Communications and Outreach Officer - Khor Fakkan, Sharjah Emirate - University of Khorfakkan

Description

The Communications and Outreach Officer will be responsible for delivering across all aspects of science communication, to enhance the SMSRC's external visibility and reputation. The post will be responsible for using both traditional and novel communication tools and platforms, to support the translation and sharing of marine knowledge, the generation of research impact and the increase in levels of ocean literacy across society and stakeholders. The job holder will work with UKF staff and students to share their expertise in science communication and build internal capability. This will be achieved thorough informal advice and mentoring, as well as by providing more formal training and teaching. This role will be instrumental in helping to deliver the SMSRC and UKF mission to become a center of excellence for increasing Ocean Literacy and delivering Research Impact from marine science.

Key Accountabilities

• Digital and physical content: Create products that use all existing and emerging methods of communication (e.g. video, sill images, sound, written text, game-play, immersive experiences, newsletters, physical or digital objects) to explain and promote SMSRC activities and achievements. Develop physical and digital items and tools that support high-quality communication by SMSRC staff. Support core SMSRC brand identity and update materials as required, such as slide and document templates, videoconferencing backgrounds, logos, business cards etc. Update current and develop new promotional materials, such as brochures, folders, reports. Oversee production of new materials by contractors, as required (e.g. videos, interactive documents). Write articles for publication in peer reviewed and/or popular science magazines, to promote SMSRC.
• Social media: Create, maintain and monitor SMSRC engagement with appropriate social media channels. Ensure material and messaging meets with the agreed university code of conduct for the use of social media.
• Website: Create and maintain the SMSRC website to act as an engaging shop window for SMSRC science and research impact activities.
• Media and TV enagement: Promote and support interactions between SMSRC staff and media (TV, radio, print) through press releases, media training for academic staff)
• International Reputation and Engagement: Support the participation of SMSRC staff at large national and international events, such as UN COPs (UNFCCC, CBD, BBNJ), UN Ocean Conference, Ocean Decade Conference, World Ocean Summit, IUCN meetings. Support the involvement of SMSRC staff in collaborative policy relevant activities, such as authors for IPCC, IPBES and World Ocean Assessment reports. Support visits and delegations to the SMSRC to increase visiablity, reputation and activity. Design exhibits for international conferences and exhibitions where SMSRC will have a presence, and plan the distribution of handouts, merchandise and other promotional materials. Design flyers, posters and banners to advertise SMSRC side events on-line and at the event.
• Training and capability development: Train staff and students in effective science communication tools and methods, and provide professional materials to support their communication activities.
• Research Impact: Promote the value of solution-orientated and impactful research across the SMSRC. Assist staff in the design and implementation of this form of research. Monitor and communicate the use of SMSRC research in delivering research impact through civil society, the blue economy and national/international policy advice.

Key Interactions
Internal

• Head of Ocean Literacy, Impact and Partnerships
• Members of the Ocean Literacy group
• Academic marine research and operational support staff at SMSRC
• UKF students
• Academic staff at UKF outside the School of Marine Science
• UKF operational staff (communications, partnerships, engagements, finance and procurement)

External

• Academic and research collaborators
• Media outlets and journalists
• Governmental and Intergovernmental agencies and organizations
• Contractors and logistics providers

Qualification & Experience

• Masters in Science Communication or related discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years' post graduate experience in delivering science communications and research impact.
• Demonstarted expertise in website design and build.
• Demonstarted expertise in the effective use of social media platforms, including the creation of content.
• Proven knowledge of marine science and research activities and outcomes.

Skills & Competencies
Essential:

• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Teamwork capabilities
• Innovative and creative thinking
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Knowledge of existing and emerging science communication tools and platforms
• Knowledge of AI and ML tools

Desirable

• Familiarity with marine science and research activities
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Background in, or associated with, academic or marine research institutions
• Demonstrated interest in the marine environment
• Strong portfolio of science communication products and outputs