Job Title: Communications Coordinator
Reports to: Reports to the MCFSP Program Director while also working closely with and under the guidance of the one PIH Communications Director
Employment Level: 50% Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)
Location: Butaro, Burera District, Rwanda
Program Profile
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UGHE is a transformative initiative designed to provide educational opportunities to African youth, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, including females, refugees and displaced persons, and youth with disabilities. This program offers comprehensive scholarships and additional support services, ensuring that scholars can focus on their academic and personal development. The program equips scholars with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders in global health delivery through a holistic approach that includes mentorship, leadership training, and community engagement. Ultimately, this initiative not only enhances the employability of graduates but also contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty, narrowing gender disparities, and improving health outcomes across the continent.
Role Overview
The Communication Coordinator is tasked with crafting and executing communication strategies that effectively promote the UGHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and its objectives. This role involves managing content across various platforms, including social media, newsletters, and the program website, to raise awareness and engage stakeholders. The Coordinator will work closely with internal and external partners to ensure consistent messaging and branding, while also monitoring the effectiveness of communication initiatives. By fostering strong relationships and utilizing innovative communication methods, the Coordinator plays a vital role in enhancing the program’s visibility and impact within the community and beyond.
The Communication Coordinator will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility of the program and engaging stakeholders through effective communication. This position requires creativity and proficiency in digital marketing tools.
Responsibilities
1. Communication Plan Development
- Design and implement a comprehensive communication plan to enhance the program’s visibility and engagement among key stakeholders.
- Identify and leverage effective communication channels to target specific demographics and partners.
2. Content Management
- Develop, curate, and manage content across multiple platforms, including social media, newsletters, and the program’s pages.
- Highlight success stories and program impacts through compelling narratives and visuals.
- Monitor online conversations and actively engage with followers across various platforms.
3. Pre-Arrival Communication
- Develop communication materials for the pre-arrival package and training for the Program’s scholars.
- Create welcome materials, orientation guides, and online pre-arrival training resources to ensure incoming scholars are well-prepared for academic and campus life.
4. Accessibility and Inclusivity
- Ensure communication materials promote accessibility and inclusivity, accommodating individuals with disabilities and refugees.
- Provide alternative formats for all communication resources as necessary.
5. Outreach and Engagement Events
- Coordinate outreach initiatives to connect with potential scholars, partners, and community organizations.
- Build strong relationships with media outlets and community stakeholders to amplify the program’s reach.
6. Advocacy and Recruitment Support
- Collaborate with recruitment teams to effectively communicate program benefits and opportunities.
- Support student recruitment efforts by creating targeted promotional materials and outreach campaigns.
7. Alumni Engagement
- Support alumni engagement by developing targeted communication strategies, including newsletters, events, and regular updates.
- Foster connections and share program updates and opportunities with alumni.
8. Reporting and Documentation
- Track communication metrics and analyze data to measure the Program’s communication effectiveness
- Prepare detailed reports on communication activities for quarterly, bi-annual, and annual program evaluations.
- Adapt and refine communication initiatives based on data-driven insights.
9. Partnership Communication
- Facilitate collaboration with disability-inclusive and refugee-oriented organizations and academic institutions.
- Coordinate joint communication efforts, share success stories, and align strategies to strengthen partnerships.
10. Career Services Communication
- Develop and manage communication materials related to job placement, career counseling, and professional development opportunities for scholars.
- Promote career-focused content and job placement resources while facilitating connections between scholars and employers.
11. Mentorship Programs
- Create and implement communication plans to support mentorship programs for scholars, students, and alumni.
- Develop mentorship-focused materials, organize events, and establish channels for mentor-mentee engagement.
12. Internal and External Collaboration
- Work closely with UGHE teams, including the Registrar and Communications Department, to ensure consistency in brand messaging and visual identity across all communication channels.
- Partner with external stakeholders to enhance the program’s reputation and impact.
- Build and maintain relationships with media and communication outlets.
13. Conference Communication
- Manage communication efforts related to MCF scholars’ participation in conferences and academic events in consultation with Program team and One PIH Communications Director.
- Coordinate invitations, prepare event-specific materials, and ensure effective follow-up communication with scholars and alumni.
14. Additional Duties
- Assist in planning and executing internal and external events in collaboration with the registrar, communications, and faculty teams.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the programs and broader One PIH communication objectives.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree or equivalent expertise in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field
- At least 8 years of relevant experience in communication, digital marketing, or public relations roles, with a track record of managing multi-platform content strategies.
- Intermediate writing skills, editing, visual communication, and storytelling skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences and media formats.
- Expertise in digital marketing tools, analytics, and social media management.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and partnership-building within an educational or nonprofit environment.
- Knowledge of global health, youth development, or similar fields is an asset.
- Experience with graphic design tools is a plus.
How to Apply
Applicants should provide: (1) curriculum vitae, (2) Degree, (3) A cover letter describing your interest in UGHE and relevant experience. Please upload these under the ‘Additional Files’ tab on the application page.
University of Global Health Equity is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Application Link
Deadline: 23rd February 2025
Organizational Profile
UGHE is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global leaders in health care delivery. The university launched in Rwanda in September 2015. Through an academic experience uniquely rooted in the values of equity, students are empowered to both ease suffering at the bedside and drive transformational, systemic changes to the health system.
UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In over nearly three decades of operating alongside public sectors in countries around the world, PIH has developed a model to deliver high quality healthcare to some of the world’s most marginalized communities. Nowhere has this impact been more profound than in Rwanda, where Inshuti Mu Buzima—PIH’s sister organization—and our government partners have driven innovation for a decade.
Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common cause with those in need, listen to and learn from others, and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.
Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment:
At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including community members – as well as our students, contractors, staff, and visitors to our campus are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHE’s policy.
UGHE will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
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