Community Liaison officer Job at Kemri Wellcome Trust Kenya

Reference Number: CLO-6-2015

Category: Media, Communications and PR

Location: Kilifi

Country: Kenya

Summary:

Overall, the post holder is responsible for maintaining and strengthening relations between the community in Kilifi study areas, including residents, representatives, specialized groups and leaders,
and members of the Epidemiology and Demography Department at the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi. The roles will be undertaken in collaboration with the Programme Community Liaison Group (CLG) and the wider local and external programme communication.

REPORTING LINES:
Reports to the Department Manager

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.Supporting the development of strategic plans for community engagement for HDSS and department projects and activities, with inputs from CLG/CAST groups where required

2.Coordinating community engagement activities for HDSS and department projects within those of wider Programme by attending regular CLG planning/feedback meetings

3.Managing initial and ongoing community consultation activities e.g. to assess community responses to research and include community views in planning activities, to seek advice on resolving any issues or adapting activities.

4.Managing implementation of community engagement activities, including monitoring and reporting (quarterly and annual) on activities.

5.Selection, initial and ongoing training, and support supervision of HDSS and project staff involved in community engagement, particularly field workers responsible for informed consent and collection of data/samples

6.Coordinating and managing field logistics for various studies in the Department.

7.Assisting development of print and other communication materials, including information sheets for participants and materials for community members in support of HDSS and department projects or the research programme overall (as requested by CLG

8.Maintaining a repository/database of all such communication materials.

9. Ensuring that research and work undertaken by the HDSS and the ED Department includes appropriate types and levels of community engagement, covering the following areas:

i) Building understanding and awareness of medical research, the KEMRI Wellcome Research Programme, and project specific aims and activities;

ii) Consultation with the community on study specific goals and activities;

iii) Managing project-based community interactions, including responses to community questions and issues;

iv) Building department staff capacity for communication of health research;

v) Coordinating field logistics for studies;

vi) Managing research feedback to communities at the end of projects, where appropriate;

vii) Coordinate departmental news for the programme;

viii) EDD point contact for programme-wide events.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCE:

Qualifications, skills and Experience:
1.A degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Project Planning and Management or equivalent;

2.At least 3 years of relevant experience in community relations, field operations and logistics coordination in a busy organization;

3.Excellent familiarity with and experience in processes and systems for field projects coordination;

4.Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications.

Competencies:
1.Ability to network and build and maintain strong relationships with community members/leaders, research staff, local media and other key stakeholders such as MoH;

2.Proactive, innovative, attentive to detail and creative;

3.Strong interpersonal and communication skills;

4.Strong planning and organization skills;

5.Team working and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;

6.Good leadership skills with ability to handle crisis, solve problems and resolve conflicts;

7.Ability to work under pressure, work independently and to supervise a team.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
To apply for this post you must be a registered user. Log into your account then go to Vacancies, view the post and click on the button: Apply for this job.

All applicants are required to attach their updated CVs, Cover letter and state their current/last gross salary.

Candidates must supply an email and telephone contact that will be used when offering interviews. The application closing date is 13th July 2015. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is an equal opportunity employer. Direct or indirect canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. KWTRP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees) Click HERE to Apply