Communications and Outreach Specialist in DAI

DAI is seeking highly qualified candidates for the Communications and Outreach Specialist position in the Ukraine Portfolio.BACKGROUNDDAI has a significant presence in Ukraine, with five active projects totaling more than $758 million. While these projects vary in scope and focus, they are all involved in intricate and complex operational processes, including grant programs, procurements, and sub-contract relationships. The pressure on the project teams has been intense due to first the COVID-19 pandemic followed by Russia’s invasion, as USAID Ukraine has added significant new funding and responsibilities. In some cases, this required the projects to pivot significantly from their original objectives and thus created gaps in alignment between the skills needed for success and those possessed by the core team.While DAI’s Ukraine project field communications teams are skilled and, for the most part, doing an excellent job in outreach, there is a need for a Communications and Outreach Specialist within the Ukraine Operations Office to a) build the capacity of project communications teams in terms of messaging, utilization of various communications mediums, and stakeholder engagement, b) design and coordinate distribution of marketing collateral that highlights the impact of DAI’s Ukraine projects across the portfolio, c) engage with public and private stakeholders, as well as senior USAID officials, to increase their understanding of and focus on the support being provided to Ukraine, d) conduct media outreach and design public events that highlight the impact of DAI’s work across its project portfolio. The Communications and Outreach Specialist will work closely with DAI’s overall communications team to ensure consistent messaging and non-duplication of effort.ROLE’S PURPOSEThe Communications and Outreach Specialist will support DAI’s project teams by ensuring effective, efficient, and compliant operations. S/he will work in partnership with five COPs, field communications managers/ teams, and the DAI home office management team to design and implement a robust outreach and communications strategy that will enhance the professional skills of communications team members and ensure increased stakeholder understanding and engagement.OBJECTIVES AND DUTIESThe Communications and Outreach Specialist will be based in Ukraine and will be responsible for the following:Provide support to all project teams to ensure appropriate messaging, the creation of communications collateral, stakeholder and client outreach, etc.Provide capacity building for project communications teams as necessary.Serve as a resource for DAI by aggregating the impact stories from its project, packaging them, and ensuring distribution to appropriate stakeholders.Design and oversight of various modalities to communicate the impact of DAI’s projects in Ukraine, including but not limited to a) success stories, b) podcasts, c) media outreach/interviews, d) stakeholder outreach, e) participation in conferences et al., and f) coordination of social media outreach on the portfolio level.Identify and prioritize government officials, stakeholders, and client representatives for outreach and design communications collateral to maximize their understanding of and interest in DAI’s work in Ukraine.Serve as a resource for the projects’ procurement teams in communications plans, messaging,Advise project teams to ensure that communications and events are developed/conducted following USAID regulations and DAI policies.Work with project teams to ensure that messaging is reliable, timely, and accurate.Coordinate and manage cross-project events.In coordination with the HO-based senior communications manager, I deliver structured and on-the-job training and mentor communications teams.Other relevant tasks, as requested by the HO-based Senior Communications ManagerQUALIFICATIONSWork Experience:At least eight years experience in overall communications and outreach for organizationsDemonstrated knowledge, skills, and/or experience in social media outreach, interview techniques, event planning/management, stakeholder engagement, editing, and other forms of communications managementDemonstrated familiarity with USAID communications/branding recommendationsDemonstrated experience implementing activities of similar scope and complexity in a conflict or post-conflict contextDemonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and transfer these skills to others within his/her chain of influenceExperience in local capacity development. The Communications and Outreach Specialist must demonstrate the ability to conduct local capacity development efforts, including working with local project teams and partners to ensure adherence to award requirements.Technical Qualifications:Bachelor’s (or foreign equivalent) or above in marketing, communications, or a relevant field.Demonstrated knowledge skills in communications and outreach for organizationsStrong communication abilitiesProficiency with MS Office softwareExcellent English writing, speaking, and reading skillsREPORTINGThis position will report to the Senior Communications Manager, Ukraine Portfolio at DAI’s Home Office in Bethesda.Application InstructionsQualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please submit your Cover Letter and CV to [email protected]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please include “Communications and Outreach Specialist” in the subject line. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.Equal Employment OpportunityAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries where we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, as well as other ephysical breaches. Therefore, all our positions are subject to stringent vetting and reference checks. Show more Show less Position level Not applicable Type of employment Full time Job duties Other Industries International trade and development