Reports to Head-Business Development. The incumbent supports the sustainability of CIDRZ, overseeing and leading the CIDRZ Communication Department. This role will also support the development and spearhead the implementation of the organizations knowledge management strategy, establishing communities of practice that they will be responsible for supporting and reporting on to the Head of Business Development/Strategy and Chief Scientific Officer. This role will also be expected to raise the profile and awareness of CIDRZ through strategic marketing through appropriate social media platforms and engagement of key stakeholders.

Main duties

• Oversees the CIDRZ communication department staff and communication department daily activities
• Develops and guides CIDRZ Marketing Strategy including a comprehensive social media strategy
• Implements and reports on CIDRZ Marketing strategy, attaining identified key performance indicators
• Reports on activities under the Marketing strategy to the Head of department for tracking and monitoring
• Effectively supports development and implementation of organisational and programme-specific internal and external communications strategies, plans, policies, directories, templates and tools
• Accurately adheres to logo branding and communications restrictions
• Effectively facilitates cooperative media outreach and relations; functions as media point person; writes press releases and other documents; prepares media briefings, and arranges interviews, tours and events
• Efficiently leads in preparation and execution of high-profile visitor events and conferences
• Supervises and mentors the Communications Officers
• Effectively liaises with relevant CIDRZ departments to facilitate smooth functioning and collaborative communications
• Performs thorough daily media monitoring to identify risks and opportunities to CIDRZ
• Effectively leads in departmental strategic planning, and budget management
• Supports the development of the knowledge management (KM) strategy
• Coordinates the implementation of the KM strategy, supporting identified communities of practice. This may include facilitating workshops, informal interactions,
• Reports on activities under the KM strategy to the CSO and Head of department for tracking and monitoring
• Co-ordinates and manage central institutional capacity documents
• Supports Annual Reports to ensure correct and aligned reporting of programs and focus is in line with our future strategy
• Develops an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of potential local and international partners and builds strong and trusting relationships.
• Effectively supports fundraising activities, including preparation of supporting documents, maintenance of funder database, facilitating events, mail-outs, film-making, and other identified activities

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Public Health/Communications or other relevant field
• Demonstrated impeccable English skills including writing and grammar. A writing sample will be requested during the interview process.
• At least 5 years’ relevant work experience in proposal development, with experience leading proposal development from cradle to award.
• Good marketing and business development skills
• Excellent networks within the Non-Governmental and Development Finance Sectors will be an advantage