Job Title: Communications and Engagement Officer (KTE)
Organisation: MRC Uganda
Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda
Job Ref: KTE -326
About Organisation:
The Medical Research Council (MRC UK) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts.
Job Summary: The position holder will contribute significantly to the Unit’s goal of making its research accessible, relevant, and impactful by coordinating activities that connect research to policy and public engagement. As a core member and de facto secretary of the Knowledge Exchange, Engagement and Communications Hub (KEECH), the post holder will help build and maintain networks of engaged partners, support the development of research impact case studies, and strengthen institutional systems that promote knowledge exchange, innovation, and measurable research impact. The position requires strong expertise in research impact processes—including planning, evidence tracking, and outcome articulation—alongside proven experience in cultivating cross‑sector partnerships and collaborating closely with research teams to embed a culture that values engagement and impact.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- To Convene monthly KEECH meetings to coordinate with research teams, track ongoing
- KTE activities, and identify opportunities for policy engagement and public outreach;
- Support staff in identifying pathways to research impact by brokering stakeholder relationships and guiding the collection and management of impact evidence;
- Lead and coordinate the development of evidence-based KTE Impact Case Studies for biennial reporting;
- Contribute to building systems, tools, and processes for effective collection, monitoring, evaluation, and understanding of research impact;
- Provide guidance and training to research teams on planning, strengthening, and assessing research impact;
- Coordinate public engagement activities and promote Unit research to key audiences and stakeholders;
- Maintain and update the Unit’s publications list and prepare routine reports for the Senior Science Meeting;
- Collaborate with communications teams across stations to enhance the Unit’s brand reputation and organize publicity events;
- Represent the Unit in communications and engagement networks to strengthen visibility and strategic positioning;
- Manage and expand the Unit’s online presence through effective use of social media platforms;
- Implement targeted communications campaigns around international days;
- Promote research impact through the design and distribution of infographics;
- Support the development of the Unit’s multimedia library by adding and organizing photo/video assets with proper metadata;
- Contribute to the timely production and distribution of the Unit’s quarterly newsletter;
- Support staff capacity building in communications and engagement; and,
- Perform any other duties assigned by the line manager.
- Line Management;
- Supporting the supervision of Communications Assistants as well as staff engaged in community engagement across different sites (via “dotted lines)
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- University degree in Communications or other relevant discipline;
- Post graduate taught qualification in a related discipline;
- Should possess 3-5 years’ experience working in a communications and advocacy role in a fast paced environment;
- Experience of building and maintaining professional networks, partnerships and
- collaborations across different organisations and sectors;
- Experience in public engagement and event planning;
- Good knowledge and understanding of the policy advocacy landscape in Uganda.;
- Understanding of all aspects of Research Impact;
- Good knowledge of how to plan and prepare Impact Case Studies;
- Strong networking and relationship‑building abilities;
- Able to identify opportunities, develop initiatives, and see them through;.
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and standard office tools;
- Good understanding of content development;
- Able to simplify complex research for diverse audiences;
- Strong writing, presentation, and communication skills;
- Basic photography/videography skills;
- Skilled in web writing and use of CMS (e.g., Drupal, WordPress);
- Able to use graphics tools like Adobe Creative Suite;
- Excellent command of English and local languages;
- Interest in public health and neglected tropical diseases;
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities;
- Able to work independently;
- Good at building internal and external relationships;
- Flexible, organised, and able to manage multiple demands;
- Strong influencing and creative thinking skills;and,
- Proactive, outcome‑focused, and professional.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their applications online:
Complete all sections in the online form
Upload your curriculum vitae of maximum 4 pages in the designated area on the form. This CV should be uploaded in Word or PDF format.
Submit your 500 words motivation statement in the designated area in the form. In this statement, please explain why you would like to participate in this project, why you think you are the right person for this, and how you think participating in this project will benefit you and your community.
Deadline: 10th April 2026
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Level of Education: bachelor degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 36