About US:

Mental Health Uganda (MHU), is a local Non-Governmental Organization established by people with a lived experience of mental health problems. It exists to create a unified voice that influences the provision of required services and opportunities, in favour of people with and survivors of mental health problems in Uganda.

About Project:

MHU, will soon start the project “Amplifying the Voices of Young People with Mental Health Issues in Uganda”. The project seeks to address the problem of accessibility to mental health care in the districts of Uganda, particularly for youth by, among other things, establishing a national help line where people with, or caretakers of, people with mental health issues can receive counselling and/or guidance of where to find appropriate help. The project will be implemented in 8 districts across 4 regions i.e. Northern region in Gulu district and Lira district; Central region in Mpigi district and Kampala district; Eastern region in Soroti district and Mbale district; Western region in Mbarara district and Rukungiri district.

Job Summary:

The Communications Officer is responsible for the creation and implementation of communications strategies that further our goals. As MHU expands, we need someone who can promote our brand, interact with the public and establish productive relationships with key stakeholders and policymakers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Coordination of communication and visibility activities

• Collaborate with management to develop and implement an effective communications strategy based on the MHU target audience
• Write, edit, and distribute high-quality compelling content, including publications, press releases, stories, annual reports, speeches, and other marketing material that communicates MHU’s activities, products and/or services
• Regularly update the MHU website and social media platforms
• Perform the function of a Focal Point for contact, communication and visibility for MHU
• Contribute to the strengthening of partnerships with civil society especially within the disability coalition
• Organize operational and high-level events and meetings with representatives of government agencies, partners, private sector, etc. towards the promotion of MHU
• Design, production and dissemination of MHU visibility materials
• Establish and maintain key media contacts and relationships
• Coordinate the publication of the MHU quarterly newsletter or news article.

Capitalization and Reporting

• Compile progress and activity reports as per MHU and or donor requirements
• Compile best practices and lessons learned for MHU and its partners for dissemination and application purposes, using relevant visual aids
• Collect, edit and publish human-interest stories for MHU, the donors and to mark specific moments e.g. for World Mental Health Day, among others.

Advocacy and knowledge sharing

• Take the lead in the roll-out of disability awareness campaigns to promote the good mental wellbeing agenda
• Support knowledge sharing on mental health service provision in local, national and international groups.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The ideal candidate must hold a Degree in Communication, Journalism, Public relations or any other relevant Held;
• At least five years of relevant working experience, preferably in an NGO environment. Previous work with persons with mental disabilities will be a plus.
• Excellent writing, editing and reporting skills
• Experience of communicating project/programme results
• Very strong experience in website management
• A strong appreciation and use of different social media platforms
• Knowledge of mental health issues in Uganda
• Proven photography and videography skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• High level of English, both written and verbal
• Detail-oriented and proactive
• ICT skills in Word, PowerPoint, Graphic Designs, Digital technology, using smartphones, etc.

Desirable:

• People management skills
• Proactive and motivated with a strong commitment to MHU’s vision, mission and values
• Soft skills such as working in a team, working autonomously, etc.

All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send a motivation letter and CV as one PDF document/file of maximum 5 pages via email to [email protected] - subject line is the job title e.g. “Communications Officer".

NB: Do not send academic documents - heavy files containing academic documents or submitted as images and or late applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The Letter must also include the details of 2 suitable referees who can comment on the candidate's ability. Women and Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply including those with a living experience of mental health problems.

Closing Date : 24^th June 2020 by 4:00pm