Regional Communications Specialist
Program: Agricultural Trade and Climate Smart Innovations (ATraCSI)
Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Start Date: September 2024
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BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
IESC is recruiting for a Regional Communications Specialist to provide expert support for the USDA-Food for Progress funded Agricultural Trade and Climate Smart Innovations (ATraCSI) project. The project is located in the Northern Central American Region (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) to help address root causes of migration via a holistic approach to trade via the horticulture sector. The project will focus on implementing international and risk-based Sanitary and Phytosanitary Regulations (SPS) measures, implement measures under the existing World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreements (TFA), and assist in strengthening Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) through development and transfer of agriculture technologies that focus on effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly use of agricultural resources on high value horticulture value chains.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The Regional Communications Specialist is accountable for the correct implementation of the project’s communications strategy and plan, which s/he will maintain. The communications plan will be applied across multiple platforms, including print, electronic and social media.
This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position based at the ATraCSI office in Guatemala City with occasional travel to El Salvador and Honduras, and reports to the CoP.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintains ATraCSI´s Communications Strategy, including a Branding Implementation and Marking Plan that conforms to IESC, USDA requirements and project objectives;
Leads all the components of project outreach and communications across multiple platforms, including print media, electronic media, and social media;
Designs and drafts communications materials and messages for communications to a wide range of national and international audiences, according to ATRACSI’s Communications Plan;
Orients ATraCSI staff and consultants to the Communications Strategy and Plan;
Supports program reporting to USDA, including success stories, monthly bulletins, semi-annual reports, and other documents as needed in coordination with the ATraCSI team;
Provide support in coordinating ATraCSI project events with technical teams, ensuring the desired level of visibility of USDA, IESC, and project.
Under the direction of the CoP or his/her designee, acts as a liaison with local media and public relations officials at local partner organizations and communications with the Public Affairs Sections of the United States Embassies in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.
Acts as the primary contact with the IESC headquarters’ communications team to coordinate and amplify messages and communication;
Completes other tasks assigned by the CoP.
QUALIFICATIONS
University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Policy, or relevant fields; postgraduate and /or Master preferred;
Experience of at least five (5) years working in the communication sector or the international development sector;
Experience in developing practical communication strategies and dissemination plans (including through social media) and dissemination/ communication collateral (multiple channels and formats) to showcase developmental results
Excellent writing and editing skills in English and Spanish;
Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communications skills,
Excellent written and oral presentation skills;
Ability to prioritize among multiple competing priorities, requests, and activities;
Self-starter, detail oriented, meticulous, and well organized;
Experience with multi-sectoral working groups; and,
Mastery of Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, Power Point, SharePoint and others);
Fluency in English and Spanish required; and
Applicants must have Guatemalan citizenship or an authorization to legally work in Guatemala.
Preferred but not required:
Experience working on projects funded by USDA, USAID, IADB, World Bank or other multilateral organizations;
Experience working with agricultural enterprises and private associations in the agricultural sector; and
Experience using content production and/or graphic design software such as Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, Illustrator or similar tools in addition to strong PowerPoint skills
Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that catalyzes private sector growth and creates economic opportunity for people and communities across the economically developing world. Since our founding in 1964, we have delivered lasting solutions across 139 countries.
IESC is a valued partner to people and communities throughout the economically developing world. We share proven business skills and experience with entrepreneurs, jobseekers, businesses, farmers, cooperatives, and governments. We also offer resources—human, technological, financial—that sustainably build capacity and empower communities. Our long legacy of strengthening developing economies is matched by our vision for the next generation: a world with economic opportunity for all, where people and communities thrive.
Our major funders today are the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others.
