The UCRC is a collaborative partnership formed in 2013 between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education of Mali, the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali (USTTB), and the, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland.

This collaborative partnership aims to:

• Facilitate the development of a coordinated clinical research program in Mali
• Enhance the existing clinical research programs and facilitate their growth and sustainability
• Stimulate clinical research in West Africa that is guided by international standards and principles
• Develop an excellent research environment that will foster collaborations and attract researchers worldwide

The person concerned will be responsible for ensuring and coordinating social mobilization and communication activities within the framework of the research project.   It is expected that the Community Engagement officer will dedicate approximately 40 hours/week (5 day/week or 100% of full-time effort) for this position. The position will be based at the USTTB, UCRC, Bamako, Mali, and will report to the Financial and Program Manager.  

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Actively participate in implementation of the vision and strategic plan to guide the organization
• Lead the community Engagement of the operational plan
• Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile
• Foster effective collaboration between the center, committees, staff and key stakeholders
• Promote UCRC values

Description of Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and supervise social mobilization activities throughout the target sectors and ensure that community leaders, representatives of religious groups, women’s groups, youth groups including the public, participate in community engagement activities
• Work with community leaders and the Network of the study area to explain the purpose and requirements on the ongoing and future research studies
• Liaise with Communicators and Community Engagement facilitators to ensure advance preparation for community engagements exercises
• Support efforts to build trust between local/urban community leaders about the value and benefits of the vaccine studies and related activities
• Familiarize yourself with the programs and activities by collaborating with partners in the field and provide needed support and cooperation when necessary
• In coordination with Communicators and community engagement facilitators, report issues and or challenges that could undermine engagement activities, collaboration and cooperation between participants and community leaders
• Other duties as assigned

Community relations/advocacy

• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization
• Identify changes in the community served by the organization
• Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, researchers, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization

Required skillset/knowledge base

• Knowledge of Microsoft software applications (Word/Power point/Excel) (in windows setting)
• Excellent communication skills
• Must be bilingual in French/English
• Ability to translate written documents from French into English and vice versa
• Ability to prepare power point presentations, executive written word document reports or other documents on behalf of Director
• the ability to prioritize multiple tasks/projects
• Ability to exercise good judgment in planning and accomplishing goals 

Minimum required education and experience

To be considered for this position, you must minimally meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

• Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with laboratory courses in a related discipline, or six (5) years related experience in lieu of degree. No experience required beyond a Master’s degree
• Community engagement experience a plus 

Application

To Apply: Email the following documents at the following Email addresses obouare@maliservicecenter.org

• An application letter:
• Detailed curriculum vitae (with the names, phone numbers and email addresses of three referees and copy of certificate or diploma legalized),
• a letter of motivation

Apply By: August 20th, 2019