National Commission for Science and Technology
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NCST)
VACANCIES
The Malawi Gazette Supplement Notice No. 1 of 20th February 2009, appointed 14th November 2008 as the day on which the Science and Technology Act, No. 16 of 2003 came into operation. The Act establishes the National Commission for Science and technology (NCST) whose function shall be to advise Government and other Stakeholder on all science and technology matters in order to achieve a science and technology –led development. The NCST has now been in operation since December 2009 and has a secretariat headed by a Director General.
The NCST invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the following positions:
2.0. VACANCY: SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
1.0 JOB IDENTIFICATION FACTORS
1.1 Job title : Senior Communications and Public Relations Officer
1.2 Grade : CST4
1.3 Reporting to : Director General
1.4 Department : Office of the DG
1.5 Division/Section : Corporate Affairs
1.6 Staff responsible for : Information, Education and Communication Officer
2.0 PURPOSE, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
2.1 Purpose of the Job: To raise profile of the Commission’s products and manage public relations and communication programmes.
2.2 Key Roles and Responsibilities
a) Serving as official representative spokesperson of NCST in disseminating information about programs, plans, events and activities to news media and responding to media queries about the same;
b) Developing and regularly reviewing public relations and communications materials that reflect the brand and desired messages;
c) Preparing and circulating relevant information through newsletters, circular, media, website and other platforms;
d) Disseminating on behalf of the DG the official statements and information to stakeholders;
e) Maintaining and reviewing internal and external communication portals, such as website, newsletters and social media pages;
f) Maintaining digital media archives including photos and videos;
g) Monitoring trends in social media tools, applications, channels and designing a strategy to ensure that the Commission stays ahead of the curve;
h) Liaising with relevant departments in the production of publicity brochures, in-house magazines and handouts;
i) Developing, reviewing and monitoring implementation of policies, plans, strategies, programs, standards and budgets on communication and public relations;
j) Publicising NCST’s products, services and brand;
k) Responding to media inquiries and performing media outreach to achieve brand placement in publications;
l) Editing, managing and delivering the quarterly bulletins and newsletters and related communications for the Commission including the daily mobile phone WhatsApp platform;
m) Designing and organizing a variety of inter-personal public relations programmes or events including press conferences, exhibitions, open days and press tours.
3.0 JOB SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE FACTORS
3.1 Minimum academic and professional qualifications and experience.
Master’s Degree in Mass Communication/Journalism/Marketing plus a relevant Bachelor’s Degree.
At least 6 years’ relevant experience in Public Relations/Communication field.
3.2 Functional skills (Behavioural Competencies/Attributes
• The post requires a person who must have/be:
A team Player.
Effective public presentation.
Ability to handle complaints.
Good interpersonal and communication skills
In-depth problem solving skills.
Competent in IT and web management.
Demonstrate confidentiality, credibility and integrity
Sober and able to work with minimum supervision.
Method Of Application
Applications including a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), photocopies of relevant certificates, membership certificates from appropriate professional bodies, National ID and names and addresses of three traceable referees, one of which must be from the most recent employer should be sent to the following address not later than 28 March, 2025. Applicants must write clearly on the envelope the position they are applying for.
The Director General
National Commission for Science and Technology,
Private Bag B303
Capital City,
Lilongwe 3.
NCST is an equal gender-based opportunity employer and only short-listed applicants will be acknowledged and invited to the interviews.