Job Description

Africa Health Research Institute seeks to appoint a well-seasoned senior communications and engagement officer to join the Population Science & Advancement departments. The incumbent will undertake communication and focused public / stakeholder engagement activities to support the implementation of climate and health research at AHRI. This would include developing, implementing, and coordinating a wide range of internal and external communication activities, content, and events in support of the climate and health strategy. The incumbent will build and maintain relationships; and liaise with multisectoral stakeholders from different government ministries, civil society, communities, and researchers within and outside South Africa. The role will also include engaging communities to participate in research, facilitating workshops, and supporting the dissemination of study results to community members, policy makers and key stakeholders.Our ideal candidate will have knowledge of and an interest in climate and health research. They will have expertise in stakeholder / public engagement, communication platforms and tactics to promote scientific research, and interventions for the health and well-being of communities. They would be a team player, able to function with minimal supervision and work well in a diverse and innovative academic context. This post will be primarily based in Durban with frequent visits to the AHRI-Somkhele campus.Overview of duties

• Engage with and build relationships with multisectoral stakeholders - including government ministries, civil society organisations, media, internal stakeholders, external researchers - around climate and health.
• Prepare, educate, and empower local communities to participate in climate and health related studies, and advocate for behaviour change.
• Facilitate workshops involving community members and other stakeholders.
• In partnership with the AHRI public engagement and advocacy team, develop and maintain local community relationships.
• In partnership with the AHRI communications team, develop and maintain media relationships.
• Represent AHRI in the climate and health online network coordinated by Wellcome Trust and Dalberg, and other networks as may be determined from time-to-time.
• Produce, adapt and translate a range of communications materials, including website stories, social media content, newsletter copy, press statements and other print and digital communication materials related to climate and health.
• Conceptualise briefs, and brief designers and other service providers for the development of information, educational and communication (IEC) materials.
• Capture and edit photos and video content for social media and other applications.
• Content and logistical support for media-related activities
• Ensure that key messages and complex scientific concepts are shaped consistently and clearly for public audiences.
• Oversea the creation, maintenance and update of the climate and health website
• Support dissemination of study results using various formats and channels
• Perform language control in document translation.

1. Undergraduate degree or equivalent diploma in media, public relations, communication, or a related field.Minimum experience1. A minimum of five years of community and stakeholder engagement, communications and media experience2. Demonstrable experience of working effectively with different external stakeholders - including community members, civil society, government departments, including policy makers - and across different internal departments3. Experience of designing and implementing impactful social and traditional media campaigns to reach a variety of audiencesClosing date for applications: 26 May 2024Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the applications closing date.

Africa Health Research Institute