The Medical Research Council Unit in The Gambia is a leading centre of excellence in medical research. We have a well-equipped Biomedical Engineering Department that is fully responsible for the management and in-house maintenance of over 1,700 clinical and laboratory biomedical technologies, with a total asset value of over £4 million. The Department's team of Biomedical Engineering Technologists have been factory service trained on sophisticated technologies including flow cytometry, diagnostic imaging, automated chemistry & haematology analysers and safety cabinet certification among others.

Job Description

•   Are you passionate about" engaging the public with science7 Do you have significant experience in the communications field? We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated communications professional 10 join the Medical Research Council Unit (MRC) in The Gambia.
•   You will enhance the profile of MRC Unit, The Gambia, engage society with our work and make our research findings more visible and accessible to a wide range of audiences. This is an exciting full i::ne role that will involve developing and implementing a communications strategy, including a programme of pubfic engagement activities.
•   As the leading research centre in sub-Saharan Africa, the MRC Unit in The Gambia has been carrying out internationally competitive research into tropical medicine for more than 60 years. Our current research agenda focuses on four themes: Disease Control and Elimination, Child Survival, Nutrition and Vaccmology, Looking towards the future, we are aiming to push forward into new and challenging areas, reflecting changes in national and global health priorities.
•   The salary will be paid in Grade 1 of MRC Unit, The Gambia's pay scale at a net monthly salary of 117, 727 Gambian Dalasi. This converts to a take home pay of approximately $2, 737 per month using the prevailing Dalasl/USD exchange rate. For displaced staff the package will include rent-free furnished accommodation, flights, displacement allowance for spouse and children, contribution to school fees and shipment of personal effects.
•   Please note that the salary will be paid in Gambian Oalasi and the USD figure quoted above is only given as a guide using the prevailing USD/Dalasi exchange rate.
•   The appointment is for three years initially and is subject to a probationary period of six months.

Qualification Required & Experience

Person requirements:
Essential

•   You will have an Honours degree in Communications, English, Management or other relevant subject(s).
•   You will be goal oriented, with significant initiative, proven expertise in writing, editing and proof reading, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to deliver projects on time and on budget.
•   You must have good attention to detail, experience of supervising staff, excellent IT skills and experience of working in developing countries.

Desirable
Knowledge of Gambian current affairs, culture and health behaviour, good understanding of medical research and health issues, fluency in French and local language(s).

Location: Gambia

How To Apply For The Job

An application form and further details are available from hr@mrc.gm. Please send your application, to include a covering letter explaining why you would like the job, your CV and an example of your written work, to:

Human Resources Office:
Vacancy for: Head of Communications
MRC Unit, The Gambia
P. 0. Box 273 Banjul

E-mail:hr@mrc.gm 
Website: www.mrc.gm

Closing Date: 11 March, 2015

MRC is an Equal Opportunities Employer and operates a strict no smoking policy.