Local Works Communications Specialist

Overview

The Local, Faith-based, and Transformative Partnerships Hub, within USAID’s Bureau for Inclusive Growth, Partnerships, and Innovation (IPI / LFT), is seeking a Communications Specialist to support the IPI / LFT Locally Led Development Initiatives (LLDI) programs.

In this role, the Communications Specialist will help to produce and update internal and external communications products, support the implementation of LLDI communications strategies, and provide direct support to USAID Missions focused on locally led development.

The LLDI programs in IPI / LFT work toward the day when foreign assistance is no longer needed, and empowered local actors lead and sustain their own development.

Through funding and technical leadership, these initiatives provide USAID Missions and staff with the knowledge, skills, tools, and resources to ensure that development assistance is locally led.

These initiatives include the flagship Local Works program, the Small Project Assistance Program and Global Agreement with Peace Corps, a number of co-created research and development initiatives under the Broad Agency Announcement for Locally Led Development Innovation, and the Locally Led Development Annual Program Statement.

Also supported under the Local Works program is the sub-program entitled Unsolicited Solutions for Locally Led Development (US4LLD);

a funding opportunity for meritorious, unsolicited applications that advance locally led development.

Responsibilities

Create and execute communications strategies for major milestones and initiatives, such as calls for applications, best practices dissemination, events, and cross-Agency initiatives.

Make sure to apply with all the requested information, as laid out in the job overview below.

Identify and solicit communications opportunities and produce success stories, products, and videos to share on external and internal platforms.

Conduct amplification for key resources, news, events, and initiatives.

Collaborate with other LFT Hub and Agency communicators to advance communications on locally led development and provide guidance on best practices.

Produce and update communications collateral for IPI / LFT / LLDI programming, using Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and / or Premiere;

Canva; and / or Google Docs and Slides.

Work with communications contractors to execute key LLDI work products.

Track communications requests and needs; coordinate input on communications products from relevant staff, including D.C.

and Mission-based colleagues, and support clearance management.

Provide communications support including advice, copy editing, training, and more to Missions and partners and across the LLDI team.

Provide technical assistance to Missions and partners with LLDI programming in communications areas including developing communications strategies, storytelling, templates, and tools and providing training.

Other ad hoc communications support as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements :

Bachelor’s degree in communications, international relations, and / or relevant field and at least eight years of experience in communications, content management, and / or journalism, especially in an international setting OR Master's degree and at least six years of experience.

Familiarity with the field of international development.

Exceptional written, analytic, and oral communication skills.

Strong project management and coordination skills, with the ability to work with diverse colleagues and partners.

Experience writing short- and long-form impact stories for a variety of audiences and platforms.

Proficient in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe InDesign (work samples required).

Some knowledge of and experience with developing short videos for websites, events, and social media.

Some knowledge of and experience with managing websites and databases.

Impeccable customer service, attention to detail, and organizational skills.

Ability to multitask, prioritize as necessary, meet short deadlines, and approach work with a sense of urgency, follow-through, and flexibility.

Proficiency in Google G Suite.

U.S. citizen or resident who is eligible to obtain a facilities level security clearance.

Additional Qualifications :

Passion for and understanding of locally led development : local actors leading their own development.

Experience working directly with community-level organizations, whether domestic or international.

Proficiency using one or more video editing platforms.

Experience working with electronic newsletter platforms.

Experience managing social media accounts, including drafting and posting content, tracking metrics, and more, particularly for X (formerly Twitter).

Ability to support a geographically and culturally diverse range of stakeholders.

USAID experience preferred, especially working as a Mission DOC.

Some international travel may be required ( 10%).

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