Overview

Job Description

Introduction 

The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) (http://www.mlw.mw) is an internationally recognised centre for research and research training, affiliated to the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). MLW has 2 aims, to conduct excellent research to benefit health and train the next generation of researchers and leaders. Our Blantyre-based offices located within the vicinity of the largest hospital in Malawi, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) provide for the optimum research environment.

MLW’s Communications and Public Engagement Department aims to interpret and communicate the research conducted by MLW to strengthen internal and external communications. Led by the Communications and Public Engagement Manager, the department combines communications functions and public engagement initiatives to raise the profile of MLW as an institution of scientific excellence in Malawi. The Communications Coordinator will strategically support internal and external communications and engagement activities, driving the core functions of the department.

The role entails coordinating internal communication activities such as organizing staff forums, managing the intranet and internal newsletter, and overseeing internal screen displays. External communication responsibilities include managing website content, producing reports, overseeing social media presence, and managing branding and publicity. Additionally, the position involves coordinating special projects like the Umoyo N’kukambirana Radio Programme and supporting the Science for All project. Key competencies include experience with social media platforms and Adobe Creative Suite, enthusiasm, creativity, excellent writing skills, strong interpersonal skills, and financial decision-making abilities.

Job Summary 

MLW’s Communications and Public Engagement Department aims to interpret and communicate the research that MLW conducts in order to strengthen and enhance multidirectional internal and external communications by researchers and stakeholders. Led by the Communications and Public Engagement Manager, the Department combines communications functions and public engagement initiatives and efforts to raise the profile of MLW as an institution of scientific excellence with an impact on national health in Malawi. The department has four core functions:

  1. Community and Public engagement in science
  2. Internal Communications
  3. External Communications and Media
  4. Science Communication

The Communications and Policy Coordinators role is to strategically support internal and external communications and engagement. The Coordinator will drive some of the core internal and external communications activities and special projects to uphold the MLW brand presence.

Responsibilities

The major duties and tasks of the Coordinator are:

  1. Internal Communication

Staff Forum

  • Organize quarterly staff forums in liaison with different departments
  • Document minutes from the staff forum and disseminate them internally via existing internal communications systems.

Intranet

  • Produce content for the intranet in liaison with groups and HOD’s
  • Liaise with IT to ensure that there are regular updates on the intranet and outdated information is removed
  • Monitor intranet usage by producing monthly performance reports

The Newsletter

  • Plan, design and produce MLW’s monthly internal newsletter.
  • Solicit content for the newsletter from research studies and departments within MLW
  • Ensure timely and effective circulation of the monthly newsletter

Internal Screen Displays

  • Solicit and develop content for display on the MLW screens i.e., videos, photos, posters, and fliers of various events from operations and study teams. Ensure that outdated content is removed in a timely manner.
  • Manage the display screens and other related equipment in MLW buildings. Report any IT related faults to the IT department in a timely manner to ensure that screens remain in good working order.
  1. External Communication

Website Management

  • Management of the website content ensuring that it is up to up to date i.e., stories, vacancies, information on departments and groups is up to date.
  • Ensure optimal functionality of the website i.e., pages are functional, glitches are spotted, reported and corrected.
  • Monitor Website visits and produce quarterly performance reports

 Reports

  • Provide support to the production of the MLW annual report i.e., taking group photos, working with group administrators to take, select and file study progress photos throughout the year.
  • Ensure timely and effective printing and circulation of annual reports.

Social Media

  • Manage MLWs presence on social media platforms by developing and implementing social media plans.
  • Working with others in the department and in study projects to create content for social media such as high-quality photos and videos.

Branding and Publicity 

  • Manage the MLW brand, as a brand steward this will include, monitoring of logos, letterheads, posters, publicity materials etc to ensure consistent and appropriate use of the brand.
  • Orient newly recruited staff on the MLW branding guidelines and conduct refresher orientations for existing staff on the MLW brand guidelines
  • In liaison with supply chain and stores, sign off on all produced branded materials  to ensure appropriate and consistent use of the brand
  • Develop various multimedia content to publicize MLW work and impact i.e. films, audios, story articles etc

3.Special Projects and initiatives

Umoyo N’kukambirana Radio Programme

  • Working with the Radio Programme producer to plan and deliver programme episodes on a weekly basis i.e., identify speakers from within MLW and topics, develop scripts and conduct presenter briefings.
  • Interact with community radio listening clubs, obtain feedback about the programme and support the clubs with their activities as related to the programme
  • Monitor the programme sms feedback line

Science for all project

  • Attend science for all weekly team meetings and provide coordination assistance
  • Provide communications support in the planning and delivery of science for all activities

Requirements

D         KEY COMPENTENCIES/ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS

  • Bachelors Degree in Communications or Bachelors Degree in Journalism.
  • Experience and skill in use of social media platforms
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) is a plus
  • Enthusiastic and self-starting individual with ability to learn and innovate
  • Creative with an eye for good design; on the cutting edge of emerging media trends and technologies
  • Excellent writing abilities
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including public speaking
  • Team spirit and ability to collaborate and share tasks

F          Financial decisions required in this job (e.g., budgets, expenditures, petty cash etc.)

  • Budget preparation for activities
  • Budget expenditure for specific activities

 Health and Safety

  • Attend all Health and Safety training
  • Observe all health and Safety rules and regulations as stipulated by MLW.

All staff is employed under the MLW Programme and are ultimately responsible to the Programme whether directly employed under the Core Grant, a Research Fellowship or project grant. All staff is expected to be flexible and may be required to contribute to the activities of the Core Programme or another project(s).

MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.

Mode of application and Requirements

  • copies of relevant certificates,
  • a detailed CV with 3 contactable referees
  • All documents should be sent in the applicant’s names as one (1) pdf file.
  • Please indicate the position title (Communication Coordinator) as the heading of the email.

To vacancies@mlw.mw not later than 3rd May 2024.

Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.