Vacancy title:
Strategic Communications Consultant

Jobs at:
AECOM International Development Inc

Deadline of this Job:
18 Jul 2018

Duty Station:
Nairobi, 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:

• Increase confidence in governance based on equitable participation in decision making and management of community assets
  
•  Empower community and government representatives to engage with private sector and development actors in a collaborative process for community growth
  
•  Increase Somali engagement in creating a more stable future
   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)
  Application procedure
  Email your resume to: craig.staples@aecom.com