Development Outreach & Communications Specialist – USAID/Africa Management Support & Technical Analysis Services

STAFF POSITIONS | CLOSE DATE AUG 29, 2013

The QED Group, LLC is a full-service international development firm that provides practical solutions to social problems through sound analysis, proven management techniques, and creative implementation.  We focus our efforts on two core practice areas: Monitoring & Evaluation and Knowledge Management. We work with U.S. agencies and overseas governments, international donors, private-sector clients, and PVOs/NGOs in more than 80 countries around the world. Key clients include USAID, the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

The QED Group is seeking a Development Outreach & Communications Specialist for work on the Management Support & Technical Analysis Services project in conjunction with USAID/Africa.

The goal of this project is to provide technical services to USAID/Africa’s Office of Sustainable Development (AFR/SD) in formulating a new, robust, cross-cutting and inclusive strategy via a multi-sectoral approach to achieving development goals, deepening understanding of development trends, and improving program performance while integrating gender and environmental considerations in the following areas:

• Health
• Education
• Conflict
• Peacebuilding
• Governance
• Economic Growth
• Agriculture
• Trade

Additionally, the Management Support & Technical Analysis Services project will support USAID economic growth and trade related activities in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as provide logistical and administrative support for the planning, knowledge management, communications, and outreach for all technical divisions of AFR/SD.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Development Outreach & Communications Specialist will be the key point of contact on assigned communications, logistics, and administrative support matters.  Priority tasks include:

• Overseeing the editing and production of written or website publications;
• Disseminating documents, newsletters, and information about newly released documents;
• Supporting the development and implementation of communications strategies;
• Design and production of AFR/SD publications such as electronic newsletters, annual reports, and special publications;
• Responding to information requests;
• Conducting outreach to encourage the use of AFR/SD websites and the contribution of relevant material;
• Ensuring that all posted information remains up to date;
• Updating AFR/SD’s online “Telling Our Story” pages and photo gallery;
• Conducting annual surveys of AFR/SD’s partners to determine information needs;
• Providing general backstopping support, covering research and writing tasks;
• Attending briefings and meetings as directed;
• Taking meeting notes and performing other information-related tasks as necessary.

Key Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in education, communications, or related area strongly preferred; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education, communications, or related area required.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or six (6) years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree.  At least five of these years should be in or on developing countries, preferably in Africa;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private sector partners and stakeholders;
• Excellent quantitative skills;
• Outstanding communication and excellent writing skills;
• Advanced skills in the use of PowerPoint;
• Well-versed in the use of social-media and other online communications outlets.

Application Process:

To apply to this position please click the “Apply Now” link and follow the application instructions below.

1. Submit your current resume and cover letter.
2. Complete and submit the attached 1420 biodata sheet.
3. Complete and submit the attached Voluntary Self-ID Form.

Applications submitted by other means will not be considered. Please note only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Accessibility Notice:  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to: Recruitment@QEDGroupLLC.com. 

Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The QED Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO/M/F/D