Communication Specialist

Chemonics International, an international development consulting company based in Washington, D.C., seeks Pakistani national candidates for the position of Communications specialist for the USAID-funded Punjab Enabling Environment Project (PEEP). This five-year initiative aims to improve the enabling environment for the agriculture sector in Punjab to promote private sector led growth, especially focusing on the horticulture and dairy and livestock sub-sectors.

Job Title:  Communication Specialist

Reports to: PEEP Chief of Party

Key Responsibilities:

The communication specialist will be responsible to:

• In consultation with the PEEP team, develop and execute all communication strategies, work plans and activities of the project to facilitate the achievement of the project’s vision.
• Develop public education and outreach strategy on how the project can tap into appropriate mass media, ICT, social media, and mobile technology to initiate public outreach and engagement that will support the development of an enabling environment in the sector areas.
• Analyze stakeholder needs as part of developing a compelling vision for the PEEP communications.
• Create PEEP’s advocacy and promotional materials, both print and electronic.
• In collaboration with the other PEEP team members, design and launch advocacy campaigns on key issues included in the annual work plans.
• Liaise with Communications focal point at USAID to ensure compliance with marking and branding guidelines for the project, grantees, and beneficiaries.
• Establish a knowledge management system to facilitate continuity for all components of the Project.
• Identify and implement effective techniques for fostering stakeholders’ participation in the project activities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external key stakeholders including media to ensure proper dissemination of the key communications and to assist in advocacy campaigns.
• Advance an interactive and technologically based media between the identified stakeholders.
• Coordinate conferences, seminars, workshops, trade shows, and press interviews. Prepare agendas and conduct research for all events.
• Work with operations manager and technical staff to determine event budget and manage expenses to that budget.
• Create and deliver press releases, media relations content, case studies, white papers, executive bios, corporate newsletter content, social media content, and speaking proposals.
• Develop ideas for PEEP’s success stories, and produce at least one success story to be reported each quarter.
• Prepare SOWs for the STTAs working on the various communication related assignments.
• Draft agendas, notes and press releases for the events, organize high profile stakeholders’ visits to the project’s office, partners and beneficiaries; prepare scene setters, and in coordination with and as directed by USAID’s communications specialist, ensure media coverage of such visits.
• Perform related work as required and assigned by COP.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s (honors) degree in Mass Communications/Social Sciences or equivalent from a leading Pakistani or foreign university. Master’s degree preferred;
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience including experience in media, communications or journalism. Previous experience with USAID projects preferred.

  Required Competencies:

• Knowledge of USAID branding and marking regulations.
• Sound written and verbal communications skills in English and Urdu (some Punjabi preferred), coupled with highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Sound time management skills to ensure that multiple tasks are simultaneously completed within compressed timeframes.
• Sound active listening and critical thinking skills
• Team-oriented working skills.
• Creative and visionary leadership with the ability to drive a high volume of work to completion.
• Proven ability to design, develop and implement both communications and strategic programs and supporting work plans.
• Understanding of livestock and horticulture issues preferred.
• Ability to be flexible and open to changing priorities and challenges.