MSI is seeking experienced Communications and Operations Specialist for a consultant bench to provide support to the communications team on the USAID/KEA Communications for Development Support project. The position will provide a hybrid of technical and operational support to the team based on project needs. This consultant bench is for potential short and medium-term consultancy assignments (up to 40 days of level of effort) across any of the areas of expertise described in the section below.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the project team to ensure effective operational support and troubleshoot any issues related to project operations.
• Support in processing payments, preparing tax forms, expense tracking, managing invoices, and ensure budget compliance in collaboration with the operations team.
• Manage project documentation, including maintaining records, filing systems, and databases for project activities.
• Assist in organizing webinars, booking conference and workshop facilities, arranging logistics for staff and invited participants, managing invitations, coordinating accommodation and meals, preparing and printing meeting materials, and handling other related services.
• Support project operations, including procurement, and administrative functions, while ensuring compliance with USAID and MSI policies and regulations. (e.g., for materials for workshops).
• Ensure asset inventory control and management, facilities management, and coordinate transportation needs.
• Perform errands in support of assigned tasks, such as post-office deliveries or pickups, project purchases or other miscellaneous tasks.
• Support strategic communication tasks required by USAID, i.e., the development and production of information products and publications, event coverage, field work, photography, social media management, and writing.
• Contribute to the professional presentation and execution of communications products and services and contribute to systems to track metrics/indicators.
• Work with the project team to produce compelling, relevant content that adheres to USAID branding and style guidelines.
• Participate in and contribute to presentations, strategy and performance review meetings.
• Be a part of the editorial and creative process, bringing new and creative ideas to the table based on expertise and research.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Minimum three years of relevant professional experience in the development communications space required.
• Experience working and traveling in Kenya and Somalia required.
• Experience managing operational and logistics tasks in Kenya and Somalia, including coordinating travel, planning events, and processing payments is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with non-governmental organizations, donors and/or agency or mass media is preferred.
• Experience in developing content for social media is preferred.
• Understanding of Kenyan and Somali culture, geography, and development issues is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, multi-cultural, and diverse team environment.
• Strong oral and written communication, analytical, interpersonal, organizational, attention to detail, and team management skills is required.
• Written and verbal fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Kiswahili and/or Somali languages is strongly preferred.