The Communications and Engagement Department of the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is responsible for all strategic implementation of the activities and outputs of the Communications & Engagement Department, and providing oversight and guidance of communications across the entire MRCG at LSHTM.

We are looking for a Public Engagement Officer to join the Communications and Engagement Department at Fajara. The post holder will contribute to and guide the operational delivery of MRCG at LSHTM’s public engagement programme – enabling staff and students to build valuable new skills, widen the impact of their research and attract dedicated public engagement funding. This will include, but is not limited to, training development and delivery, preparing internal communications and resources in public engagement, organising public engagement events, and advising on applications for public engagement funding or on public engagement sections of research funding applications.

Essential requirements:

• First degree or equivalent in communications or related field of study with relevant experience in the media.
• Relevant experience in public engagement/science communication; science/health; international development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English with a wide variety of stakeholders and at all levels.
• The ability to present complex information in clear, concise, compelling, and sometimes creative ways.
• Experience of building successful partnerships with external organisations and with colleagues within an institution or workplace.
• Proven experience engaging public audiences with science and/or scientific research.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to coordinate a varied workload, meeting multiple deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Experience managing and/or developing content for internal and external communication channels.
• Strong knowledge of standard office systems and applications, email and digital communication with the ability to adapt to new platforms as required.
• Understanding of the key values and principles underpinning public engagement.
• Understanding of funding mechanisms for university research and public engagement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Proven ability to use initiative and judgement to anticipate potential issues and solve problems.
• High level of personal motivation and flexibility; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to act with diplomacy and tact and display high levels of emotional intelligence.
• Methodical, well organised and accurate.
• Able to manage competing time pressures and projects at the same time.

Desirable:

• Thorough understanding of the global health/global development landscape and alert to both opportunities and potential issues.
• Appreciation of the academic world and the working priorities of researchers.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience in reputation and risk management, and ability to create crisis communication plans and responses.
• Experience of using PhotoShop and InDesign.
   

The salary will be paid in MRCG at LSHTM’s Grade 4, 23 points plus allowances.

We cannot accept applications from individuals who are currently, or were in the last six months, employed by The Gambia Government.

The appointment will be up to 31 March 2027 initially and subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

To apply, please review the job description and application form, and send the application form and any relevant documents to recruitment@mrc.gm.

The closing date for applications is 31 May 2023 - please note only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

MRCG at LSHTM is an equal opportunities employer and operates a strict no smoking policy.