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 full-time Senior Strategic Communications Manager 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

The Senior Strategic Communications Manager will oversee and manage all areas of project communications and reporting. S/he will oversee the HOVERLA communications strategy and ensure that all communications platforms comply with USAID regulations and contractual requirements and are delivered on time. Working closely with MEL Director, Chief of Party and USAID, the Senior Strategic Communications Manager will prepare materials, including media campaigns, project success stories, and other communications products for dissemination to the project’s stakeholders, beneficiaries, and partners.

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

• Work with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning team and others as necessary to develop the HOVERLA Activity Communication Strategy and HOVERLA’s annual communication plan that covers the following:
  •  Includes utilization of social media platforms,
  • Creates a consistent supply (at least three a quarter) of short USAID formatted success stories,
  • USAID communication tools such as a weekly donor update and a shared monthly calendar,
  • Distribution strategy for each type of output based on audience and appropriate channel,
  • How to leverage public relations to raise the profile of HOVERLA and USAID,
  • Generate content for internal and external communications.
• Implement the HOVERLA Program Communication Strategy including ensuring regular USAID communication tools are effective through regular meetings with the client and engaging technical staff in the communications process as part of HOVERLA learning culture.  
• Support technical teams as needed in;
  • Applying communications tools and tactics and understanding and incorporating concepts around information flows and feedback loops,
  • Empowering staff to take on/support the writing/investigative aspects of publishing stories,
  • Improving the effectiveness of networking events through improved stakeholder participatory communications tools and tactics,
  • Applying public relations tools and tactics.
• Assist objective leads and regional managers in developing public outreach activities for project counterparts.
• Develop 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.
• Develop innovative communications products to actively engage HOVERLA stakeholders across Ukraine, including institutional and private sector partners.
• Oversee HOVERLA deliverables for reporting, including establishing HOVERLA reporting schedules and developing reporting templates.
• Build the capacity of HOVERLA staff in developing content from project activities.
• Collect and organize data-calls to the relevant programmatic teams to solicit information on progress of project activities and service delivery projects.
• Integrate, edit, and finalize HOVERLA communications products, including draft written materials, success stories, press releases, and regular reporting requirements (monthly, quarterly etc.)
• Manage and store all documents in DAI’s management information system (TAMIS) and Sharepoint.
• 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.
• Provide guidance on external communications, public relations and media relations strategies, and communications best practices for stakeholders and grantees.
• Review and edit project documents submitted by subcontractors and grantees.
• Serve as liaison with media groups to cover specific and relevant project activities, such as opening and closing ceremonies.
• Create scopes of work and manage external public relations, photography, videography, and communications firms as needed. 
• Provide quality assurance on USAID branding and marking.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders, including institutional and private sector partners, to increase visibility and maximize coordination.
• 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 as needed.
• 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 COP and DCOP

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.