Senior Communications and Outreach Officer at Creative Associates International

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 15 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Communications and Outreach Officer - West Africa Trade and Investment Hub

Location: Abuja

Project Summary

• The objective of the West Africa Trade and Investment Activity is to improve private sector competitiveness with a focus on increasing the agricultural productivity and profitability of smallholder farmers in Nigeria, and promoting West Africa's regional and international trade
• The Activity comprises of three main components:
  • Design of a Competitiveness Fund for private sector partnerships;
  • Administration of the Competitiveness Fund to develop private sector partnerships and provide grants; and
  • Technical assistance (TA) that directly supports, coordinates, and organizes qualifying recipients (i.e., partners and grantees) to achieve USAID's trade and food security objectives.
• The Trade Hub will contribute to both USAID/Nigeria's Feed the Future objectives related to increasing the agricultural competitiveness of smallholder farmers in Nigeria as well as USAID/West Africa's objective to increase broad-based growth and resilience.

Position Summary

• The Senior Communications and Outreach Officer will be responsible for leading and managing the public affairs and information operations of a USAID-funded rural livelihoods project in West Africa.

Reporting & Supervision:

• The Senior Communications and Outreach Officer will report directly to the Operations Manager.  She/he will collaborate and work closely with the Communications and Outreach Officer.

Primary Responsibilities
Planning & Management:

• Create and implement a comprehensive annual communications plan that aligns with WAHIT’s workplan that achieves the program’s internal external communications goals;
• Ensure implementation of USAID’s Branding and Marking Plan as contracted;
• Oversees the program’s website, newsletter and social media channels, providing guidance to the Communications Officer about content;
• Contract, supervise and/or collaborate with outside consultants (such as translators, photographers, videographers, etc.);
• Coordinate with implementing partners and host governments with regards to communications activities; and
• Advise program staff on communications techniques, opportunities and potential challenges when implementing activities in the communities served;
• Collaborate with HQ Communications team.

USAID Reporting:

• Promote communication between WATIH and the West Africa-based USAID Missions, including project content suitable for dissemination on USAID channels;
• Write and/or edit USAID quarterly reports;
• Provide editorial support (such as editing) for major USAID-required project documents;
• Support the Chief of Party (COP) in consolidating the project’s reporting requirements; and
• Ensure that reports are submitted to USAID on a timely fashion;

Writing & Editing:

• Identify stories, photo essays and other content that would appear in the newsletter and website;
• Write selected stories for publication in WATIH and other channels; and
• Collaborate with HQ Communications to create and disseminate content through Creative’s channels.

Outreach & Events:

• Implement non-written elements of the outreach plan, such as radio and television material; produces posters, signs, displays, media campaigns, etc.;
• Identify existing industry events suitable for WATIH’s possible participation; and
• Oversees the communications aspects of WAHIT events.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• A minimum of four (4) years of work experience in Communications or other relevant fields, including journalism or public relations;
• Experience supporting large project communications departments and activities;
• Experience in social media management and content production;
• Experience in developing strategic communications plans;
• Experience in training and/or mentoring staff;
• Experience in dealing with media companies/organizations;
• Language: English required (French helpful); and
• Strong English writing and editing skills

Desired Skills and Qualification:

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite or similar programs
• Experience with an international aid organization or non-profit helpful

Application Closing Date
8th October, 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Cover Letter and CV as one document to: [email protected] using "Senior Communications and Outreach Officer, Abuja" as the subject of the mail.

Note: Candidates must be Authorized to work full time in Nigeria.