BACKGROUND

The USAID Africa Trade and Investment (ATI) program is a five-year, flexible buy-in mechanism jointly managed by the USAID Africa Bureau, Middle East Bureau, and Africa Regional Missions. It was designed to mobilize enterprise-driven solutions that increase trade and investment in Africa, including North and Sub-Saharan Africa. It strengthens Africa’s markets by developing new trade and investment relationships, particularly between the United States and African continent. It also works to achieve development outcomes across all sectors.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Communications Director will lead the on-Continent ATI Communications team in designing and achieving all aspects of internal and external project communications. S/he will ensure the development of high-quality knowledge and learning content including data visualizations, success stories, case studies, and other reporting that informs learning activities and adaptive management decisions. S/he will also lead the promotion of project activities through key communication channels and will engage critical partners and communities of practice through strategic outreach and innovative communication practices.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure alignment of ATI’s strategic communications efforts with ATI’s programmatic goals.
• Collaborate with the Senior Communications Director to develop and execute the project’s overall communications strategy (internal and external)
• Lead capacity building of local counterparts to effectively communicate with communities and stakeholders
• Lead the preparation and presentation to USAID of reports and written communications on the progress and impact of program activities including Monthly Updates, Quarterly Progress Reports, Quarterly Financial Reports, Annual Reports, and the Final Report
• Build strong client relationships across USAID
• Oversee other project outreach through identified social media platforms and messaging services
• Work closely with Project staff to design project-specific communications and outreach strategies, including identification of strategic channels and key influencers, particularly those related to promotion of opportunities available under the Activity Fund, using MEL data, lessons learned and accomplishments to feed into impactful storytelling
• Contribute to the design and implementation of grant and subcontract activities specifically related to communication and outreach activities
• Ensure communication and branding of Project events and workshops
• Ensure accuracy and consistency of public information materials
• Coordinate press and other media outreach
• Lead and mentor ATI’s Nairobi-based communications team, building their capacity to achieve the project’s strategic communications goals
• Provide strategic communications advice to clients and staff and deliver high-quality communications products
• Other related duties as assigned by Senior Communications Director
• Travel to regional offices as required

REPORTING

• The Communications Director will report to the ATI Senior Communications Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and fluency in English
• University degree in relevant field and 11+ years of experience drafting reports, documents, and outreach materials and developing and implementing communications plans
• Experience in development communications on large, complex, multi-country USG-funded projects is highly preferred
• Demonstrated client management skills and an orientation toward relationship-building and trust
• Experience leading the planning and implementation of outreach and media events, including press conferences and project launches
• Ability to professionally communicate across all levels of an organization and with clients and the public
• Skilled in communication strategic thinking and planning
• Experience supervising teams including independent consultants

Preferred:

• French language skills

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Select the position in which you are interested in applying, fill out the required information, and upload CV. Please indicate what location you are applying for. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as interviews will be conducted soon. Please note, due to the volume of applications that we receive and the urgency to fill-up positions, only shortlisted applicants will receive notification on the next steps.

APPLICATION LINK:

https://fs23.formsite.com/OLJTgx/x38dmg1exu/index

ABOUT DAI

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.