On March 2, 2020, EnCompass LLC was awarded the Monitoring and Learning Support Contract (MLS) to support the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) mission in Ukraine to holistically provide technical assistance support and other services in monitoring and evaluation. EnCompass, our subcontractor NORC at the University of Chicago, Pardee and other local partners will aim to improve the achievement and sustainability of USAID’s development outcomes for USAID/Ukraine, including USAID Belarus.

Position Summary

The Ukraine Monitoring and Learning Support (UMLS) project Strategic Communications Specialist Consultant will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the work plan supporting the USAID/Ukraine Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team. 

The Communications Specialist will work with the Communications Team to review develop social media campaigns and posts, support development of communications products such as success stories, videos and photo libraries, provide training, recommendations, best practices, and guides to improve effectiveness and engagement with the USAID/Ukraine traditional and social media communications products. This individual will coordinate with the local CLA team and will work closely with members of the communications team both in Ukraine and at EnCompass LLC headquarters.

Primary Responsibilities

 Implement the following areas of the DOC technical assistance work plan to support the USAID/Ukraine DOC team:

Component 1: Training & Technical Assistance

• Develop 10 social media campaigns using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter platforms from start-to finish to be posted on USAID/Ukraine platforms. 
• Develop graphic design visuals to support the social media campaigns. 
• Review analytical data to determine the success of the posts and campaigns. 
• Develop multiple webinars and peer-to peer capacity-building training offerings for the DOC team.  
• Support the DOC Team and Mission technical staff to develop strategic messages and “elevator pitches” about USAID/Ukraine programs for key audiences and decision makers. 
• Support Mission’s capacity to train other Implementing Partners and Mission staff (CORs) to identify and develop social media content and success stories. 
• Contribute to the development of report documents on communication activities and if necessary, on major event during the UM&LSC project implementation.

Component 2: Communication Research, Analytics, Learning and Evaluation.

• Review and assess USAID/Ukraine communication products, such as newsletters, fact sheets, reports, and social media posts and provide recommendations based on international and regional best practices for strategic and digital communication. 
• Analyze results and contribute to the development of a learning plan to increase Mission communications capacity and improve the quality and effectiveness of their communication products. 
• Support the selection and use of metrics to monitor progress in the implementation of the social media and communications strategies. 
• Support media monitoring efforts by suggesting ways to enhance traditional and social media monitoring approaches, and to find ways of using monitoring to strengthen communications and messaging.

Component 3: Social Media Strategy

• Play a proactive role in supporting the review and updating of the USAID/Ukraine Mission’s social media and communication strategies. 
• Support the creation of social media campaigns using existing material such as the annual report, success stories and media events.

Component 4:  Materials Development/Dissemination

• Engage with video production companies in the development of videos and photo library portraying USAID’s work in Ukraine.

Other areas

• CLA Team:  Collaborate with UMLS staff as part of the CLA team to identify opportunities for communication on different platforms and contribute to the development of communication products to highlight the UMLS project. 
• Support the work of UMLS overall, including providing virtual event production and facilitation as needed. 
• Contribute to related initiatives as assigned to strengthen UMLS’ engagement with the Mission and its stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and 6 years’ experience or Master’s degree and 4 years’ experience working with international development organizations or related social development areas. Degree in communications, journalism, professional writing, public relations, or related field preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in communication and managing communications; responsibilities for projects, programs or organizations.
• Excellent writing and editing skills for both web and print platforms
• Ability to write compelling stories for internal and external audiences; mastery of Associated Press Style guidelines
• Ability to understand and translate complex information into key messages for clients, partners, and other target audiences.
• Experience training/mentoring others in effective writing, digital/social media outreach, and other communications topics.
• Excellent writing and editing skills in both English and Ukrainian for web and print platforms.
• Experience in developing and launching social media profiles and campaigns.
• Experience in developing email marketing communications and newsletters.
• Experience developing, measuring and assessing communications strategies.
• Experience in formatting documents and using graphics effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop.
• Proficiency with management of organizational/programmatic Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram accounts and analytics tools, including Hootsuite; experience with visual storytelling platforms desired.
• Familiarity with USAID branding policies and procedures with hands-on experience with communications in a USAID project strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, proactive, creative problem solving and ethical management.

Task Assignments

Working with the team on a variety of tasks that may include:

1. May-December 2021: Develop 8- 10 social media campaigns (DOC Deliverable – 10 campaigns)
2. May-December 2021: Support script writing and video production for Mission success stories. (DOC Deliverable - Completed scripts and videos)
3. May-September 2021: Support development of video library, review and selection of photographs, develop the guidelines for tagging for pictures. (DOC Deliverable - Categorized and tagged photo library)
4. May-December 2021: Support training development and delivery of trainings focusing on social media tips and best practices. (DOC Deliverable - Trainings)
5. May-August 2021: Support development of communication key messages and elevator pitches.  (DOC Deliverable - Key Messages in social media and communication strategy)
6. May-December 2021:  Support media monitoring efforts and serve as subject-matter-expert in social media analytics and measurements. (DOC Deliverable - Recommendations for social media analytics on media monitor reports)

How to Apply

Please submit CV and cover letter, and complete the application on the Careers & Consulting page of  https://app.ismartrecruit.com/jobDescription?x=E7pZW5jb21wYXNzd29ybGQuY29tXzIyOF9XX2VuQ9e&view=list.