Communications Officer : The African Mental Health Research Initiative (AMARI)
Media, Pr & Communication, Graphic Design Jobs
- University of Zimbabwe - UZ
- Expires 31 Mar 2025
- Harare
- Full Time
Job Description
Mental Health Research Initiative (AMARI): Communications Officer
Organization Profile: The African Mental Health Research Initiative (AMARI) is a mental health research capacity
building programme launched in 2015 to build an Africa-led network of future leaders in mental, neurological and
substance use (MNS) research. AMARI is implementing its second phase, AMARI-II (2023 - 2027) with funding
support from the second phase of the Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training, and Science in Africa (DELTAS
Africa), a programme of the Science for Africa Foundation being implemented with support from Wellcome and the
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). AMARI is a programme under the University of
Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Research Management Unit.
Position Information
Job Title Communications Officer
Duration 12 months (renewable-pending availability of funds)
Start Date 1 May 2025
Full-time/part-time Full-time, 100%
Location Harare, Zimbabwe
Deadline 31st March 2025, 17:00 CAT
Job Description
The Communications Officer position is a 1-year contract (renewable-pending availability of funds), responsible for
executing communication and dissemination activities for a multi-country collaborative consortium that builds capacity
of African mental health researchers. This role involves creating and implementing effective communication
strategies, developing informative materials, and crafting compelling stories that highlight the initiative and the
science it supports, with a strong emphasis on documenting and demonstrating its impact. The Communications
Officer will report to the Programme Manager to ensure that all partner institutions are well-supported in
communication-related activities for the initiative. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator with a
background in science communication or journalism and is innovative, energetic, and has a solution-oriented
approach to their work.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Strategy Development and Implementation
• Develop and execute a communications plan and annual workplans that align with the overall goals of the
initiative.
• Identify key messages, target audiences, and the most effective channels for dissemination.
• Regularly evaluate and adjust strategies based on performance metrics, feedback, and changing
circumstances to ensure the continued effectiveness and relevance of communication efforts.
• Ensure all programmatic content and events are in line with organizational branding guidelines.
Showcasing Impact and Content Development
• Package and promote evidence generated by the initiative and consortium across internal and external
channels, including to funding partners.
• Play a critical role in shaping how AMARI tells its story and that of the initiative's impact journey.
• Support the development of and develop case studies, thought leadership pieces and blogs from fellows,
and programmatic staff, for publication on the website and elsewhere.
• Ensure consistent and coherent messaging across all channels and stakeholders.
Supporting Events
• Organize and manage communication aspects of events, workshops, and conferences related to the
initiative.
• Provide communication support to ensure the success of events and their alignment with broader strategic
goals.
• Develop and maintain an annual events calendar for the programme ensuring the team is kept up to date of
upcoming events and can plan accordingly.
Advocacy and Funder Engagement
• Support the implementation of advocacy strategies to raise the profile of the initiative among key
stakeholders, including policymakers, funders, and the broader scientific community.
• Support the programme team’s engagement with funders to communicate the impact and success of the
initiative, fostering strong relationships and securing ongoing support.
• Support the programmes team in preparing reports by providing editorial oversight and contributing
communications content for the funder’s report.
Advocacy for Science Communication and
Knowledge Contribution
• Champion the importance of science communication within the consortium and among funders.
• Actively contribute to the advancement of the science communication field by sharing insights, best practices, and innovative approaches and engaging in thought leadership activities such as writing articles
and collaborating with other science communication professionals to enhance the visibility and impact of the
initiative.
Reporting and Budgeting
• Develop and manage communication budgets and workplans, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Prepare regular reports on communication activities, outcomes, and impact for internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications and Experience
Any other duties assigned by the Programme Manager.
Qualifications and Experience
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• A minimum of two years of professional experience in communications, preferably within science, research,
or non-profit sectors.
• Proven ability to develop and execute communication strategies that align with project or organizational
goals and effectively promote scientific initiatives.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to produce high-quality content for various platforms,
including web, social media, and print.
• Proficiency in advocacy, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders, including funders,
policymakers, and the scientific community.
• Experience in managing media relations, including building relationships with journalists and securing media
coverage for scientific initiatives.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets
simultaneously.
• Proficient in using digital tools and platforms for communication, including social media management,
website content management systems, and multimedia production.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with diverse
stakeholders.
• Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Internet search skills and ability to learn new
applications quickly.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign preferred.
• Proficiency in English is required.
How to Apply
Eligible and interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and CV (as 1 document) addressed to the
Programme Manager at the following email address amariconsortium@gmail.com cc rscsacoreoffice@gmail.com or
hard copies can be submitted to the Research Management Unit, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Medicine and
Health Sciences.
Applications close 31st March 2025
NB: only short-listed candidates invited to interview will be contact
