Vacancy title:
Deputy Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Advisor
Jobs at:
USAID TanzaniaDeadline of this Job:
Tuesday, April 30 2024
Summary
Date Posted: Friday, April 19 2024, Base Salary: Not Disclosed
JOB DETAILS:
11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES
i. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract
The Deputy Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Advisor position produces and disseminates public information about USAID’s activities to raise awareness and understanding of USAID programs among target audiences in Tanzania and the United States. The incumbent ensures that the mission sends out a clear, coordinated message in support of USAID/Tanzania’s programs and objectives, and is mindful to ensure consistent inclusion that all USAID-funded projects are paid for by U.S. taxpayer money and, as such, are “from the American people”. The incumbent is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of a strategic communications strategy that increases visibility of U.S. foreign assistance to Tanzania.
Located within the USAID/Tanzania Program Office, the Deputy DOC Advisor reports directly to the Senior DOC Advisor and serves as his/her deputy fully backstopping the position as Senior DOC, as necessary. The work requires close collaboration with the USAID Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director(s), Program Office, USAID/Tanzania Technical and Support offices, USAID/Washington, the U.S. Mission Tanzania leadership, and Embassy Public Diplomacy Section (PD), CDC, and PEPFAR and other U.S. agencies, offices, and initiatives in Tanzania. The USAID/Washington-based offices requiring contact and coordination include the Africa Bureau, Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA), Global Health, Bureau for Food Security, and Power Africa.
ii. Statement of duties to be performed
A. Public Events and Activities
Plans, schedules, publicizes, and carries out public and special events to present USAID programs to target audiences, including field trips to specific events or activities, conferences, project inauguration or milestones, ceremonies, and high-level VIP visits. The incumbent also:
I. Coordinates with technical offices field travel and public affairs activities of the Mission Director and if applicable, working with PD, the Ambassador and/or DCM on representation at public events. Prepares schedules, briefings, talking points, speeches and press releases in collaboration with mission staff and PD. Arranges for photo/video and media coverage, when appropriate. Produces outreach materials about the event for dissemination to press and on social media, and for consumption by USAID/Washington.
iii. For USAID site visits or events that involve the Ambassador, DCM, USAID Mission Director, works with PD to ensure that event information (e.g., decision memos, bios, backgrounders /scene setters, schedules, talking points, speeches, etc.) are prepared, meeting quality standards and time requirements.
iv. Coordinates signing ceremonies, inaugurations, and/or dedications of USAID projects, including drafting press releases, coordinating with appropriate local and USAID officials on logistics, schedules, guest lists, seating, and other arrangements related to the events.
v. For VIP visits, assists with developing itineraries for visits, develops and disseminates the key messages, assists with preparing contents for briefing books, prepares field sites for VIP visit, serves as site officer, as needed.
B. Public Relations Materials
Under the direction of the Senior DOC and as it relates to the communications strategy, the Deputy DOC drafts, edits, and disseminates timely and accurate informational material, including reports to LPA and other USAID Bureaus, fact sheets, success stories including online blogs, press releases, Google Slide / Power point presentations, briefing materials, talking points, speeches, videos, photo stories, USAID website and Facebook posts, responses to requests for information and other public information materials, as necessary.
The Deputy DOC has the primary responsibility to ensure that all produced documents meet quality standards. Products must be written in clear, concise English, prepared with both the media and general audience in mind. In addition:
I. Develops and/or reviews; video products, banners, brochures, handouts, signs, and other public relations materials to evaluate quality, propriety in terms of production quality, sensitivity to local culture, and accuracy of content. Works closely with USAID implementing partners and USAID staff to advise them on the quality of publicity material.
II. Reviews and edits implementing partner branding and marking plans and works with Contracts Officer on approval of these final documents. Ensures partners follow approved marking and branding plans and that all materials (videos, websites, banners, posters, brochures, publications, etc.) meet USAID branding guidance. Recommends revisions, reprinting, or other appropriate action when needed.
III. Works with USAID technical staff and implementing partners to develop briefing materials for handouts and other special needs.
IV. Travels to the field where mission activities are being implemented, conducts interviews and takes photographs for outreach communications, and ensures branding compliance.
V. Provides content to Embassy/PD, USAID LPA, USAID AFR Comms, and other USAID Bureaus for use on websites and social media platforms, including Facebook, X (Twitter), MEDIUM blogs, and YouTube, and manages the selection of information, clears content, and coordinates placement.
VI. Responsible for maintaining and updating repositories of photos, success stories, fact sheets, key statistics, and results, talking points, speeches, and reference materials that can be repurposed for public outreach.
C. USAID/Tanzania Communications Strategy
The incumbent assists in the development and implementation of an approved comprehensive communications and outreach strategy that is in line with the overall USAID/Tanzania Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) and promotes USAID to external and internal audiences. The development of the key messages in the communications strategy will be informed by mission priorities and data on public opinion in Tanzania. The strategy will optimize relevant communication tools and distribution to target audiences and will be used to inform the USAID Mission on the selection, targeting, and placement of materials to raise awareness of USAID activities in Tanzania.
The strategy also takes into consideration the need to identify and focus on key sectors that have an appeal to local interest and U.S. Government policies. The strategy also ensures that publicity material used is noncontroversial, visually appealing, well-defined, and contains a humaninterest element. Implementation of the strategy will be guided by indicators in a results framework and a performance monitoring plan.
In order to operationalize the communications strategy, the Deputy DOC Advisor assists the Senior DOC to put in place policies and procedures for mission communications that clarify roles and responsibilities within the Mission and Embassy and with implementing partners, including templates for various communication tools, standards for crafting and finalizing communication materials, and guidelines for planning and managing events. The Deputy will help train implementing partners and staff in a variety of communications-related subjects, e.g., event planning, how to write a success story, dealing with the press, photography, marking and branding, etc. The Deputy DOC Advisor may be called upon to act as the mission’s photographer during site visits or other events.
D. Media Relations
Responsible for supporting USAID/Tanzania media activities, including monitoring media coverage (particularly local and regional news) on issues related to USAID activities in Tanzania. In coordination with PD and under the direction of the Senior DOC, builds and maintains a professional network of Tanzania’s media contacts. This may include arranging interviews, briefings, press tours of USAID funded projects, and escorting journalists during these events. The Deputy DOC Advisor also:
I. Keeps abreast of USAID events and works with activity AORs/CORs and implementing partners, as necessary, to ensure that appropriate press coverage is provided. Advises the Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director, and staff if press coverage is not recommended for any culturally or politically sensitive event or issue. Assists with preparing USAID/Tanzania leadership for interviews with the media.
II. Reviews the daily press to keep abreast of coverage that relates to USAID activities and selects, edits, or summarizes items of interest for staff.
III. Designs, formulates, composes, and/or revises press releases and fact sheets. Coordinates with USAID technical offices, PD, and implementing partners to produce and release timely, accurate, and useful written material for local and/or other media.
IV. Advises and works with PD, USAID technical offices, and implementing partners to expand opportunities for coverage of USAID assistance, including print, TV, and radio. Helps USAID technical offices define appropriate activities for coverage, participates in field inspections
and final selection, and accompanies TV/radio crews to site locations for filming.
E. Supervisory Role
In the event of the Senior DOC Advisor’s absence, or at their direction, the Deputy DOC will be responsible for the overall management of strategic communications, including day-to-day office operations; VIP visits; managing the budget for DOC activities; overseeing the publication of materials; supervising the maintenance of DOC materials and files; taking primary responsibility for public inquires, press relations, special events, and overseeing social media.
At all times, monitor and evaluate progress towards communications objectives as outlined in the mission-approved communications strategy.
Requires occasional high-level contacts within the U.S. community in both Tanzania and Washington, D.C. (including with the USAID Mission Director, U.S. Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Public Diplomacy Officer(s); and USAID/Washington senior staff), the host country community (such as Ministers, Members of Parliament, and NGOs), and Chiefs of Party of implementing partners.
iii. Supervisory Relationship
The Deputy DOC Advisor directly reports to the Senior DOC Advisor, an offshore hire U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC). Overall guidance and supervision of DOC duties are under the Mission’s Supervisory Program Officer.
iv. Supervisory Controls: Position carries no supervision role.
12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical
II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
A. Education: A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, international relations or development, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields is desirable.
B. Prior Work Experience: Three years of progressively responsible experience in public information and outreach or international development is required, with at least two years’ experience in public relations, event planning, journalism, or related field. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is preferred. Previous work experience with U.S. Government or another international development organization is also highly desirable.
C. Job Knowledge: i) Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience in public relations. ii) A broad understanding of issues related to international development and transition economies; experience in the region is highly desirable. iii) Through knowledge of media operations (print, television, internet, radio), including how to craft a story and get it published.
D. Skills and Abilities: i) The ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with press and media contacts and exercise sound judgment in representing the U.S. Government while discussing program activities with the press and media are essential elements of the job. ii) Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and provide leadership in the areas of his/her competencies.
iii) Possess the ability to craft information messages in various media formats (e.g., press release, remarks, speech, talking points, fact sheets), targeting a variety of audiences. iv) Must be comfortable working independently, managing several activities at once, and working under pressure to meet short deadlines. Excellent working use of Google Suite and MS Office, including Google Slides and PowerPoint, and knowledge of digital photography are highly desirable.
Experience with different types of social media platforms and applications, i.e., Facebook, Instagram, MEDIUM, EXPOSURE, X (Twitter), You Tube, and Flickr. Being skilled in graphic design and proficient in using scanning software and Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Lightroom, is highly desirable.
E. Language Proficiency: Outstanding verbal and written English (Level IV) communication skills, analytical ability, and interpersonal relationships are required. Basic language skills in Swahili and knowledge of Tanzania culture and work environment are desirable.
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 36
Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Job application procedure
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