Vacancy title:
Strategic Communications Consultant

Jobs at:
AECOM International Development Inc

Deadline of this Job:
18 Jul 2018

Duty Station:
Kenya

JOB DETAILS:
AECOM International Development implements the Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Plus (TIS+) Program for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), promoting good governance and community cohesion. The four objectives of this TIS+ Program are to:
1) Increase confidence in governance based on equitable participation in decision making and management of community assets
2) Empower community and government representatives to engage with private sector and development actors in a collaborative process for community growth
3) Increase Somali engagement in creating a more stable future
4) Support inclusive, sustainable development by reducing gender gaps in stabilization and development.
OBJECTIVE:
The Strategic Communications Consultant will develop the TIS+ overall approach to communications, which includes the development of social media protocols and engagement, as well as the clarification of branding and marking guidance for all multi-media products. The Strategic Communications Consultant will build the capacity of TIS+ staff; provide training on the development, roll out and archiving of products and deliverables; and work with awardees, contractors, and beneficiaries on communications plans, products and workshops.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• At a minimum, as part of this core responsibility, the Strategic Communications Consultant will develop, implement and update (quarterly and as needed) a Strategic Communications Strategy and Action Plan (SCSAP).

The SCSAP must include:

• Overall strategic approach to communications;
• Conflict, gender and social-inclusion sensitivity;
• Communications protocol to guide field offices, Nairobi Office, Home Office and interactions with USAID;
• Social media approach and protocols;
• Engagement with and support to TIS+ awardees’ communications plans and products;
• Media engagement; and
• USAID branding and marking guidance for all multi-media products.
• Ensure Product Production
• Produce and/or solicit and finalize a range of regularly required written products for the TIS+ Program, including, but not limited to:
• TIS+ Program Quarter 3 Report, Quarterly Newsletter (Q3 2018), USAID Weekly Update, 5-7 success stories, 4 “Transforming Lives” stories, Big Events/Big Meetings Reports (from Field Personnel);
• Establish templates for the documents listed above, and others TBD;
• Lay the groundwork for the TIS+ FY 20178 Q3 and Q4/Annual Report, Annual and Final Reports;
• Initiate the Program’s social media strategy and produce and/or solicit, finalize and disseminate a range of multi-media products, including over social media (with USAID approval);
• Produce photographs, maps and other GIS-based communications products;
• Copy edit agreed written products; and
• Coordinate materials publication with TIS+ Program team and external vendors, where appropriate.
• Packaging of Products and Dissemination
• Provide products in final form to TIS+ COP, DCOP and Home Office
• Establish and temporarily maintain TIS+ social media presence, including Twitter, Facebook, and other outlets, if approved by USAID.
• Product Management
• Develop, utilize and populate a product (including photographs) archive system on One Source.
• TIS+ Program Personnel Capacity Building
• Coach and train the Strategic Communications Specialist
• Provide 2-3 capacity building and/or training opportunities to develop TIS+ program personnel’s ability to contribute to the work of the Strategic Communications Unit.
• Awardee and Contractor Communications Plans, Products and Workshops
• Provide technical expertise and input to improve the quality of awardees’ communications plans and awardee and consultant products that are for dissemination beyond the TIS+ internal environment. For example, collaborate with the Strategic Communications Technical Coordinator based in Mogadishu.
• Contract Management
• Help select and initially manage the contract with the Translation and Editing Company and any other relevant contractor and oversee the quality of the services and products provided.
• Other Duties, as assigned and agreed upon between the TIS+ COP, DCOP, Operations Manager and HO Senior Engagement/Program Managers.

RELATIONSHIPS:

• Coach and train the newly hired TIS+ Strategic Communications Specialist.
• Collaborate closely with the following TIS+ staff:
• AECOM Home Office personnel, especially the Senior Engagement Manager and the Senior Program Manager.
• AECOM HO Production Team
• TIS+ Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning personnel
• TIS+ Program Field Coordinators.

POINT OF CONTACT (POC)
The Strategic Communications Consultant will liaise with and serve as the TIS+ temporary point of contact with the:

• USAID Communications Officer
• USAID GIS focal person
• External Media Personnel
• Others, as needed.

DELIVERABLES:

• Strategic Communications Strategy and Action Plan (SCSAP)
• USAID Weekly Update
• FY2018 Q3 Quarterly Report
• 5-7 success stories
• 4 “Transforming Lives” stories
• FY 2018 Q4/Annual Report
• Big Events/Big Meeting Reports.
• Product (including photographs) archive system, to be housed on One Source
• 2-3 capacity building and/or training opportunities

REPORTING:
The Strategic Communications Consultant will report directly to the TIS+ Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)
QUALIFICATIONS AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree strongly preferred) in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, Behavior Change Communications
Work Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience designing and managing communications and outreach strategies for complex international development program(s)
Demonstrated Ability: Provide sound leadership and creative direction for the Strategic Communications Unit
Work successfully in conflict, crisis and crime-affected contexts under changeable and complex circumstances
Craft and disseminate a range of high quality and engaging products in English in a range of media
Manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously
Utilize social media effectively
Monitor other sources’ products and use to inform the SCU work
Function as a technical resource and build capacity of colleagues and other stakeholders
Work collegially in a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural, multi-lingual team
Interact effectively with USAID communications personnel
Take direction from supervisor and continuously improve
Skills: Software (specifically in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, other graphic design such as Adobe Creative Suite
Photography capability
Distribution channels (including radio, Internet-based and social media applications)
Demonstrated motivation and willingness to learn and adapt
Interview skills
Media evaluation metrics, including at least a basic knowledge of Google Analytics
Communications for Behavior Change and Communications for Development is strongly preferred.
Language: Native speaker or native-like command of English (written and oral)

Job application procedure

Email your resume to: craig.staples@aecom.com