats such as blogs, press releases, newsletters, and targeted messaging.

The officer will ensure that external content resonates with philanthropic audiences by articulating the impact of our work and community perspectives. The post holder will also support the planning and execution of stakeholder events, enhancing relationships with key partners.

With strong writing and editing skills, the Communications Officer will lead the conceptualization and execution of communications campaigns, proactively amplifying the project messaging. S/he will assess communication effectiveness, recommend strategic adjustments for improved impact, and stay updated on emerging trends to enhance content quality

The role requires close collaboration with the Corporate Communications Specialist and the wider communications team to implement a cohesive content strategy while engaging with networks, partners, and media to broaden both the project and IDI’s reach.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Work closely with the Masaka-Wakiso project technical team on strategic planning, considering project-wide activities to ensure effective positioning for the project.

Lead in the planning, writing and editing of high-quality outputs for all platforms, including blogs, web content, news/press releases, photo stories to highlight the project impact and strengthen IDI’s visibility and brand.

Develop targeted messaging strategies that resonate with diverse audiences, ensuring consistent and impactful communication across various channels.

Provide support to project teams to capture images and stories from programme implementation for donor deliverable outputs or general use, where these align with both donor and IDI content strategies and plans

Conceptualise and execute comprehensive communications campaigns to promote project initiatives and messages effectively.

Lead cross-functional team collaboration to align campaign objectives with project goals, leveraging diverse perspectives and expertise for cohesive execution.

Identify and utilise optimal dissemination channels, including social media, email marketing, press releases, and other platforms, to maximise reach and engagement.

Provide support in the formulation, planning and execution of digital and in-person stakeholder events

Provide editing and proofreading support to the Business Development team as required.

Work with the project technical team to support the production of the project reports and other organisational outputs as required.

Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in  communications to drive innovation and ensure the organisation remains at the forefront of effective engagement

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including writing strategies, long form content, briefing papers, concept notes, use of social media, etc

Strong analytic, strategic thinking, and planning skills

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and thoughtfully with all levels of associates, including senior management, stakeholders and donors

Proven skills in writing, editing, proof reading and research, with excellent attention to detail.

Proven ability to co-ordinate and build good working relationships with teams, fostering open communication, as well as ability to work independently and take initiative.

Familiarity with website content management systems.

Ability to develop productive relationships with external stakeholders

Excellent organisational and time management skills.

Strong skills in using Microsoft Office programmes (especially Word, Powerpoint and Excel).

Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects with conflicting deadlines

Willingness to travel for up to 2 weeks at a time to partner countries