Senior Communications Officer - Readvertised Job at Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST)

Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST)

Senior Communications Officer - Readvertised Job Post

Location:  Jobs in Uganda 2026 - 2027

Work Hours: Full-time, 08 hours per day

Salary: UGX

No. of vacancies: 01

Deadline: September 13 2026

Hiring Organization: Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST)

Job Details:

Background

The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) is a government agency established in 1990 by an Act of Parliament (Cap 211 as amended) with a mandate to develop and implement strategies for integration of Science and Technology into the national development process. UNCST is inviting applications from suitably qualified Ugandans to fill the positions below based at its Offices on Plot 6 Kimera Road, Ntinda, Kampala:

JOB SUMMARY:

The incumbent will translate complex science and technology topics into clear, engaging communications to help shape public perception. By bridging the gap between scientists, policymakers, the media, and the public, they will advance organizational goals and drive strategic advocacy through targeted stakeholder engagement. Additionally, they will coordinate communication initiatives to elevate the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology’s (UNCST) profile, raising public awareness of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) programmes while strengthening overall institutional visibility. This will involve content development for internal and external communication, including website content, communiqués and press releases, promotional materials, social media content, risk communications, graphic layout of Council publications, and other media products.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategic Communications & Brand Management

• Formulate and execute comprehensive communication and advocacy strategies that directly align with the long-term organizational goals of UNCST.
• Maintain and safeguard the corporate branding, visual identity, and reputation of UNCST across all internal and external initiatives.
• Serve as an official institutional spokesperson to deliver eloquent, accurate, and authoritative public messaging when designated.
• Establish proactive crisis communication protocols and manage active response efforts to mitigate organizational reputational risks.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with researchers, universities, government, industry, development partners and other STI stakeholders.
• Coordinate and facilitate effective engagement among diverse stakeholders to advance UNCST programmes, partnerships and strategic priorities.

2. Technical Content Simplification & Multimedia Production

• Draft high-quality technical documents, including executive reports, policy briefs, factsheets, press releases, institutional speeches, and talking points.
• Translate complex scientific research into highly consumable, humanized audio-visual content and public-friendly media bites.
• Oversee the digital footprint by supervising social media editorial calendars to explain technical findings to non-scientific audiences.
• Manage website updates, interactive multimedia production, and online community engagement via modern digital platforms.
• Conceptualize and produce the official, well-branded institutional newsletter and organizational blogs.

3. Media Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate strategic relationships with policymakers, government departments, and funding partners to influence decisions and champion scientific initiatives.
• Drive media relations strategies by pitching stories to journalists, managing incoming press queries, and preparing internal subject-matter experts for interviews.
• Direct continuous media monitoring and sentiment analysis to track public perception and industry trends affecting the Council.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of institutional events, press conferences, and campaigns.
• Build and manage strategic partnerships and networks that facilitate collaboration, knowledge exchange and dissemination of research and innovation.

4. Capacity Building & Operational Support

• Design and deliver training programs to build staff capacity across all key communication, media handling, and advocacy competencies.
• Support knowledge management, documentation and sharing of institutional learning, research evidence and programme results.

5. Perform any other duties and special assignments as directed by the immediate supervisor.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

A. ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Languages/Arts or a related discipline. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.

B. WORK EXPERIENCE

• Be a dynamic professional leveraging over 8 years of interdisciplinary experience in media, science communications, research, and policy advocacy to drive strategic engagement of which 3 years are at supervisory role.
• Proven experience in content development, social media management, and digital communication platforms.

C. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Functional skills

• Knowledge of communication approaches and practices within Government institutions or international agencies.
• Have basic graphics design, and audio-visual production skills.
• Have basic knowledge of new media.
• Excellent diplomatic, representational, interpersonal and communication skills, including experience with successfully interacting with stakeholders and decision-makers in technical and other professional settings
• Strong command of document and graphic presentation and media software systems and tools.
• Excellent verbal and written skills and experience in executing various writing styles and voices, including journalistic and executive writing.

Personal Abilities

• Leadership and management abilities. Pro-active and solutions oriented.
• Analytical and problem solving abilities
• Ability to build strong relationships internally and with external actors.
• High level of autonomy at work, yet with profound team spirit.
• Ability to work under pressure, with minimal supervision, and in a culturally diverse team
• Adaptive, patient, resourceful, resilient and flexible.

D. KEY COMPETENCIES

• The ideal candidate should have excellent written, editing, and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify technical STI information and prepare reports, presentations, and content for diverse audiences.
• Furthermore, have a record of translating scientific data into accessible, compelling content for the media.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking and the ability to implement communication plans aligned to UNCST’s objectives and mandate.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Content Management Systems, Canva, and Adobe Suite is required, together with basic skills in photography and videography.
• The candidate should have strong stakeholder management and networking skills with the ability to engage government, academia, media, development partners, and the public.
• The candidate must be able to work effectively as a team player, under pressure, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Application procedure

Qualified candidates interested are encouraged to submit their signed application letters, curriculum vitae, copies of academic certificates and transcripts, naming three referees, By 13th September 2026, not later than 5:00 p.m. EAT, through UNCST application portal at www.uncst.go.ug/careers. Address the application to:

Head, Human Resources,

Uganda National Council for Science and Technology,

Plot 6, Kimera Road, Ntinda,

P.O. Box 6884, Kampala,

Please note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

"Uganda National Council for Science and Technology is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any recruitment fee."

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

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