Communications Assistant At INFECTIOUS DISEASES INSTITUTE

Communications Assistant

Uganda * Full-time

INFECTIOUS DISEASES INSTITUTE

Communications Total Positions: 01 Location: Uganda Full-time Salary: not mentioned Posted 8 months ago

General Summary

The communications assistant will be responsible for translating complex scientific research into accessible, engaging content that showcases the innovative work of the African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences Uganda(ACE-Uganda). This position addresses a critical need to effectively communicate our research findings, methodologies, and impact to diverse audiences including funders, policymakers, the scientific community, and the general public. The successful candidate will be a skilled writer and designer with natural curiosity about scientific research, capable of transforming technical content into compelling narratives through reports, newsletters, press releases, posters, and visual materials. This role requires someone who can ask the right questions to understand complex research, identify newsworthy developments, and create professional communications materials that enhance the project’s visibility and impact. The ideal candidate combines strong writing and design abilities.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Write clear, engaging summaries of research findings for both technical and non-technical audiences
Draft press releases highlighting project milestones, breakthroughs, and publications
Develop content for newsletters showcasing project progress, team achievements, and research impact
Write and edit project reports, including progress reports for funders and technical summaries
Craft social media content to promote project activities and findings
Edit and proofread scientific communications to ensure clarity and accuracy
Develop FAQs and explainer documents for complex research concepts
Design visually appealing reports, newsletters, and scientific posters and infographics and promotional branded materials including flyers, brochures
Create presentation templates and slide decks for the research team
Create digital assets for web and social media platforms
Attend project meetings and scientific presentations to identify communication opportunities
Interview researchers to understand their work and extract key messages
Organize and maintain a repository of project communications materials
Develop and maintain a project photo and image library
Assist with organizing dissemination events, workshops, and conferences

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Bachelor of Journalism and Communication
Bachelor of Mass Communication
Bachelor of Visual Communication, Design & Multimedia

Person Specification

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Science Communication, Public Relations, Visual Communication, Design & Multimedia, Graphic Design, Marketing, or a related field
Minimum 2 years of experience in communications, science writing, or related field

Skills:

Exceptional writing skills with ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences
Strong editing and proofreading abilities
Ability to translate complex technical information into clear, engaging content
Experience writing for multiple formats (reports, newsletters, press releases, web content)
Excellent command of English grammar and style

Proficiency in graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
Experience designing reports, presentations, and promotional materials
Strong visual design sense with understanding of layout, typography, and color
Experience with presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote, Canva)

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Good time management
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Person Attributes:

Ability to listen actively and extract key information from technical discussions
Strong interpersonal skills for working with scientists and researchers
Self-motivated with ability to identify communication opportunities independently
Creative thinker who can develop innovative approaches to storytelling
Proactive and takes initiative in identifying and addressing communication needs
Comfortable working in a research environment
Collaborative team player who values diverse perspectives
Commitment to accuracy and representing research findings faithfully
Ability to support multiple projects and meet deadlines
Professional demeanor with strong work ethic

CLICK HERE TO APPLY