Job
Communications Advisor (Consultant)

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Organization Name: CAMRIS International
Location: Washington DC, United States
Apply email: Not Specified
Start Date: 10 Feb 2018, 03:17 pm
Closing Date: 23 Feb 2018, 12:00 am

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: Communications Advisor (Consultant)

United States Agency for International Development/Bureau of Africa/ Economic Growth, Environment, Agriculture (EGEA/Trade Specific)

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 and trade 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, trade, investment, 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 Bureau for Africa's SD/EGEA/Trade team seeks an energetic communications specialist for a short-term assignment. The Communications Advisor will provide support for SD/EGEA (Trade Specific). As a critical member of the AFR/SD/EGEA (Trade Specific) Washington, DC office, the incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Principal Trade and Investment Coordinator. The Communications Advisor will be the Trade Team's key point of contact on assigned communications matters and coordinates between field, USAID and other stakeholders as necessary and will provide general outreach and communication support to the Trade Team.

Currently USAID is achieving substantial success in Africa supporting AGOA, but public awareness in Washington and the United States of these programs is low. USAID would like to increase awareness of Congress and other stakeholders of the work USAID does in Africa in support of trade broadly, and with the United States specifically. A second goal is to increase awareness among U.S. businesses of opportunities for trading with African partners. Success would be that USAID would be seen as a key player in helping U.S. companies trade with Africa. This consultant will support the AFR/Trade team in realizing these goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with AFR/Trade Team to fine tune messaging and “elevator speech” around trade work and the mission and objectives of the Trade and Investment Hubs in line with USAID Public Outreach Initiative and messaging.
Collaborate with Washington-based and USAID/Africa Mission Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) staff to develop and disseminate trade information and materials.
Write and edit public documents, speeches, talking points, and other products (including social media) about USAID trade programs in Africa aimed at targeted audiences such as the Congress, think tanks, private sector, media, etc.
Work with the AFR Comms team on AFR/Trade submissions to Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau for inclusion in USAID publications (e.g. Frontlines, Stories, and Impact Blog), social media (including Medium), and press coverage of AFR/Trade programs.
Help lead the design and production of AFR/Trade focused publications, which could include one-pagers, electronic newsletters, annual reports, or special publications.
Support logistics for think-tank events or USAID-led events to highlight USAID trade accomplishments.
Work with AFR Comms Team to keep current the Trade and Investment Engagement page of the USAID public website.
Provide new content and review for out-of-date content, requesting changes as needed.
Other tasks as necessary.
DELIVERABLES AND ACTIVITIES:
Support development of a public outreach plan for the AFR/Trade Team working with relevant stakeholders. Support implementation of the plan by USAID staff and implementers in Africa.
Work with USAID LPA, AFR/Trade, AFR/Comms and USAID staff in the field to craft and hone messaging and language around USAID's Africa trade agenda and the mission of the Trade and Investment Hubs Disseminate the messaging and stories that illustrate the messaging to relevant stakeholders. Produce (including graphic design, editing, and writing) documents and publications, including but not limited to one-pagers, success stories, newsletters, etc. After initial start-up learning, deliver at least two such pieces a week.
Monitor the USAID/AFR/Trade website and recommend updates as key activities and events occur.
Collate, edit and finetune messaging for key audiences from the November 2017 Trade Workshop to compile important take-aways and synthesize key messaging, and help develop research agenda items for follow on workshops. Coordinate dissemination of messaging/information/knowledge working with key USAID staff in Washington and the field.
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field including journalism, communications, or a related degree.
Minimum seven (7) 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.
Must be able to write well and persuasively under pressure/deadline; strong editorial expertise.
Experience with web content management, content production, and social media.
Experience working with press and Congress desired.
Knowledge of theories and principles of development assistance, particularly in Africa, and particularly of USAID work in Africa.
Outstanding organizational and planning abilities.
Experience developing communications products in design software.
Interested candidates should submit their CV, two writing samples (preferably published material), and a sample of design work.
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.

Apply Here: http://www.Click2apply.net/v3qfc46d6j69vqz2

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