Communications Officer, STRIDE Program (Remote)

About the Program

• STRIDE (Scientific Training and Research in Infectious Disease Genomics and Entrepreneurship) is a six-year, pan-African workforce development program designed to strengthen Africa’s health systems by building a new generation of genomics and bioinformatics professionals.
• Led by the Institute of Genomics and Global Health (IGH) at Redeemer’s University in partnership with the University of Cape Town, University of Yaoundé I, and Villgro Africa, STRIDE aims to train and equip approximately 5,100 young African scientists and health professionals to transition into dignified, sustainable careers across disease surveillance, research, diagnostics, and biotech innovation.
• The program addresses Africa’s critical shortage of genomics expertise through three integrated pathways: internationally accredited MSc and PhD training with guaranteed professional placements, intensive skills and upskilling programs for early- and mid-career professionals, and bioentrepreneurship education supporting the development of locally driven health innovations.
• By strengthening faculty capacity at emerging universities and building employment pipelines with national public health institutions, STRIDE contributes to an Africa-led genomics ecosystem that advances health sovereignty, innovation, and improved health outcomes across the continent.

Description

• STRIDE is seeking an experienced Communications Lead to develop and lead a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates program visibility, strengthens stakeholder engagement, and clearly articulates STRIDE’s impact across its multi-country portfolio.
• The Communications Lead will work closely with STRIDE leadership, the IGH communications team, and the Mastercard Foundation communications team to shape key messages, oversee high-quality communications products, and ensure alignment with institutional and donor priorities.
• This role is central to translating complex technical and programmatic work into compelling narratives that demonstrate STRIDE’s contribution to workforce development, institutional capacity strengthening, and the growth of an Africa-led genomics and surveillance ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of STRIDE’s overall communications strategy, ensuring clear, consistent, and compelling messaging aligned with program objectives, partner institutions, and donor priorities.
• Establish and steward STRIDE’s brand identity, including visual guidelines, key messages, and tone, and ensure consistent application across all communications products and platforms.
• Oversee the design, launch, and ongoing management of the STRIDE website, ensuring it effectively communicates program goals, activities, and impact to diverse audiences.
• Develop and oversee high-quality communications products, including reports, briefs, digital content, and storytelling assets that translate technical work into accessible narratives.
• Serve as the primary communications liaison with the IGH communications team and the Mastercard Foundation communications team, ensuring alignment, approvals, and coordinated messaging.
• Advise program leadership on strategic communications, reputational considerations, and opportunities to elevate visibility and thought leadership.
• Coordinate communications inputs from consortium partners and support capacity strengthening where needed to ensure coherent, high-quality outputs across the program.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Development, Public Health, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience leading communications for complex, multi-partner programs or organizations, preferably in global health, education, research, or international development.
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading communications strategies, including brand development, digital communications, and external engagement.
• Proven experience overseeing the design, launch, and management of organisational or program websites and digital platforms.
• Experience working with donor-funded programs and aligning communications with institutional and donor communications requirements and approval processes.
• Experience coordinating communications across multiple partners and stakeholders, including senior leadership and external organisations.

Preferred Skills:

• Strong strategic thinking and judgment, with the ability to translate complex technical work into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with experience producing high-quality communications products (e.g., reports, briefs, web content, and storytelling assets).
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deliverables, timelines, and approval processes simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and lead communications functions in a build-phase or fast-growing program.
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence engaging with senior leaders, technical teams, and external partners, including donors.

Application Closing Date
30th September, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Resume and a cover letter to: using "Communications Officer" as the subject of the mail.

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