Outreach and Communications Officer, Juba, Sudan

Position: Outreach and Communications Officer, Juba, Sudan
Location: South Sudan

Job Description:

Outreach and Communications Officer, Juba, Sudan

Project/Proposal Summary:
MSI was awarded a three-year contract with USAID/Sudan on a project
named SUPPORT (Services Under Program and Project Offices for Results
Tracking), and tasked with the responsibility of executing functions
normally associated with USAID’s Program and Communications offices.
As a part of the SUPPORT project, MSI hiring technical and support
staff, assisting USAID with logistics, and facilitating VIP visits.
For more information on our Sudan project
(Services Under Program and Project Offices for Results Tracking –
SUPPORT) please follow this link: http://www.msiworldwide.com/index.cfm?msiweb=project&p_id=150

Position Summary:
The Development Outreach and Communications Officer (DOC) for USAID
South Sudan reports to the SUPPORT Chief of Party and to the USAID
designate in Program Office, as an ICS. The DOC collaborates closely
with all USAID technical teams, DOC counterparts in Washington, as
well as implementing partners to design, develop and implement USAID’s
communications and outreach strategy in South Sudan. The DOC
collaborates with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section in Juba to
ensure that USAID and State Department messaging are aligned and
supportive of USG foreign policy objectives for South Sudan, and that
the Embassy is fully apprised of USAID communications activities and
projects. .
The DOC will support USAID/South Sudan in the achievement of its
objectives by producing and disseminating public information about the
Mission’s activities, for South Sudanese and American target
audiences, to increase understanding of, and support for, USAID
programs. The DOC will manage the collection, production and
distribution of information associated with the USAID assistance
program in South Sudan.

Responsibilities:
• Implement the Mission’s Communications and Outreach Strategy to
increase host country and international external target audiences’
understanding of, and support for, USAID programs.
• Work with communications representatives of Implementing Partners
(IP) to ensure appropriate branding and marking of communications
materials, products and events sponsored by USAID.
• Conduct USAID’s media relations with representatives of the host
country and international media to encourage placement of positive
stories in print, broadcast and on-line media. Write and place op-eds
in local media.
• Prepare Front Office and staff for interviews and public appearances
with talking points to deliver a clear and consistent message.
• Monitor local and international press coverage, awareness and
attitudes of USAID programs and monitor effectiveness of the
communications strategy. Provide feedback to the Mission to inform
ongoing activities and future programming.
• In conjunction with the Embassy, USAID Program Office, technical
teams and implementing partners, organize and coordinate press events
for USAID projects, such as inaugurations, ribbon-cuttings, and
completion of projects. Support includes: writing press releases,
organizing background briefings for media, compiling and disseminating
press packets and on-site coordination of media. Follow-up with media
to ensure coverage of public events.
• Assist in the preparation of briefing materials and scene setters
for VIP visits. Participate in VIP activities as appropriate to
document with still photographs and videos as well as to work with any
media attending the activities.
• Maintain a calendar of USAID program events in close coordination
with USAID technical staff and implementing partners.
• Design, develop and disseminate outreach materials to promote USAID
programs to target audience and media, including outreach folders and
fact sheets, newsletters, brochures, website, photo essays, video for
broadcast, print and on-line media.
• Work with technical teams to produce videos and stills showcasing
success stories and impact of project on beneficiaries. Videos (mini-
documentaries) will be used for broadcast in South Sudan as well as to
showcase USAID South Sudan’s work via on-line media (YouTube, links on
USAID South Sudan Facebook page, Flicker and Twitter).Monitor comments
on all social media and in consultation with the Mission respond to
any comments/questions.
• Market and maintain current USAID/South Sudan website.
• Produce weekly reports highlighting program developments and
achievements.
• Produce stories that focus on beneficiaries of USAID-funded
programs. Develop, produce and disseminate success stories.
• Write articles and produce a monthly newsletter on activities in
USAID South Sudan.

Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in the field of public relations, communications or
a related development area is preferred.
• Prior experience on international development programs, particularly
USAID funded, and in depth knowledge of development issues required.
• Minimum of ten years of professional experience in public relations,
or related field is required. Proven track record of producing and
disseminating information to a variety of target audiences under tight
timeframes is required.
• The successful candidate must be capable of crafting messages in
various media formats (press releases, websites, stories, etc.)
targeting a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated coordination and organizational skills within multi-
cultural work environment are required.
• Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and to work
effectively under pressure. Take initiative and be creative.
• Knowledge of USAID-funded communications is highly desirable.
• Good written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal
skills and understanding of print, TV and social media are required.
• Knowledge of word processing and excel is required.
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and website development preferred.
• Experience with social media including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter
and Flicker is required.
Additional Considerations Regarding work in South Sudan:
• Position requires travel throughout South Sudan

**Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be
contacted. No phone calls, please.**