JOB DESCRIPTION. Job Title: Communications, Involvement & Engagement Officer. Department /Division/Unit: IDE. Faculty/Professional Service: EPH

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1 JOB DSCRIPTION Job Title: Communications, Involvement & ngagement Officer Department /Division/Unit: ID Faculty/Professional Service: PH Location: Keppel Street Reports to: Anthony Scott Full Time/Part Time/Casual: Full time Hours: 35 Grade: 5 Overall Purpose of the job The purpose of this job is to lead communication, involvement and engagement support for the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Immunisation and the Vaccine Centre at LSHTM and to develop and implement the combined strategy for Patient and Public Involvement, ngagement and Participation (PPI) of these two overlapping groups. The successful candidate will be a highly-motivated and creative individual with a strong interest in engaging a wide range of audiences with the work of immunisation scientists. The major tasks and responsibilities of the post are in the areas of patient/public involvement and engagement, internal and external communications, web, print and content design, dissemination of scientific research results to diverse audiences and capacity development for PPI and communications. FURTHR PARTICULARS TH SCHOOL The London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine is a world-leading centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health. Our mission is to improve health and health equity in the UK and worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice. Founded in 1899 by Sir Patrick Manson, the School has expanded in recent years at its two main sites on Keppel Street and Tavistock Place. The School s multidisciplinary expertise includes clinicians, epidemiologists, statisticians, social scientists, molecular biologists and immunologists, and we work with partners worldwide to support the development of teaching and research capacity. Research income has grown to over 85 million per year from national and international funding sources including the UK government, the uropean Commission, the Wellcome Trust and philanthropic sources. ducation programmes have grown to more than 1,000 London-based Master s and Research students, 2,900 studying Master s by distance learning and 1,000 on short courses and continuous professional development. We have also launched a series of free online courses, and more than 15,000 people registered on the first of these, bola in context. Our staff, students and alumni work in more than 150 countries in government, academia, international agencies and health services.

2 The School is highly ranked in various university league tables. It was named the world s leading research-focused graduate school in the Times Higher ducation World Rankings in In 2014, it was ranked in the top 10 universities in the world for citation rate by the new U-supported U-Multirank database, fourth in the world for impact in medical sciences by the Leiden Ranking and third in the world for social science and public health in the US News Best Global Universities Ranking. According to the results of the UK government s Research xcellence Framework, published in December 2014, the School was ranked second overall (after the Institute for Cancer Research) on the key measure of impact. TH FACULTY The Faculty of pidemiology & Population Health (PH) houses a large group of epidemiologists, demographers, statisticians and nutritionists working on issues of major public health importance in the UK and globally. PH has approximately 400 staff members organised into four research departments. Department of Infectious Disease pidemiology Department of Medical Statistics Department of Non-communicable Disease pidemiology Department of Population Health The Faculty has a teaching programme consisting of ten MSc courses: pidemiology, Demography and Health, Medical Statistics, Public Health in Developing Countries (run jointly with the Faculties of Infectious & Tropical Diseases and Public Health & Policy), Nutrition for Global Health, Reproductive & Sexual Health Research, Veterinary pidemiology (run jointly with the Royal Veterinary College), Global Mental Health (run jointly with Kings College London - Institute of Psychiatry) and the Distance Learning courses in pidemiology and Clinical Trials. The Faculty also has approximately 120 research students studying for an MPhil, PhD or DrPH degree. The Dean of Faculty is Professor John dmunds. TH DPARTMNT The Department of Infectious Disease pidemiology (Head: Dr. Veronique Filippi) has over 80 academic staff who conduct research on the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases of public health importance. Work is carried out both in developing countries and in industrialized countries including the United Kingdom. Research ranges from ecological studies of variations in disease frequency in different populations, through observational casecontrol and cohort studies to define risk factors for disease, to randomised controlled trials to test the impact of specific preventive and curative interventions. The Department has major field research programmes in Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana, Brazil and urope and numerous collaborative projects in other countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Major interests are in the epidemiology and control of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis and other mycobacteria, malaria and other tropical parasites, hepatitis, measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases, respiratory diseases and gastro-intestinal infections. The Department is home to the MRC-funded Tropical pidemiology Group, and a large research programme on maternal and perinatal health. The Department includes both medical and statistical epidemiologists, and there is considerable interest in methodological work, including research on statistical methods, transmission

3 models, genetic epidemiology and immune-epidemiology. There are strong collaborative links with other Departments across all three Faculties, including with the Clinical Research and Immunology Departments. The Department has an active research degree-training with over 40 PhD students. HALTH PROTCTION UNIT IN IMMUNISATION The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Immunisation (immunisation.hpru.nihr.ac.uk), is a unique partnership between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Public Health ngland (PH) creating a dynamic fusion of academic research and public health implementation that rapidly translates scientific advances in immunization into measurable benefits for society. It is a 3.5 million award, extending until March 2019, with over 20 scientists across PH and LSHTM. The HPRU in Immunisation monitors the amount of disease that occurs in the population, estimating the effect of the vaccine on that disease burden using mathematical models, and calculating the costs and the health benefits of the vaccine programme using economic analyses, within ngland. The project uses state-of-the-art electronic health record systems to streamline the evaluation of disease burden in the population and produce rapid assessments of vaccine impact and vaccine safety. The project also explores the differences in uptake of vaccines in different groups and research the factors driving these differences in order to improve vaccine coverage and generate an equitable health protection system through immunization. Finally, the project investigates the delivery of vaccines through general practices, pharmacies and schools to work out the most efficient methods for giving each type of vaccine. The results of the projects work are delivered rapidly to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the policy-setting body within the Department of Health, in order to impact quickly on immunization policy and optimize the vaccine programme in ngland and Wales. Accountability and transparency of the HPRU is achieved through Public & Patient Involvement, ngagement and Participation (PPI), the Unit seeks to enhance the input of the public and patients by exploring public perceptions and views of vaccines and immunisation programmes and communicating research activities and research findings. TH VACCIN CNTR The Vaccine Centre (vaccines.lshtm.ac.uk ) is a collaborative partnership of over 100 scientists hosted by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine that aims to improve human and animal health through vaccination. Specifically, the Centre aims to develop new vaccines and evaluate their biological potential, to test new vaccines for safety, immunogenicity and efficacy, and to valuate and optimise vaccine programmes and policies. The Centre looks to achieve this by: forging scientific collaborations between scientists in complementary areas of discovery; encouraging synergistic thinking across the whole pathway of vaccine development and deployment, leading to better strategic planning for vaccine research; training the vaccine scientists of the future and teaching the scientific principles of vaccine discovery, clinical assessment and programme evaluation; and providing a hub to foster research networks, international partnerships, and meetings to tackle important challenges in vaccine science and policy.

4 Key responsibilities include: Public Involvement & ngagement Develop successful partnerships with local and national organisations and networks that represent patient and public views, to ensure relevant and diverse audiences for our activities. Support members of the HPRU in planning and delivering projects/events/activities which involve the public in our research, following NIHR expectations of Involvement Work with the research group and the advisory committees to review, develop and implement the PPI strategy of the HPRU and the Vaccine Centre Support researchers in understanding the PPI remit of funders and the strategy and opportunities where they can contribute Design and deliver programmes to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the PPI strategy as a whole, and of individual components, against appropriate milestones and targets, producing regular reports; feeding the results back into future strategy development, internal reports and external reports to funders. ncourage and support colleagues in the HPRU and the Vaccine Centre in securing funding for PPI activities. Work closely with the central LSHTM Public ngagement Coordinator to identify opportunities for HPRU and Vaccine Centre colleagues to engage with public audiences and to ensure alignment of activities with the School s Public ngagement strategy Communication Lead the planning and execution of communications strategies and activities, making use of a variety of techniques and channels to promote understanding of and engagement with priority audiences; Increase the visibility of the HPRU and promote the brand under the wider umbrella of the Vaccine Centre at the LSHTM. Link with other NIHR funded initiatives to maximize communication outputs for NIHR and the HPRU. Liaise closely with the LSHTM Communications & ngagement team to ensure alignment of strategies and standards and effective transfer of news and publicity for upcoming publications. Help colleagues at the HPRU/Vaccine Centre convey complex information creatively and effectively (e.g. through data visualization). In collaboration with colleagues from the HPRU and the Vaccine Centre, provide one to one support where necessary to target members of the community of funded researchers to develop targeted communication products to facilitate research uptake;

5 Produce communication materials such as policy briefs, infographics, reports and multimedia products - for web and print for a wide range of audiences, including the funder, academics and policy makers; following LSHTM brand guidelines. Contribute to the writing and design of presentations and reports Participate in the LSHTM Communications Forum (once a term), which brings together staff at the School with a communications remit to share practice Teamwork and Motivation Provide leadership to members of HPRU and Vaccine Centre in implementation of the HPRU and Vaccine Centre communication strategy, ensuring team members are aware of their contribution to the strategy and supporting them and monitoring contributions; Provide advice and guidance to members of the HPRU and Vaccine Centre team and external collaborators on issues relating to communications; In collaboration with HPRU colleagues, encourage and support PPI objectives ensuring researchers raise awareness of their research at the HPRU in Immunisation and share knowledge of research about vaccines, through policy briefs, reports on the Web, and at relevant conferences Liaison and Networking Liaise with other members of the HPRU and Vaccine Centre teams to stay abreast of academic outputs and availability of research findings; Conduct interviews with authors and presenters of vaccine research and post as podcasts on the website, and using a variety of social media as tools to reach different audiences; Build and maintain good working relationships with funders, partners and collaborators to facilitate future information exchange, and if necessary, establish communication channels to support this. Service Delivery Set the standards for the Vaccine Centre/ projects internal and external communications, in line with the School s internal and external communications standards; xplore and assess the communication needs of HPRU and Vaccine Centre members, anticipate future requirements of these groups, and change communications support and capacity building services accordingly; Create all promotional material for the HPRU and Vaccine Centre and promote HPRU/Vaccine Centre activities to internal and external members

6 Decision Making Lead the production of proposals for targeted communications strategy for HPRU PPI outputs for presentation to the NIHR and the Vaccine Centre Lead the development and implementation of the HPRU PPI and Vaccine Centre Communications Strategies; Develop HPRU PPI and Vaccine Centre communication outputs - for example determine effective communication vehicles, priority channels and promotional plans, in collaboration with the PI, researchers and Centre members; Planning and Organising Organise and manage workload with a high degree of autonomy and independence, liaising with the PI and PPI lead at HPRU and the Director at the Vaccine Centre on key decision-making issues around PPI activities and targeted communications; Collate feedback from various sources and disseminate for publication to a range of audiences; Initiative and Problem Solving Work proactively with research staff in the HPRU in Immunisation and Vaccine Centre to identify the most appropriate communication channels for different academic outputs; Use initiative to solve problems, finding creative solutions to issues including producing high impact communications products with limited budget and motivating internal stakeholders with significant competing priorities to proactively develop communications products; Develop an internal communications strategy, which will include reviewing current internal communications channels, drawing on feedback already received and implementing new approaches. Analysis and Research Collate and analyse statistical data and write relevant reports to various audiences as required Design, lead, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing, recruitment, Widening Participation and communications campaigns and to make recommendations as to their current and future implementation to ensure optimum effectiveness Generic duties and responsibilities of all LSHTM employees This job description reflects the present requirements of the post but may be altered at any time in the future as duties and responsibilities change and/or develop providing there is full consultation with the post-holder.

7 The post-holder will carry out any other duties, tasks or responsibilities as reasonably requested by the line manager, Dean of Faculty, Head of Department or Director of Professional Service. The post holder will be responsible and accountable for ensuring all School policies, procedures, Regulations and employment legislative requirements are adhered to including equality and diversity and health and safety. This job description is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder. The specific objectives of the post holder will be subject to review as part of the individual performance review (appraisal) process.

8 Person Specification This form lists the essential and desirable requirements needed by the post holder to be able to perform the job effectively. Competency vidence /D ducation, Qualifications and Training First degree, professional training and/or substantial relevant experience in communication, PPI, media or related; A Master s degree in science communication, media studies or related D xperience A demonstrable understanding of the PPI agenda and its role in excellent research xperience supporting/delivering activities related to PPI A demonstrable ability to communicate complex ideas and findings in a clear and relatable manner with diverse audiences xperience of working in successful collaborative partnerships xperience of project management xperience in communications technologies (design, writing tools, web design, social media management) Knowledge Ability to use initiative and judgement to anticipate and deal with issues in a proactive and creative manner, and to know when to confer with other colleagues Ability to make independent decisions on administrative and financial aspects Knowledge of the Higher ducation sector and research funding mechanisms D Knowledge of current thinking and PPI policy affecting health research D Personal Qualities Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision Ability to build strong working relationships with internal colleagues and external collaborators

9 SALARY AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMNT The post is full-time, is available immediately and is currently funded for one year with the possibility of extension subject to further funding. The appointment will be made at the School s Professional Support Pathway Salary Scale Grade 5 33,567-38,533 per annum. The post will be subject to the School s terms and conditions of service. Annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per year for full-time staff. In addition to this there are 6 fixeddate "Director's Days". Membership of the USS pension scheme is available. ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION STATMNT The School will comply with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, which requires all employees to provide documentary evidence of their legal right to work in this country prior to commencing employment. Candidates will be required to bring their passport (and visa if applicable) to interview so that it can be copied and verified. This role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Therefore we cannot progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Further information about Certificate of Sponsorship and eligibility to work in the UK, can be found at: