MRC UNIT, THE GAMBIA

JOB DESCRIPTION

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

1.Job title:Head of Communications

  1. Introduction:

Established in 1947, the Medical Research Council in The Gambia has an international reputation for ground-breaking research into some of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the tropics. MRC Unit, The Gambia’s research is focused on addressing the health priorities of The Gambia, the West African sub-region and the developing world. The Unit’s business model is based on the assumption of externally funded science supported by MRC UK core-funded infrastructure.

Achievements include a large trial showing the efficacy of Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine in The Gambia and the subsequent near elimination of the disease; pioneering studies of the impact of insecticide treated bed nets as a preventive measure against malaria leading up to their worldwide use; studies demonstrating the impact of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines on pneumonia and child mortality; and the demonstration of a dramatic reduction in the carriage of Hepatitis B in The Gambia due to the effects of vaccination.

The Unit’s mission includes, among other things, to address health issues of priority across the developing world by strengthening partnerships and engagement with a range of stakeholders including the people and the Government of The Gambia and the sub-region, funding partners and research collaborators.

  1. Grade:

Grade 1 – 40 points.

  1. Purpose of Job:

To lead the development and implementationof a communications strategy for MRC Unit, The Gambia and to enhance the Unit’s reputation and profile within The Gambia and the sub-region.

  1. Key Responsibilities:

Develop a communications strategy with clear objectives and evaluation mechanisms which is fit for purpose and has the support of the unit’s director and Senior Leadership team.

Take responsibility for managing and delivering a suite of communication channels and events which target audiences that are important to the unit. These channels include, but are not limited to, the following:

The Unit’s newsletter: ‘Tama’ is a digest of news stories and includes articles about projects, visiting scientists, funding initiatives, new appointments and science support. It is disseminated via the intranet, external website and in hard copy formatto all the MRC’s stakeholders.

The Unit’s Website:The Unit’s electronic external face is currently designed and managed in-house, and contains news stories, project synopses, staff profiles and information about the supporting infrastructure of MRC Unit, The Gambia.

Corporate events: Lead the planning and implementation of events including open days, open seminars, corporate level conferences and meetings; in house scientific and ‘open house’ seminars for the public.

Internal communication:Provide and promote mechanisms for two way communication within the Unit, recognising the heterogeneity of the workforce, through Sharepoint.

Branding: Monitor and advise on all aspects of the use of the MRC Gambia Unit’s brand (including logo, stationery templates, signage and colour palette), and take appropriate action to correct misuse.

Print production: Work with the Digital Production Manager to ensure quality of formatting and printing of scientific posters for international meetings, brochures and reports is sustained at the highest level.

Public engagement: Work with project leaders to articulate their public engagement and science dissemination work plans. Advise on public engagement work plans in the grant writing process.

Community engagement: Promote dialogue with communities through the Community Relations Office (including planning of community sensitisation activities; participation in field worker training) and create and promote opportunities for school students to interact with MRC Researchers through Open Days.

The Gambia Government: Promote dialogue betweenMRC Unit, The Gambia and the Ministry of Health through meetings and participation in joint programmes (eg World TB Day).

Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop, implement and monitor key performanceindicators that are aligned with the Unit’s vision and mission, and which will allow the evaluation of the objectives set out in the Unit Communication Strategy. (Metrics for evaluation will include web site monitoring; newsletter circulation and feedback; news items in the local and international media; community outreach activities.)

The post holder is expected to work with a minimum level of direct supervision and

must be able to plan and prioritise the workload.

Undertake all work strictly following the relevant safety rules and regulations as laid down in the MRC Safety Manual.

  1. Relationships:
  1. The post-holder will report to the Unit Director, Professor Umberto D’Alessandro.
  2. The Director of Operations is Mr Joan Vives Tomas.
  3. The post-holder is a full-time member of the MRC staff.

7.Length of appointment:

The appointment is for 3 years and is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

8.Appraisals:

Appraisals are held at least annually.

9.Other:

To perform any other duties consistent with the remit of the post.

JOB DESCRIPTION

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

Essential

Honours degree in Communications, English, Management or other relevant subject(s).

Significant experience in the communications field.

Demonstrable passion for public engagement with science

Initiative

Goal oriented

Proven expertise in writing, editing and proof reading

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to deliver projects on time and on budget.

Eye for detail

Experience of supervising staff

Excellent IT skills

Experience of working in developing countries.

Desirable

Knowledge of Gambian current affairs, culture and health behaviour

Fluent in French and local language(s).