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Communications Manager
The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (RHI) is the largest research Institute of the University of the Witwatersrand. RHI’s extensive portfolio embraces research, programmatic support, training, policy development, health systems strengthening and technical assistance at national and international levels. It is one of the largest organizations of its kind in Africa.
Through the generous support of donors, RHI applies innovative approaches to health care systems’ strengthening and service delivery working through HIV/AIDS programmes. RHI has a well-established, dynamic multidisciplinary team of managers, clinicians, M&E professionals and implementation scientists contributing to the success of these efforts. We are seeking an innovative thinker, with strong leadership qualities to lead development and implement efficient Communications Management within the Company, which is directed towards both internal and external audiences.
Main purpose of the job
The Communications Manager will be responsible for developing the organisation’s internal and external communications strategy to build its reputation for improved sustainability. To manage efficient and focused communications including the dissemination of results and activities, while also clearly communicating its mission, and combining its vision, values and activities into cohesive and appropriate messages for a broad range of audiences. This role will also include supporting the implementation of new areas of communication competency relating to the various communication requirements of Wits RHI departments.
Location
Wits RHI – Hugh Solomon Building, Hillbrow, Johannesburg.
Key performance areas
• Conduct a needs analysis and develop an external communications strategy that meets Wits RHI’s objectives.
• Develop and execute internal communications strategy to enhance employee engagement.

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• Drive Wits RHI’s brand image via the implementation of the communications strategy, generating compelling, creative and convincing news flow and stories, including technical pieces, briefing papers, reports and presentations for senior management, newsletters, and other programme material, etc.
• Help shape proactive media relations, including the development of press material, opinion pieces and social media content.
• Develop and implement strategies to identify and engage a wide range of external and internal stakeholders, including donors, government, community, and academic partners through new and existing channels of communication.
• In collaboration with the Head of Strategy & Communications, devise and implement a strategy for ensuring the profiling of Wits RHI through the nomination for appropriate awards.
• Support or lead the development of Wits RHI information and programme communication to support projects, programmes and departments in producing effective and focused communication, reflecting the activities and results of their work.
• Oversee the streamlining of Wits RHI events and visits from a communications perspective.
• Provide support to all internal committees on communication matters including all leadership groups and organisational health committee.
• Create tools to support appropriate communication and collaboration across the organisation such as contact lists, team sites and distribution lists so that audiences are segmented and to ensure full use of the organisation’s intranet to meet this goal.
• Set up systems to ensure organisational understanding, ongoing communication and compliance with donor requirements and contractual obligations relating to communication and branding.
• Guide the Communications department in the development of the Wits RHI website and intranet to ensure effective communication with stakeholders.
• Co-ordinate the production of strategic organizational communications for external and internal use, including annual reviews, reports and a strategy to optimize the partnership with the University.
• Supervise and manage the duties, development and performance management of subordinates to ensure optimal staff utilisation and maintenance of sound labour relations.
• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self-management to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained.

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Required minimum education and training
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Post graduate degree in Communications or related field.
Required minimum work experience
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5-7 years’ experience in managing communications.
Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities
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Advanced writing and presentation skills.
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Experience in a donor, research or academic environment within the HIV/Aids field.
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Expertise in social media, journalistic, healthcare and/or scientific background.
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Pro-active, able to exercise discretion and independent decision-making.
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Certification in Journalism.
We expect you to have proven communication skills as well as the ability to rapidly synthesize complex information into clear, compelling and engaging stories, messages and statements. You have excellent relationship management skills and are used to work across functions and teams at all levels of the organisation, as well as with external stakeholders. You show superior project management skills and are able to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple prioritise.
Should you be interested in applying for this vacancy, clearly state which vacancy you are applying for and forward your detailed CV to: Keshan Naidoo at knaidoo@wrhi.ac.za or +27 11 358 5348 .
The closing date for all applications is 25 February 2015.
Wits RHI will only respond to shortlisted candidates. Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications unsuccessful. In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of
1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.