Health Communication Specialist at University of Nairobi

Position Responsibilities

• Create a comprehensive communication plan for CEMA that aligns with its overall goals and outlines the Center’s messaging, target audiences, goals, and methods for communication to ensure that communication is consistent, effective, and impactful
• Work with the researchers at CEMA to identify key messages and target audiences for health research data and develop clear and creative ways of presenting the Center’s research findings
• Collaborate with CEMA researchers to explore research topics, employ statistical and analytical tools to uncover trends, patterns, and develop data driven stories
• Work with CEMA researchers to translate complex scientific data into plain language for lay audiences, ensuring that the findings are accessible to non-experts without losing essential information
• Design visuals (collate, analyze and visualize data) to extract valuable insights (graphs, infographics) to present research data to various audiences in a creative and compleling
• Engage with journalists, bloggers, and media outlets to ensure accurate and responsible reporting on health research findings
• Assess the effectiveness of communication strategies through surveys, focus groups, or media analysis
• Lead communication initiatives with CEMA stakeholders
• Engage in continuous learning that enhances capabilities in data journalism
• Maintaining and updating the CEMA website regularly to ensure all information is current and accurate
• Providing guidance and supervision to communication interns supporting day-to-day communications activities

Position Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Health Communication, Mass Communication, Journalism, Arts, Economics, Public Health, Social Science or Behavioral Sciences
• Masters degree in Communication, Health Communication, Public Health, Data Science or a quantitative subject
• At least 5 years of professional experience in health communication, including roles in public health, health education, or communication within healthcare settings
• Demonstrated ability to refine complex scientific data into understandable and compelling material
• Demonstrated experience with media engagement, including handling media inquiries, preparing press materials, and using social media platforms for health communication
• Proficiency in using various media channels (social media, print, broadcast) to reach target audiences
• Knowledge of design tools like Canva, Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong writting and communication skills
• Ability to work closely with researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members to ensure effective knowledge transfer
• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods related to health, good knowledge of spreadsheet software, SQL, Python or R will be an added advantage