• The Communications Specialist will take a dynamic approach to developing and executing the USAID Kuza communications strategy. They will build relationships across the USAID Kuza project portfolio with staff, partners and Impact for Northern Kenya Fund clients and take a proactive approach to identifying stories and messaging that communicates USAID Kuza learning and results to various stakeholders. They will lead both internal and external communications efforts, as well as contribute to content-development of project materials, including weekly, quarterly and annual reports, success stories, LinkedIn postings, Tweets, presentations, photography, videography, events management, and media relations.
• They will liaise between project partners, beneficiaries, key project staff, and local service providers to build a strong bridge for the exchange of information and incorporate the project’s learning, results and findings into the overall communications and outreach activities of the project.
• The position reports to the Deputy Chief of Party.

Responsibilities

• Develop USAID Kuza learning communications and marketing materials for use by USAID, County Government partners, USAID Kuza, ACDI/VOCA, the Impact for Northern Kenya Fund and its clients. This will include weekly newsletters, quarterly reports, annual reports, blog posts, success stories, case studies, social media postings, fact sheets, event materials, marketing presentations, photos, and videos.
• Support the development of the Activity’s annual work plan.
• Attend monthly USAID communications meeting and actively execute on action items that come out of these meetings and, others, as deemed appropriate under management of the coordination programs.
• Proactively work with staff across USAID Kuza identify learnings and achievements; coordinate with staff to gather information for communications including graphics, articles, success, and impact stories that offer analytical storytelling.
• Craft messages to disseminate learning and results to various stakeholders using multiple platforms.
• Develop project reporting deliverables such as quarterly and annual reports to ensure we are communicating USAID Kuza progress.
• Build the capacity of USAID Kuza team to develop communications materials.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of relevant consultants in the communications sector.
• Manage USAID Kuza’s photo library and conduct photo editing as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Education: bachelor’s degree in communication or its equivalent
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years’ experience in communication, working with development partners.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Experience drafting and executing a comprehensive communication plan in support of a project strategy, incorporating a variety of media and tactics.
• Experience writing and managing content for a variety of media including digital and social media platforms, video scripts and storyboarding, case studies, and factsheets/briefings.
• Ability to work proactively with teams to anticipate and identify learning and results occurring in the field and craft messaging around those.
• Ability to work independently as well as build relationships across a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to represent the project in external meetings including with the donor.
• Ability to research, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information quickly.
• Ability and willingness to travel in USAID KUZA implementation counties in Northern Kenya
• Knowledge of graphic design and photo/video editing software
• Fluency in English and Swahili are required.