Chemonics International Inc.
Chemonics International Inc., a U.S.-based international development consulting firm, seeks seeks a Senior Strategic and Technical Communications Advisor for the USAID Next Generation Early Grade Reading Activity (NextGen) in Malawi. The $75 million activity aims to solidify and build on the contributions made to date as part of the implementation of Malawi’s National Reading Program (NRP) towards improving the delivery of high-quality early primary reading instruction in all Malawian primary schools. We are seeking an individual who has a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.
Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.
Responsibilities include:
• Lead the development of key external communications deliverables and provide ongoing guidance and leadership for the implementation of the NextGen communications strategy.
• Build the overall capacity of NextGen’s communications department to undertake and oversee communications products for the project.
• Assist the technical team to plan for and develop timely and accurate communications products that promote greater understanding of project activities among target audiences including USAID, Ministry of Education, and other entities as required.
• Develop and finalize the NextGen Communications Strategy developed in consultation with the COP and USAID DOC.
• Upon the approval of communications strategy, maintain high-level orientation to relevant technical teams to ensure they identify opportunities to engage the communications team and deliver timely communications materials and products.
• Implement and maintain the project’s strategic communications strategy, and coordinate with all component teams and oversight body representatives to implement it.
• Coordinate the Foundational Learning Steering Committee planning and activities, including:
• liaison with DQAS and key MOE directorates, Ministry of Gender and Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as FLSC coordinators from key Donor stakeholders and Implementing Partners.
• Monitoring and supporting Strand Working Group meetings and collating outputs from those meetings.
• Facilitating preparation meetings for the FLSC meetings (approximately quarterly)
• Provide technical advice, guidance and support to program staff in the integration of communications and awareness components into project activities.
• Provide strategic and programmatic advice on communication strategies and products for NextGen and project partners.
• Contribute to content development, as required, to ensure content reflects USAID/NextGen strategic objectives and values.
• Review and provide feedback for strategic communications partners (subcontractors, grantees, or other partners) to enhance communication products and outcomes.
• Design, select and oversee strategic communication, public outreach, and messaging activities in coordination with the Digital Development Specialist and the ICT Specialist
• In close collaboration with senior project leadership, develop a private sector engagement plan/strategy (with primary focus on increasing the quantity of reading materials available to schools and in the community) aligned with the Book and Reading Policy and plan for implementation.
• Lead activities that support MOE to implement the Supply Chain Analysis Recommendations (as per NextGen contract) and the Book and Reading Policy.
• Support the technical team and Chief of Party to develop presentation and other promotional products.
• Assist the Communications Manager to in preparing quarterly reports, success stories, and other deliverables as needed. Monitor the draft products to ensure high quality communication and reporting materials.
• Conduct ongoing training for technical staff to build their capacity to capture important project milestones and to convey the project’s impact through photos, videos, etc.
• Monitor progress against the communications and advocacy activities and budget included in NextGen’s work plan and identify solutions to challenges or unanticipated delays in implementation.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and capacity-building support to the communications team (including the technical and division teams) Provide supervision to the Communications Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications:
• University degree in education, communications, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• A Minimum ten (10) years of experience working with USAID and in a similar position in terms of the job tasks and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated professional excellence and strong analytical skills.
• English fluency, with excellent presentation skills and a strong ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing.
• Demonstrated analytical ability and understanding of local and regional context, with the ability to think creatively and advise on program activities. Ability to analyze and report on program performance and impact from the perspective of donors, program planners, and partners.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in the context of interacting with international and Malawian officials, civil society organizations, staff members and Ministry of Education
Method Of Application
To apply for any of the below positions, please submit a CV and application through this link Please submit your application as soon as possible, as candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis. This application will close on Friday, November 15th, 2023. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.