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 qualified candidates for the Kyiv-based short term (private-entrepreneur status) Communications (STTA) position 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/quxlyo8hmw/index.html?1618952685727

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled in. 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.

Additional Submissions - Selected candidates will be requested to submit writing samples and a communications portfolio of work to the Interview panel.

Project Background

DAI Global is implementing the USAID-funded Governance and Local Accountability (HOVERLA) Activity, based in Kyiv, Ukraine. This project is designed to support Ukraine advance self-reliant local governance including legislative reforms, participatory strategic planning methodologies, service improvement, local economic development, civil society engagement, and capacity building of sub-national government entities.  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

Objectives and Duties:

The Communications STTA will assist the Grants Director in overseeing and managing all areas of project communications and reporting during their assignment. S/he will oversee the HOVERLA communications strategy during their tenure and ensure that all communications platforms comply with USAID regulations and contractual requirements and are delivered on time.

The Communications Consultant will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following detailed tasks:

• Coordinate with the Event Management Firm for HOVERLA on the HOVERLA Launch Event at the end of September 2021
  • Assembling list of media with Event Firm– Accreditation to be open from September 20^th to COB Sept 24^th
  • Press announcement – September 20^th
  • Sending out press docs to media – Sept 27^th
• Assist in HOVERLA weekly reporting to USAID – collect input from the technical team and compile a brief report on activities/events that are taking place on a weekly basis. 
• Assist HOVERLA senior management in organizing, compiling and executing HOVERLA’s first year Annual Report due in October 2021.
• Integrate, edit, and finalize HOVERLA communications products, including draft written materials, success stories, press releases, and regular reporting requirements (monthly, quarterly etc.) as required
• Maintain and develop content for the project’s website in coordination with the IT team and USAID.
• Work with Ukraine HOVERLA programmatic staff to develop and produce marketing, outreach, and materials for events.
• Serve as the point of contact for local media inquiries.
• Create scopes of work and manage external public relations, photography, videography, and communications firms as needed. 
• Provide quality assurance on USAID branding and marking.
  • Create templates for all HOVERLA materials
• Run a communications training for HOVERLA staff on-boarded
• Craft and implement 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.
• Develop ad hoc communications products which could include social media, video production, written, web content etc.
• Develop and maintain project website/social media platform
• Monitor press coverage—including news wires, local newspapers, television, and radio.
• Coordinate on-demand information for USAID or other stakeholders.
• Represent HOVERLA at large scale events and meetings as required.
• Other activities as requested by Grants Director, COP and DCOP that is in line with this scope of responsibilities

Qualifications:

• Strongly preferred master’s degree in communications, journalism, literature or another related field.
• At least 9 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, reporting, communications product development, and knowledge management.
• Experience working with USAID or other international donor-funded programs.
• Excellent writing skills and experience preparing well-researched reports.
• Demonstrated experience designing strategic communications plans, developing and implementing knowledge management tools or systems, and developing content for social media platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private‐sector partners and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word and Power Point), graphic arts and/or desktop publishing software a plus.
• Ability to develop and maintain content for web and social media platforms
• Excellent writing, speaking, and reading skills in English.