Program Officer (Communications), Pact Myanmar

Job Description

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Program Delivery (PDEL) - Pact exists to help create a world where those who are poor and marginalized exercise their voice, build their own solutions, and take ownership of their future. The Program Delivery Team, contributes to realizing this purpose by: Forging smart partnerships and treating all people with dignity and respect; Applying organizational policies and regulatory compliance appropriately and consistently; Facilitating team spirit among colleagues and promoting the organization through communications; Influencing decision makers through focused, relevant communications; Continually striving to learn and share knowledge and find small ways to make the workplace more enjoyable for all; Cultivating and harvesting innovation; Contributing to the organization’s ability to think and act strategically at all times; Inspiring and spreading our desired organizational culture across the global enterprise.

Position Overview

Pact seeks to recruit a Program Officer with a talent for programmatic writing, who can support the Pact Myanmar office in drafting and finalizing high-quality deliverables for its diverse development portfolio. Within the USAID-funded Advancing Community Empowerment (ACE) project, the Program Officer will also provide programmatic and technical inputs to help enhance communications within the implementing Consortium and to various stakeholders and external audiences, and work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) team to capture project achievements. S/he will also help to mentor and train key national staff in writing and communications to enhance their capacity.

The Program Officer reports to the Communications and Public Outreach Coordinator and acts as the key point of contact in the management of reporting including for USAID and non-U.S. government (USG) funded projects. S/he works closely with the Communications and Public Outreach Coordinator to achieve the Communications team’s objectives across Pact’s project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Write or copy-edit several types of reports, including but not limited to: quarterly, semi-annual, annual, and final reports for USAID and non-USG funded projects managed out of the Pact Myanmar office in Yangon. Draft content is delivered by the Programs teams with compilation, editing, and formatting to be done by the Program Officer.
• Collaborate with the MEL team to report on project achievements and capture learning from program implementation.
• Provide programmatic inputs and advice into Pact’s project portfolio, including but not limited to the USAID-funded ACE project, resulting in high quality communications materials, and strategic and programmatic documents, including work plans.
• Contribute to national capacity building through mentoring and training for key staff across projects to improve writing of reports and various communications pieces, and social media strategy and monitoring, etc.
• Contribute to communications products for specific projects (e.g., project profiles, 2-pagers, success stories, briefing kits) and for Pact Myanmar in general (e.g., annual report, internal policies, etc.).
• Contribute to visual and narrative communications products (e.g., presentations, video, online features).
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting in line with donor requirements (in terms of style and content) and schedules.
• Ensure that reports are supplemented by photographs, charts, etc. and follow Pact’s brand standards.
• Contribute to concept notes and/or proposals responding to USG and non-USG opportunities.

Basic Requirements

• Native English speaker and writer, or Myanmar national at an equivalent level
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 7 years of experience in a related field, including grant writing, communications, journalism, etc.
• Superior writing and copy-editing skills
• Experience writing reports for USAID and other international donors
• Proficiency with social media, email marketing platforms, websites, and online analytic tools to disseminate content
• Knowledge of political, cultural, and economic context in Myanmar; experience in Southeastern Myanmar (including Kayah/Karenni, Mon, Kayin/Karen States and Tanintharyi Region) considered a major asset
• Ability to work independently and coordinate with team members located in various locations
• Currently residing in Myanmar preferable, as the position does not provide for relocation or related allowances

Preferred Qualifications

• Fluency or proficiency in Myanmar language an asset
• Working knowledge of multimedia software, such as Adobe Creative Suite including InDesign and Illustrator

About the Organization

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. The promise of a healthy life. Of a decent livelihood. Of sustainable natural resources that benefit communities. Now more than ever in its 42-year history, Pact is helping millions of people who are poor and marginalized discover and build their own solutions and take ownership over their future.
Pact enables systemic solutions that allow those who are poor and marginalized to earn a dignified living, be healthy, and take part in the benefits that nature provides. Pact accomplishes this by strengthening local capacity, forging effective governance systems, and transforming markets into a force for development.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.