Strategic Communications and Outreach (SCO) Advisor

Project Overview:

Chemonics International, a US-based international development consulting firm, seeks a Strategic Communication and Outreach (SCO) Advisor for the USAID Iraq Together/Ma’an (معاً) project (hereinafter “Ma’an). Ma’an aims to provide more equitable, efficient, and sustainable public services in Iraq, as well as improving government responsiveness to citizens’ needs and demands. Objectives of this project include working with the Government of Iraq (GOI) to improve service delivery and strengthen democratic and participatory governance.

Position Overview:

The Strategic Communications and Outreach Advisor will lead communications and outreach activities and will ensure project promotion and visibility, media and social media presence, donor branding and marking. This position is open to Iraqi nationals residing in Iraq (Baghdad preferably).

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Ensures the integration of communications throughout all the project’s activities.
• Develops a project-level or industry-level communications plans or communications mini- strategies around ongoing technical activities of the project and assisted industries.
• Assist the COP in responding to urgent Request for Information through working with team leads and other sections.
• Supports the project’s efforts to increase the quantity and quality of media stories.
• Supports the project’s media relations efforts, including media coaching for the project’s spokesperson/spokespeople.
• Reviews the project deliverables, publications, and communications for adherence to the USAID Branding and Marking Guidelines.
• Develops project success stories and works on video success stories.
• Develop highlights reflecting the project’s key achievements.
• Provide translation support through working with locally hired translators or local translation firms.
• Provides guidance and support on USAID branding of project materials.
• Supports development of online materials and assists in uploading material on the DEC.
• Develops talking points, speeches and scene setters for events organized by Ma’an.
• Develops and writes quarterly, semiannual, and annual reports in collaboration with Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, and other relevant team members.
• Develops and update project fact sheet in Arabic and English, one and two-pagers to highlight project initiatives.
• Writes success stories in USAID format and coordinates production of video success stories.
• Monitors press and saves media clippings for the project’s reporting purposes.
• Develops technical specifications/scopes of work/ request for proposals for outsourcing communications activities and coordinates the contracts with local partners, monitors deliverables and outcomes of the contract.
• Supports the formatting, editing and publishing of reports, studies, working papers, planning tools and methodologies or other new activities.
• Supports development of project reports, results reporting and other project-related products.
• Provides technical and creative strategic direction and input on content and products.
• Edits and formats deliverables in English and Arabic languages.
• Provides strategic communications oversight and ensures that deliverables are undertaken to a high-quality standard.
• Provides technical and creative input on content and products.
• Develops complex communications for various content delivery channels for both external and internal communications.
• Liaises with local media as directed/approved by the client.
• Works with vendors to obtain information to evaluate quality, process, and costs to support vendor selection.
• Oversees communications vendors and subcontractors
• Maintains knowledge by attending webinars, conferences, networking etc. to remain at the forefront of current industry standards, trends and technology.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience working in strategic communications required.
• Experience working for USAID or other donor funded projects strongly preferred.
• Degree in relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with various industry stakeholders including the private sector, academia, the Government of Iraq, donors, and others.
• Experience implementing donor-funded programming preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.
• Proficiency in written and oral Arabic and English is required. Written and oral fluency in Kurdish, and other local languages is a plus, but not required.

Application Instructions:

To apply please fill out this form: Iraq Together Job Application Form (smartsheet.com)

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.  

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Position closes upon candidate selection. Early submissions encouraged for best consideration.