HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING - MALAWI-LIVERPOOL-WELLCOME PROGRAMME (MLW)

INTRODUCTION The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme (MLW) is a world‑class health research institution committed to improving health through research, capacity building, and strong partnerships. MLW seeks a Head of Communications and Marketing (full‑time, Blantyre) reporting to the Head of Operations.

POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE) The Head of Communications & Marketing provides strategic leadership for MLW’s internal & external communications and marketing efforts, ensuring MLW’s reputation, visibility, and narrative are accurately represented to staff, partners, government, communities, media, and funders.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership: develop & implement MLW’s Communications & Marketing Strategy; advise senior leadership on positioning, brand development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Compliance & Risk Management: enforce communications policies, ensure ethical & legal compliance, manage the Communications & Marketing Risk Register.
• Internal Communications: strengthen organisational culture, staff engagement, and internal communication frameworks.
• External Communications: protect & enhance MLW’s reputation; manage media relations, press releases, digital presence, and external messaging.
• Marketing: lead branding, marketing, and promotion of MLW’s research impact and partnerships.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Media Relations: build relationships with media, government, donors, and communities; handle crisis communication.
• Digital Communications & Content: oversee website, social media, and digital tools; ensure content accuracy & accessibility.
• Change & Crisis Management: lead communication for organisational change and crisis incidents.
• Financial & Resource Management: manage departmental budget and procurement.
• Team Leadership: develop the Communications & Marketing team, foster excellence, and promote cross‑team collaboration.

REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications: Master’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field.
• Experience: minimum 5–7 years’ strategic communications/marketing leadership; proven brand & digital expertise; experience in research/NGO settings is a plus.
• Professional Membership: membership in a body like PRISM or IMM is desirable.
• Key Competencies: strategic thinking, excellent writing & storytelling, digital expertise, stakeholder management, leadership, integrity, project management.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS MLW offers a competitive salary package, medical aid, 24‑hour insurance, pension, gratuity, scholarships, training opportunities, and safeguarding checks.

APPLICATION PROCESS Submit a detailed CV with three traceable referees (including two professional) in one PDF to vacancies@mlw.mw. Subject line: HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING. Closing Date: 05 May 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged. Visit www.mlw.mw for more details. 🚀