Opportunity in Washington, DC
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has contracted through ZemiTek partnered with CAMRIS International, to recruit and hire a qualified individual for the following position:
Title: USAID/AFR/SD New Programs Communications Advisor (Consultant)
United States Agency for International Development/ Bureau of Africa, Office of Sustainable Development (AFR/SD)
With more than 30 years’ experience providing information technology (IT) and management consulting services worldwide, Rosa Caldas, formed ZemiTek in 2007. Based in the Washington, DC metro area, ZemiTek delivers solutions to the federal government by supporting agencies such as USAID, US Patent and Trademark Office, US Department of Justice, US Department of Agriculture, and Department of Homeland Security, among others; and internationally to their missions in Africa, Asia, Europe and Eurasia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
CAMRIS International is among the top 20 USAID contractors for the third year in a row. CAMRIS realizes innovative solutions to health and development challenges through high-quality, cost-effective programs and research management services. With experience working in more than 80 countries, CAMRIS combines proven systems with today’s most effective, evidence-based best practices to improve the lives of people around the world.
BACKGROUND
The Bureau for Africa (AFR) is the USAID/Washington operating unit charged with managing USAID economic development programs in Africa. The Office of Sustainable Development has the responsibility of providing technical support for these programs. AFR/SD’s technical responsibilities span across all areas of economic development – economic growth, agriculture, the environment, global climate change, biodiversity, water, democracy and governance, education and health. In providing technical support AFR/SD has articulated three development objectives –
(1) generating new ideas to improve these development programs,
(2) influencing USAID missions in Africa, African governments and development partners to improve their policies and programs by using better information, and
(3) strengthening the capacity of African institutions to develop and implement evidence-based policies.
The SD New Programs Communications Adviser (CA) will serve as a member of AFR/SD and coordinate with the Bureau’s Development Planning Office (AFR/DP). The CA, through AFR/SD, will work closely with the AFR/AA’s Coordinator and Executive Secretariat for New Programs. The CA will provide expert oversight in the development of a communications strategy and materials (e.g. briefers, fact sheets, talking points and speeches) for New Programs. The CA will be responsible for drafting, collecting, investigating, managing, and distributing information associated with the New Programs and serve as AFR/AA’s primary point of contact and liaison for information requests. The incumbent will work closely with the AFR/DP’s Communications team, the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs, the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education, and Environment, Development Outreach and Communications officers in USAID Africa Missions, and USAID contractors such as Zemitek.
Specific Deliverables:
1 Develop a robust and comprehensive communications and branding strategy for internally and externally communicating coherent and consistent messages about New Programs to targeted audiences, including the USG interagency, Congress, the private sector, and African governments and organizations.
2 Develop, draft, edit, and disseminate materials, and plan and lead events and other outreach activities that further New Programs communications priorities for both internal USG and external audiences. Illustrative activities may include program launch events, talking points, developing a web site, targeted marketing materials, program logos and other communication and branding products
Other Deliverables:
* Serves as the principal contact to review, develop, draft, maintain, and disseminate information related to New Programs, including brochures, speeches, talking points, website content, etc., to a range of external audiences;
* Coordinates with technical and communications staff to inform internal Agency and USG teams, both in the United States and overseas about New Programs through establishing working groups, briefers, presentations, events, and other channels;
* Establishes a network of donor and U.S. agency representatives to collect and share information about the development of New Programs;
* Actively seeks and develops opportunities for USAID participation in high-impact external events and coordinates and manages logistics related to events
* Drafts weekly updates, and contributes to briefing materials in support of the participation of senior Bureau/Agency managers at inter-Agency meetings on New Programs;
* Maintains a calendar of New Programs-related events for internal and external audiences to ensure awareness of events by all relevant stakeholder;
* Coordinates responses to inquiries about the New Programs as needed;
* Prepares and maintains a library of internal and external communication products on the New Programs in Google Docs.
* Master’s degree in a relevant field including journalism, communications, international relations, or a related relevant experience plus degree.
* Minimum five (5) years’ progressively responsible experience in the communications field, planning, writing, editing, and producing communications through a variety of print and online media, with new media technology utilization, with at least two (2) years’ experience in an international or resource challenged setting.
* Demonstrated experience in managing a comprehensive strategic communications program to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
* Demonstrated skills in graphic design, desktop publishing, website management, and other related computer applications.
* Demonstrated experience in launching complex new USG initiatives or activities.
* Demonstrated experience in working in the USG interagency.
* Proven creativity in the utilization of new media technologies for internal communications purposes.
* Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
* Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team player who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical initiatives.
* Exceptional written and oral presentation and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to convey messages through clear and concise writing.
* Ability to travel internationally approximately 10% of the time.
* U.S. Citizenship required.
* A USAID facilities access or a secret clearance is required.
* This position is telework eligible.
* Prior work with the U.S. Government or USAID a plus.
This is an opportunity for employment or a contract, but we reserve the right to make no selection or award.
ZemiTek and CAMRIS International offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.
ZemiTek and CAMRIS International are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.