Communications Specialist

The Communications Specialist will report directly to the DCOP and assist in the preparation of all communication strategies, work plans and activities of the project to facilitate the achievement of project goals. This position will be based in Islamabad, Pakistan.

 Responsibilities:

Development and Review of Strategic Documents and Standardized Templates for SMEA’s Communication Material

• Take lead in development, updating, and implementation/operationalization of SMEA’s Communication strategy and Branding and Marking Plan.
• Development of templates with guidance notes/instructions on use for project reports, planning documents, fact sheets, press releases, PPTs, banners and event backdrops, brochures, etc.

• Finalize project’s monthly, quarterly and annual reports as per USAID’s writing, branding and marking guidelines.
• Liaise with the USAID communications team for communication and branding approvals for project materials.

Writing

• Write and deliver press releases, event briefs, media relations content, fact sheets, one-pagers, case studies, investment and corporate newsletter content,  and talking points; write and organize background briefings for media.
• Coordinate with various partners and USAID teams to write and/or edit articles for globally distributed USAID news publications.
• Develop drafts for SMEA’s success stories and conduct field visits for associated photography;

Event Management:

• Effectively manage and complete all pre and post event tasks, includes all necessary documentation, materials, branding and marking requirements aligned for every training program to ensure quality of service delivered at each training/event; management of consultant (photographers, media house, journalist etc. that we will hire from time to time)
• Prepare agendas, and conduct research for all events;
• Coordinate with the Operations Team to assist in event management related tasks for project’s events including site visits, venue finalization, and branding;
  • Complete preparations before and during the execution of events, i.e. preparing brand aligned training folders, inserts, name and table tags, charts, tables, etc., in English and Urdu.

Coordination:

• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external key stakeholders including media to ensure proper dissemination of the key communications material;
• Coordinate with component and technical leads, provincial and district staff as necessary to perform Communication duties including providing guidance on priority areas for attention/action and assistance to draft/write project success stories.
• Coordinate conferences, seminars, workshops, roundtable meetings, and core advocacy group meetings.
• Coordinate with advertising agencies, graphic houses, printers, video and audio production and editing houses, documentary makers, regional language translators and Urdu copy writers, media and public relation firms, stall/pavilion fabrication firms, infographics and animation designers, and other vendors for project workshops, conferences, and other significant activities;
• Work with project’s grantees and beneficiaries to help them conduct outreach activities as per USAID’s branding and marking guidelines;
• Ensure proper reporting, filing and archiving of all relevant administrative, technical and programmatic communications documents both.
• Maintain data and record of all communications related documents including press clippings in electronic and hard copy files;
• Proactively research updated USAID communications policies and regulations to ensure compliance of communications activities;
• Maintain and regularly update the M&E team’s database with important contacts (USAID, partners, GoP, communication agencies, NGOs/donors, printers, media houses, etc.).

Qualifications:

• Ability to perform successfully as a member of multiple project-related teams;
• Strong computer literacy skills required in word processing, presentations, and email, graphics experience a plus;
• Excellent communications and writing ability;
• Demonstrated successful interpersonal skills;
• Work experience in the private sector and in a development project environment is preferred, with work experience in the former being more preferable.
• At least 5 years of work experience in a position similar to this one with an international organization, preferably with USAID projects.
• Familiarity with USAID branding and marketing and graphics guidelines.
• Advanced degree in journalism, communications, business administration, or other relevant discipline or bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline and at least 7 years of relevant work experience.
• A willingness to travel to all provinces of Pakistan
• Fluency in English required; Urdu and other Pakistani languages preferred;

Application Instructions: Please send electronic submissions of your CV, cover letter and 3 professional references when you apply to [email protected] by April 5th, 2017. Please include the position you are applying for in the subject line. Applications without these items may not be considered. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.