Deputy Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Advisor

USAID/Uganda is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Resident Hire US Personal Service Contractor – Deputy Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Advisor.

The USAID/Uganda Mission manages one of USAID’s largest and most complex development programs worldwide. The Mission manages a broad range of activities in education, health, agriculture, economic growth, environment, democracy and governance, and humanitarian assistance.

The Deputy DOC Advisor (D/DOC) supports USAID/Uganda to promote a better understanding of the purpose, scope, and impact of USAID investments in Uganda. The D/DOC serves as an integral member of the Mission Program Office (PRO), developing and implementing accurate and timely public communications and outreach materials and efforts regarding USAID/Uganda activities and programs.

Under the supervision of the Supervisory DOC (S/DOC)and in close coordination with other DOC team members, the D/DOC prepares and edits public information and publicity materials for general audiences and visitors; facilitates story placement with local and international television, radio, print and electronic media; and leads outreach programs and events, to include public affairs campaigns and local events.

The D/DOC plays an essential role in formulating, implementing, and regularly updating a Communications and Outreach Strategy for Uganda.

A. EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in a development field, international affairs, communications, journalism, or a related area.

B. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE

At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of international communications or similar; demonstrated management experience specifically within the communications field is required.

Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required.

Prior experience in public information and outreach is required; experience living and working in Africa is desirable.

Experience with building capacity and mentoring is desirable

C. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:

Fluent, outstanding verbal and written English communication skills, analytical ability, and interpersonal relationships are required.

Knowledge of Ugandan languages, culture and work environment is desirable but not required.

D. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE:

Thorough knowledge of media operations (e.g., print, television, internet, radio) from the perspective of knowing how to shape and get a story out is required.

Demonstrated skills and extensive hands-on experience in public relations are mandatory.

Possess the ability to craft information messages in various media formats (e.g. press releases, website, blogs, etc.), targeting a variety of audiences both local and stateside.

Strong writing, developmental editing, and copy-editing skills required.

Experiencing working with and managing social media platforms and crafting social media content required.

Creative skills to present information in attractive, interesting, readable formats is desired.

Demonstrated skills in photography, layout, and graphic design are strongly preferred.

Ability to make contacts at the senior-most levels throughout the local and international community, articulate views, work with teams to convey Mission positions to a variety of audiences is desired.

Knowledge of re-engineering policies, procedures and directives related to strategic communications programming, activity development, achieving results, performance monitoring, and activity and program close-out is desirable.

E. SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The D/DOC must have demonstrated ability to exercise significant, independent professional judgment.

The D/DOC must be able to recognize operational problems and issues and address them appropriately.

The D/DOC must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated analytical skills.

The D/DOC must also have displayed an ability to work collaboratively, build consensus, serve as a personal mentor, and effectively coordinate with external actors in multicultural settings.