USAID/Uganda is seeking a qualified candidate to serve under a Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contract as Economic Growth Communications Specialist responsible for communications activities in the Economic Growth (EG) Office.
The Communication Specialist is responsible for implementing outreach activities to promote a better understanding of USAID economic growth development assistance to Uganda among key audiences of the host country and in the United States. They will assist USAID to achieve programmatic and strategic objectives by writing, editing, collecting, organizing, and clearing EG communications and written materials. The Communication Specialist also serves as the liaison between the Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team in the Program Office and EG for all online, print, audio or video communications about economic growth activities supported by the Mission.
The Specialist reports to the EG Deputy Office Director.
POSITION ELEMENTS
Post Entry Training: The Communications Specialist must remain familiar with the USAID ADS, Handbooks, Mission Orders, USAID/Washington Bureau and LPA outreach guidance and established USAID/Uganda and Program Office procedures and regulations; and media and communications papers prepared by USAID/Washington and the Department of State.
Available Guidelines: The Communication Specialist must be able to exercise broad knowledge of USAID regulations related to communications, Africa Bureau and the Bureau for Policy, Planning and Learning (PPL) procedural guidance, USAID/USG strategy documents, Mission Orders, ADS, PPL policies, and other USAID or USG policies related to communications. The Specialist must be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies of the DOC team, and USAID/Uganda, including but not limited to the Branding and Marking Guidance, Mission Orders, Mission Notices, and USG procurement regulations.
Exercise of Judgment: In instances not clearly covered by written guidelines, the Specialist will use own personal, well-informed judgment in devising innovative approaches to setting priorities and resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems. The use of initiative, tact, diplomacy, discretion, and patience is required in dealing with colleagues at USAID, other USG government agencies, IPs, the Government of Uganda (GOU) as well as representatives from donor organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution.
Authority to Make Commitments: The Specialist has no independent authority to commit funds on behalf of the USG. However, the Communication Specialist exercises the authority given to activity managers and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy. The Communication Specialist takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor informed of activity and project status. The Specialist has the authority to represent USAID in the articulation of program objectives.
A. EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in any professional discipline such as media, journalism, communications, international relations, economic development, marketing, development studies, agriculture, environment, economics and/or management is required.
B. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of international communications or similar; demonstrated management experience specifically within the communications field is required. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required. Prior experience in public information and outreach is required; experience living and working in Africa is desirable. Experience with building capacity and mentoring is desirable.
C. KNOWLEDGE:
● Possess strong and demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of event planning, public relations, speech and press release writing, media relations, and journalistic writing and reporting techniques.
● Possess strong, working knowledge of Google applications and/or similar Microsoft products. Be familiar with using a digital camera and other audio-visual equipment.
● Demonstrated experience in leading consultations and facilitation of various teams with diverse backgrounds and development perspectives is required.
● Display an ability to work collaboratively, build consensus, serve as a personal mentor, and effectively coordinate with external actors in multicultural settings.
● Creative ability to present information in attractive, interesting, readable formats is required with demonstrated skills in photography, layout, and graphic design strongly preferred.
● Ability to make contacts at the senior-most levels throughout the local and international community, articulate views, work with teams to convey Mission positions to a variety of audiences is desired, with the ability to influence relationships positively
● Applying broad USG (or similar development organizations) principles, policies and strategies; leading effective USG interagency, partner country, and donor coordination; and working with USG leadership at the workingand senior-levels is preferred.
● Knowledge of strategic communications programming, activity development, achieving results, performance monitoring, and activity and program communications is desirable.
D. SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
● The Communications Specialist must have demonstrated ability to exercise significant, independent professional judgment.
● The Communications Specialist must be able to recognize operational problems and issues and address them appropriately.
● The Communications Specialist must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated analytical skills.
● Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and a clear understanding and demonstrated skills in outreach and coordination of organizational messaging is required.
● Have knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production of different public outreach activities, such as production of radio and television programs
E. Language Proficiency:
Fluent, outstanding verbal and written English communication skills, analytical ability, and interpersonal relationships are required. Knowledge of Ugandan languages, culture and work environment is desirable, but not required. Strong writing, editing, and copy-editing skills required.
DEADLINE
15 November 2024
