KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the Strategic Communications Advisor and other staff member(s) to ensure the integration of communications and knowledge management activities that complement and report on state-level program activities.
• Assist the Strategic Communications Advisor with the development and execution of the project’s overall communications strategy (internal and external) and develop project branding and messaging in line with the project’s approved Branding and Marketing Plan
• Support capacity building of local counterparts to effectively communicate with citizens and stakeholders
• Support the preparation and presentation to USAID of reports and written communications on the progress and impact of program activities including Monthly Updates, Quarterly Progress Reports, Quarterly Financial Reports, Annual Reports, and the Final Report
• Manage the project’s social media presence on Facebook or other to-be-identified appropriate social media platforms
• Oversee other project outreach through identified social platforms and messaging services
• Work closely with Project staff to design project specific communications and outreach strategies, including identification of strategic channels and key influencers, particularly those related to the promotion of opportunities available under the Activity Fund
• Contribute to the design and implementation of grant and subcontract activities specifically related to communication and outreach activities
• Support communication and branding of Project events and workshops
• Ensure the accuracy and consistency of public information materials
• Coordinate press and other media outreach, as appropriate
• Other related duties as assigned by Strategic Communications Advisor
• Travel to regional offices as required

REPORTING:

The Communications Specialist will report to the Strategic Communication Advisor with close coordination with the Food Security and Resilience Team Lead and ATI Communications team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and fluency in English
• University degree in relevant field and 9+ years of experience drafting reports, documents and outreach materials, and developing and implementing communications plans
• Experience in development communications on large, complex, multi-country USG-funded projects is highly preferred
• Experience leading the planning and implementation of outreach and media events, including press conferences and project launches.
• Ability to professionally communicate across all levels of an organization and the public
• Skilled in communication strategic thinking and planning

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that grants are carried out strictly in accordance with ATI and USAID policies and procedures per the approved Grants Manual
• Support the Grants Manager in maintaining the complete documentation and filing system for all grants including the applications, evaluation reports, negotiation memorandums, award documents, relevant correspondences, etc.
• Schedule and take notes at Selection Evaluation Committees in liaison with Grants Manager.
• Support administrative aspects of the pre-award risk assessment and due diligence process, including vetting and reference checking for proposed grantees.
• Assist the Grants Manager to coordinate grant actions with other ATI teams, including the Activity team, Partnership team, MEL and Communications team, and Environmental Compliance team.
• Assist Grants Manager to track submission of milestones deliverables, financial, narrative, and other reports from the grantees in accordance with the reporting schedule of the signed grant agreements.
• Collect and compile data from the grantees and regularly update the grant management database.
• Prepare complete grant payments requests for finance.
• Enter data and keep the relevant database updated at all times.
• Support the grant closeout process.
• Other related tasks assigned by supervisor.
• Travel to regional offices and grantee locations as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• 7+ years’ experience in related position
• Experience working with international NGOs, USG programs or other donors required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in dynamic environments and achieve development outcomes
• Excellent organizational skills with a willingness to take initiative and be proactive
• Ability to perform high-level duties with a minimum of supervision
• Strong English writing and speaking skills required