Communications & Program Officer

USAID/Pakistan awarded Louis Berger Group (LBG) with a three (3) year Punjab Youth Workforce Development Project (PYWD) to work with at-risk youth in Multan, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh and Bahawalpur to secure gainful employment and play a positive role in their communities. The Program will facilitate employment opportunities for 10,000 youth (including 35% women) will implement the following activities: a) proactive community engagements to mobilize at-risk youth; b) institutional capacity building and re-tooling of over 22 public/private vocational training providers; c) co-opting of prospective potential private sector employers for trainee placement; d) career counseling services; as well as e) providing access to finance for youth entrepreneurs.

Summary: The Communication and Program Officer will be assisting Communications & Outreach Specialist in development and maintenance of Project communication and outreach strategy in line with the USAID Pakistan approved Branding and Marking Implementation Plans. He/She will also be responsible to ensure compliance of all Project communication and marketing materials with Louis Berger Branding Policy. He/She will also play the key role in organizing the printing and production in-house of the publications and materials for the project's information package. He/she will assist department head in proper functioning of the office equipment and will assist in organizing events, in collecting information for the content of communication tools, in updating the illustration of the office space in the Business Center and in the preparation and delivery of training courses. 

Basic Task and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Communications & Outreach Specialist in the preparation of all communication strategies, work plans and activities to facilitate the achievement of the project goals;
• Assist in preparation of PYWDP’s advocacy and promotional material including brochures (print and electronic), newsletters, fact-sheets, one-pagers etc.;
• Draft press releases, event briefers, media relations content, presentations, fact sheets, case studies, investment and corporate newsletter content, and talking points;
• Assist the Communications & Outreach Specialist to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external key stakeholders including media to ensure proper dissemination of the key communications material;
• Handle event management related tasks for project’s events including site visits, venue finalization, and branding;
• Coordinate conferences, seminars, workshops, roundtable meetings, and core advocacy group meetings. Prepare agendas, and conduct research and photography for all events;
• Develop drafts for PYWD’s success stories and conduct field visits for associated photography;
• Coordinate with advertising agencies, printers, video and audio production and editing houses, documentary makers, media and public relation firms, stall/pavilion fabrication firms, designers, and other vendors for project’s significant events;
• Ensure compliance to USAID’s writing, branding and marking guidelines;
• Liaison with project’s Component Leads and field 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;
• Coordinate to complete behavior change activities, as per workplan
• Assist in other program related duties as assigned;

Qualifications and Skills Requirements: 

• Bachelors or Masters in mass communications/social sciences/marketing/journalism/arts or equivalent from a leading Pakistani or foreign university.
• Minimum 2 to 3 years of work experience in a similar capacity. Working with USAID funded projects will be having an advantage.
• Strong writing, editing and graphic designing skills
• Ability to work under short deadlines and efficiently handle multiple tasks.
• Willingness to travel for field visits to other districts and rural areas of South Punjab.
• Writing, editing, branding and communications management experience is desirable.
• Work experience in communications/media/marketing, especially in donor-funded projects required.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with project’s team members as well as external stakeholders including partners and grantees.
• Proficiency in MS Office, designing, infographics
• Excellent communication skills

Please note that we reserve the right to cancel one or all applications. This position will be on rolling basis and remain open until the position is filled with suitable candidate. We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity in its workforce. We welcome people from diverse backgrounds, culture and experience. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.