The role reports directly to the CEO and is responsible for the development, review and implementation of UGAFODE (MDI)’s Communication strategies and plans to enhance product, service and visibility awareness by leading the initiative of building institutional identity (public image and brand) and culture of service excellence through embedding UGAFODE values as well as ensuring consistency with UGAFODE’s external communications.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:   

• • Develop, coordinate and manage all aspects of (internal and external) communication, including drafting and development of content for internal and external communication for online, print, video, publications, website, social media and media outreaches (press conferences and press releases), in order to support effectively the strategic objectives of UGAFODE (MDI) and convey its key messages to different stakeholders.
  • Develop annual Communication and Public Relations plans in line with the institutes Strategic Objective and Initiatives to ensure visibility, consistency in messaging and a consistently positive image of the institution to ensure effective market penetration, market share growth, and positive public relations in line with the bank’s strategy.
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Public Relations: Maintain relationships with stakeholders including Regulators, Media Practitioners (journalists, bloggers), Investors, Agencies, Board Members & Shareholders, Management & Staff and Customer audiences that will help advance UGAFODE (MDI) operations.
  • Attend to all stakeholders’ and partners’ information needs through writing articles, success stories and providing pictures as need arises.
  • Offer technical guidance to the Executive on all matters relating to internal and external communications and engagements with external stakeholders.
  • Coordinate the development of relevant brand materials to support marketing activities for the institution and user departments such as Annual reports, Corporate Calendars and Outdoor advertising to enhance brand visibility for UGAFODE (MDI).
  • Review and maintenance of the Institution’s Corporate Identity ensuring a strong, consistent and cohesive ‘look and feel’ across all the institute’s ­­communications (including SMS, digital, web pages and promotional materials), infrastructure and activities (such as events).
  • Oversee UGAFODE (MDI)’s Corporate Social Responsibility agenda and implement the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. Review CSR proposals and requests from the general public and stakeholders and decide on the appropriate action to be taken in line with the institution’s strategy and operational plan.
  • Public Relations: Implementing publicity campaigns on different platforms, organizing press conferences, writing and editing speeches, press releases, news bytes and articles on the institution’s initiatives, media crisis management and media relations.
  • In conjunction with internal stakeholders (HoDs and staff), drive a culture of values appreciation across UGAFODE through sensitization and operationalization of the values and transforming staff attitudes into a culture that serves, sizzles and succeeds in response to the required changes in the MDI sector.
  • Contain Communications, Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility, spend within approved budget and planned annual activities.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:  

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or any other business-related course.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in Communications role.
• In-depth knowledge of banking i.e. Microfinance operations and products.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to represent an organization to the public and /or media.
• Having graphic design skills (Photoshop, Publisher and/or InDesign) for in-house graphic production is an added advantage.
• Proficiency with software applications including MS Office, familiarity with html, web‐editing, web design, Word Press.
• Solution-focused with a strong “can do” attitude.
• Ability to work within a rapidly moving and changing work environment.
• Possesses a high level of integrity and professionalism.

 If you believe you meet the requirements as noted above, please submit application letter together with    an up to date CV to our email only: recruitment@ugafode.co.ug (please indicate the position you are applying for in the Subject Line e.g. “Communications Manager”). Applications should be addressed to the Head of Human Resource.