LIT TRAIN Communications Officer

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire. British Council Payband 4 Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract Location: Uganda Salary Range: UGX 3,398,336 yearly. Closing Date: 9th September at 11:59 PM UGA time/9:59 PM UK time Please note that candidates must have the pre-existing legal right to work in Uganda at the time of application. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not provided unless otherwise confirmed by the British Council. Role Purpose To lead the planning, coordination, production and quality assurance of high-impact communications, visibility and knowledge products for the British Council-led TRAIN Pillar of the Leaders in Teaching (LiT) Programme in Uganda. The Communications Officer will translate complex programme activities, technical evidence and learning into clear, accurate and compelling communications for teachers, school leaders, government stakeholders, consortium partners, Mastercard Foundation audiences and British Council internal audiences. The role will ensure that programme communications are strategically aligned, audience-focused, donor-compliant and consistent with British Council brand, safeguarding, data protection and responsible storytelling standards. Role Context This role sits within the Cultural Engagement (CE) Strategic Business Unit and supports the British Council-led TRAIN Pillar of the Mastercard Foundation-funded Leaders in Teaching (LiT) programme in Uganda. The TRAIN Pillar focuses on teacher professional development, inclusive and gender-responsive pedagogy, competency-based learning, career guidance, digital learning and continuous professional development. The Communications Officer will lead internal and external communications, including field visibility, success stories, digital content, partner communications, stakeholder updates and donor-facing materials, working closely with programme teams, partners, schools and field teams. Main Accountabilities Communications Planning and Coordination * Lead the development and implementation of a communications and visibility plan aligned with programme strategy and donor requirements. * Maintain a comprehensive communications calendar linked to programme milestones, activities and reporting cycles. * Coordinate the timely collection of communications inputs from programme teams, partners and field staff. * Develop clear messaging, communications briefs and materials for internal and external audiences. * Ensure communications outputs are strategic, audience-focused, accurate and delivered within agreed timelines. Content Production and Storytelling * Produce and quality-assure high-quality communications products, including success stories, case studies, newsletters, web content, reports and stakeholder updates. * Translate technical programme information, MERL evidence and field learning into clear, accessible and compelling narratives. * Develop evidence-based stories that demonstrate programme progress, results, learning and impact. * Draft, edit and proofread communications for technical and non-technical audiences. * Maintain a pipeline of approved content for programme reporting, learning and visibility. * Ensure communications are factual, credible and do not overstate programme results or impact. Brand Management and Donor Compliance * Ensure communications comply with British Council brand guidelines, Mastercard Foundation visibility requirements and consortium protocols. * Act as a quality gatekeeper for communications materials before publication or dissemination. * Review partner and supplier communications outputs for consistency, quality, tone and compliance. * Maintain an organised repository of approved templates, logos, communication assets and final products. * Support the documentation and maintenance of visibility evidence for donor reporting and audit purposes. Field Documentation and Stakeholder Communications * Coordinate documentation of programme activities, including teacher training, school engagement and field interventions. * Capture and manage photographs, participant quotations, activity summaries and other field content in accordance with safeguarding and consent requirements. * Produce post-event summaries, stakeholder updates and programme communications. * Support the preparation of speeches, briefing materials, presentations and stakeholder engagement packages. * Ensure communications are respectful, inclusive and appropriate for teachers, schools, government stakeholders, partners and communities. Digital and Media Communications * Develop content for websites, social media, newsletters and internal communication platforms. * Support communications colleagues in identifying appropriate media and visibility opportunities. * Coordinate publication and dissemination processes with relevant teams and partners. * Produce presentations, infographics and other visual communications products for governance, reporting and stakeholder engagement. * Monitor communications outputs and engagement metrics and provide relevant updates. * Ensure digital and communications content is inclusive, accessible and appropriate for target audiences. Safeguarding, Inclusion and Responsible Communications * Ensure communications comply with British Council safeguarding, data protection and responsible storytelling requirements. * Apply informed consent, dignity and ethical storytelling principles when collecting and publishing photographs, quotations and personal information. * Promote gender equality, disability inclusion and diversity across programme communications. * Provide guidance to field teams and partners on ethical documentation and communications practices. * Identify and appropriately escalate communications, safeguarding, reputational or data protection risks. Relationship and Stakeholder Management * Build effective working relationships with programme teams, consortium partners, trainers, schools, government stakeholders, suppliers and communications colleagues. * Work collaboratively with technical and programme teams to identify communications opportunities and develop accurate content. * Coordinate communications inputs across multiple teams, partners and field locations. * Manage communications-related suppliers and service providers where required. * Support effective communication between programme delivery teams and internal/external stakeholders. British Council Core Competencies Communicating & Influencing – Level 3 * Uses clear, inclusive and persuasive communication approaches. * Adapts communications for different audiences and channels. * Builds understanding and supports action among internal and external stakeholders. * Planning & Organising – Level 2 Plans work over weeks and months. * Prioritises competing demands and meets deadlines. * Coordinates inputs from multiple stakeholders. * Using Technology – Level 2 * Demonstrates advanced use of office software and digital communication tools. * Uses content management systems and digital platforms effectively. * Supports colleagues in the effective use of relevant systems and tools. Analysing Data & Problems – Level 2 * Identifies communications gaps and issues. * Reviews programme information, communications data and stakeholder feedback. * Uses evidence to improve communications products and approaches. * Managing Projects – Level 2 * Reviews project information and communications requirements. * Tracks progress against communications deliverables. * Identifies risks, gaps and corrective actions. Role Specific Skills * Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills. * Ability to translate technical information and MERL evidence into accessible communications. * Strong understanding of donor communications and visibility requirements. * Strong digital communications and content production skills. * Ability to produce success stories, case studies, newsletters, web content, social media content and reports. * Good understanding of responsible storytelling, informed consent, safeguarding and data protection. * Strong attention to detail and commitment to factual accuracy. * Ability to develop clear presentations, infographics and stakeholder briefing materials. * Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills. * Good judgement in identifying safeguarding, reputational, data protection and communications risks. * Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Role Specific Knowledge and Experience Minimum / Essential Requirements * A first degree in communications, journalism, public relations, media studies, marketing, English, education, social sciences, development studies or a related field. * At least four years' progressive experience in communications, public relations, journalism, media, knowledge management, stakeholder engagement or programme communications. * Experience supporting communications for donor-funded, education, youth, skills development, social impact or multi-stakeholder programmes. * Experience drafting, editing and producing communications products including success stories, case studies, news items, newsletters, social media content, speeches, briefing notes and presentations.. * Experience maintaining communications repositories, content calendars, media assets, consent documentation or knowledge products. * Experience applying safeguarding, consent, data protection or responsible communications standards. Desirable * Experience in education, teacher training, school improvement or systems-strengthening programmes in Uganda or a similar context. * Experience with Mastercard Foundation, British Council, FCDO, USAID, EU, World Bank, UNICEF or other major donor communications and visibility requirements. * Experience documenting gender-responsive pedagogy, inclusive education, digital learning, youth employment, school-based professional development or community engagement. * Experience using tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, SharePoint, Mailchimp, WordPress, Power BI, Microsoft Teams or equivalent platforms. * Experience producing video scripts, photo essays, infographics, digital campaigns or multimedia learning products. Professional membership in communications, public relations, journalism, media, knowledge management or a related professional body. Language Requirements The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English is required, including the ability to produce clear, accurate, donor-ready and publication-ready communications for technical and non-technical audiences. Additional Job Requirements Right to Work Candidates are expected to have researched whether they have the right to live and work in Uganda. Candidates should confirm their eligibility to work in Uganda before applying. Any visa support is subject to British Council policy and discretion. Background Checks Initial and continuing employment with the British Council is subject to appropriate background checks. Given the role's potential engagement with schools, training venues, field visits, photography and content collection, the postholder must comply fully with British Council safeguarding, data protection, consent and responsible communications requirements. Travel and Fieldwork The role may require travel within Uganda to support field documentation, training and event communications, content collection, partner coordination, school-based activities and stakeholder engagements. A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities. Safeguarding Statement The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children. If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org