Communications Consultant

Position Summary

The Communications Consultant will shape and deliver strategic communication efforts that raise the Institute’s profile, strengthen its reputation, and deepen engagement with key stakeholders. The position plays a central role in sharing scientific research, public health information, biomedical innovations, institutional milestones, and technology-led solutions across internal and external channels.

The consultant will collaborate with researchers, scientists, healthcare professionals, development partners, government bodies, donors, media outlets, and community groups to ensure communications are accurate, timely, and impactful in support of the Institute’s mission.

Strategic Communications

• Create and roll out communication approaches that support the Institute’s strategic goals.
• Develop yearly communication and public engagement plans.
• Provide leadership with guidance on communication priorities and reputation protection.
• Strengthen the Institute’s brand visibility locally and globally.

Scientific Communication

• Convert technical scientific and biomedical content into clear, accessible material for varied audiences.
• Prepare research briefs, policy notes, fact sheets, newsletters, and technical write-ups.
• Assist in sharing research results with policymakers, health professionals, partners, and the wider public.

Media Relations

• Develop and sustain strong working relationships with journalists and media houses.
• Write press releases, media updates, speeches, and interview preparation notes.
• Organize press briefings and media-related events.
• Track media coverage and compile reports on media performance.

Digital Communications

• Oversee the Institute’s website and online communication channels.
• Produce compelling content for social media platforms.
• Create multimedia assets such as videos, graphics, infographics, and podcasts.
• Review digital engagement data and suggest ways to improve performance.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Improve communication with ministries, research bodies, universities, donors, healthcare institutions, NGOs, and international collaborators.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings, public outreach activities, and awareness initiatives.
• Support advocacy and sensitization campaigns related to health, biomedical science, and emerging technologies.

Publications and Content Development

• Prepare annual reports, institutional profiles, brochures, newsletters, magazines, and promotional materials.
• Maintain consistency in branding, messaging, and editorial standards.
• Keep an organized library of communication assets and success stories.

Event Communication

• Plan and manage communication support for conferences, workshops, seminars, product launches, scientific exhibitions, and community outreach events.
• Develop event communication content, presentations, and media kits.

Crisis Communication

• Design crisis communication plans and response procedures.
• Assist leadership during urgent or sensitive communication situations.
• Monitor possible communication risks and propose mitigation actions.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Assess how effective communication strategies are in practice.
• Track media mentions, stakeholder participation, website traffic, and social media results.
• Prepare regular performance reports with suggestions for ongoing improvement.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Mass Communication, Health Communication, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Marketing, or a closely related discipline is required.
• Extra training or certification in Digital Communications, Strategic Communication, Science Communication, or Public Relations will be considered an added advantage.

Experience

• At least 5 to 8 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, ideally in healthcare, biomedical research, public health, science, technology, academia, or international development.
• Proven ability to communicate scientific or technical topics to different audiences.
• Experience managing digital platforms and handling media relations.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong written and spoken communication skills.
• Excellent science writing and editing ability.
• Ability to present complex biomedical and scientific ideas in simple language.
• Experience in media relations and public affairs.
• Capability in digital marketing and social media management.
• Familiarity with website content management systems.
• Competence in graphic design and multimedia production.
• Photography and video production skills are beneficial.
• Understanding of communication analytics and reporting tools.
• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal abilities.
• Good project coordination and organizational skills.
• Ability to perform well under pressure and manage several priorities at once.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.

Additional Information

This role is based in Tanzania and is intended for full-time, onsite work.