Сommunications Manager

About DAI

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world. DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

DAI is seeking highly qualified candidates to occupy full-time Сommunications Manager position in Kyiv HOVERLA project office in Ukraine to join USAID Governance and Local Accountability (HOVERLA) Activity’s team. Interested candidates should submit their application through the following portal:

https://fs23.formsite.com/OLJTgx/yhwh62wp54/index

Applications will be accepted until 22 May 2024. Due to a high volume of applications received, we are unable to contact each applicant individually regarding the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted in response to this job advertisement.

Project Background

DAI Global is implementing the USAID-funded Governance and Local Accountability (HOVERLA) Activity, based in Kyiv, Ukraine. The purpose of HOVERLA Activity is to facilitate the creation of Ukrainian local governance systems and processes that are more self-reliant, accountable to citizens, inclusive and able to provide services. The Activity has three objectives:

• Objective 1: Ukraine’s system of local self-governance is increasingly institutionalized and effective
• Objective 2: More self-reliant subnational governance
• Objective 3: Citizens play an increasingly influential role in local governance processes

Position Overview

The Communications Manager highlights HOVERLA’s activities of all components and sectors in communication channels and events, works with local partners and key stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, businesses, and mass media. This position requires an excellent command of developing, implementing, and supporting HOVERLA’s communication and outreach strategy formulation and implementation, including USAID reporting, branding, marking and internal and external communications. The Communications Manager assists the communication efforts in communication material and events to better present the Activity’s efforts, impacts and success stories.

The Communications Manager will report to the Communications Director.

Responsibilities & Duties:

HOVERLA Communications

• Supports the Communications Director in managing the communications activities of HOVERLA, leading and overseeing the team and activities in the absence of the Communications Director.
• Leads the quarterly and annual reporting task, ensuring that the quality of output, the level of which entails: 1) coordinating with the technical teams to gather pertinent information for reporting; identifying key activities that have to be highlighted.
• Assist in HOVERLA’s communications structure, including reporting templates and oversee reporting schedule.
• Prepare and draft HOVERLA success stories, in various media formats (i.e. written, presentations, video, etc.).
• Integrate, edit, and finalize HOVERLA communications products, including drafting written materials, fact sheets, success stories, PowerPoint presentations, press releases, and regular reporting requirements (USAID weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, technical reports, etc.). Oversee submission of high-quality deliverables.
• Work with staff to develop and produce communications, knowledge management and outreach materials. Collect and organize data and information from the relevant programmatic teams on progress of project activities and service delivery.
• Upload publications to the Publication section of TAMIS and liaise with DAI Head Office as required.
• Contribute to the preparation of weekly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Copy edits project reports prior to review by the Communications Director.
• Carry out field visits to grantee and partner sites for story development.
• Prepare reports on HOVERLA’s activities in social networks (on monthly basis or upon request): coverage and engagement statistics.
• Support the development of on-demand information/communications products requested by USAID or other stakeholders.
• Contribute to ad hoc reporting.
• Assist in Crafting/Implementing sound messages and prepare all the necessary communication materials, speeches, talking points, to be used during high-profile awareness raising events at the local, governmental, and national level and demonstrate the role that HOVERLA at large and within local communities can play.
• Assist in the creation and management of a knowledge bank (PDrive/TAMIS knowledge repository/SharePoint) for HOVERLA and external stakeholders.
• Assist in planning and preparing HOVERLA’s participation in USG and USAID promotional activities.
• Recommend and oversee implementation of additional methods of identifying and assessing program impact. Participate in the design and implementation of critical learning tools.
• Other tasks as assigned by Communications Director, COP or DCOP.
• Ensure that the correct USAID HOVERLA branding, and marking are utilized during the performance of the technical tasks.

Event Logistic Coordination Tasks

• Assist in the organization, coordination, and development of HOVERLA events and support objective leads in event organization.
• Coordinate and assist Objective Leads with planning and implementing ministry, partner, stakeholder, and grantee events (trainings, workshops, focus groups, round tables, ceremonies, forums, high-level events)
• Provide suggestions regarding strategic initiatives and activities (such as ceremonies, forums, and high-visibility events), as needed.
• Assist with maintaining HOVERLA’s internal and external events calendar and schedule.
• Manage event planning following DAI logistics, finance, and procurement processes.
• Task and follow up with HOVERLA staff for execution of assigned event tasks and deliverables.
• Work closely with Objective 1 on all government and stakeholder outreach events.
• Coordinate closely with external contracted consultants and firms on event management.

Communication Outreach Activities

• Assist in developing communications plans and activities for a variety of stakeholder groups, create messaging and materials for community action, and assist in implementing local governance communications strategies.
• Assist objective leads and regional managers in developing public outreach activities for project counterparts.
• Assist in developing innovative communications products to actively engage HOVERLA stakeholders across Ukraine, including institutional and private sector partners.
• Assist in liaising with relevant stakeholders, including institutional and private sector partners, to increase visibility and maximize coordination.
• Foster ongoing positive cooperation with the stakeholders and HOVERLA staff.

• Provide guidance on external communications, public relations and media relations strategies, and communications best practices for stakeholders and grantees.
• Participate in trainings for journalists, local business, representatives of municipalities, promote social networks for business purposes or promotion of a certain topic/product.

Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree or Bachelor’s degree in journalism, PR, languages, communications or in a related field.
• Between 8-9 years’ experience in communications, reporting, communications product development, or other related areas.
• Experience with knowledge management for USAID or other international donor-funded programs is a bonus, or in a PR/ communications agency working with the public sector.
• Demonstrated experience designing strategic communications plans, developing and implementing knowledge management tools or systems, and developing content for social media platforms.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word and Power Point); graphic arts and/or desktop publishing software is a plus
• Native Ukrainian and excellent command of English; solid skills in writing and editing English and Ukrainian content for various channels.
• Knowledge of the Ukrainian government’s decentralization reform agenda and developments is a plus.