COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, D.C. metro area management consultancy with a 40-year history of delivering results for our clients. Our expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation; democracy and governance; peace and stability; rule of law and accountability; education; gender and inclusion; strategic communications; and leadership and organizational development. MSI has implemented projects in 90 countries around the world such as Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Ukraine, and works domestically. We support clients ranging from the U.S. Government (e.g., the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Departments of State and Labor, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation) to large bilateral and multilateral donors (e.g., the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program). We also work with national and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information, please visit our website press here 

Project Summary:

The USAID West Bank Rapid Response Buy-in, known locally as the Responding to Local Priorities activity, is a two-year, USAID-funded activity designed to respond to community priorities in the northern West Bank. In cooperation with Palestinian partners, the activity will:

1) respond to community needs arising from recent developments, improving community services, conducting light repairs for private and public spaces and buildings, and providing livelihood opportunities; 2) improve the ability of community organizations to help people cope with psychological hardships and better respond quickly and effectively to emergencies; and

3) provide youth with meaningful access to economic opportunities, including short-term jobs and paid internships and working hand-in-hand with local youth organizations to expand activities and services that engage youth. 

Please note: Only West Bank-Gaza residents are eligible for this position

Position Summary:

The Communications and Outreach Specialist (COS) will work on two levels:

1) supporting grantees and other partners communicate their successes and other messages to communities and

2) helping to respond to Local Priorities communicate its achievements, successes, and analysis to USAID and other external audiences. The COS will also support the WB RR teams in identifying, designing, and implementing activities focused on communication issues or communications elements of other activities, such as grants. This position will report to the Chief of Party or their designee and will be expected to work closely and collaboratively with the rest of the team. The COS may supervise one associate and will be expected to oversee externally contracted consultants and service providers. The position will be filled commensurate with experience, accommodating candidates at either the senior or mid-level.

Responsibilities:

• Lead technical and other assistance to help project partners better communicate their successes with key target groups in their communities and nationally, including consulting on communications strategies and products, conducting formal and “on-the-job” training, identifying and contracting with marketing and communications firms, and other similar assistance, working closely with project leadership and the technical team.
• Manage project communication and reporting to USAID and other external audiences, drafting communications strategies, and designing and producing presentations, reports, info graphics, short videos and social media posts, and other products designed to effectively communicate project success and achievements tailored to various external audiences.
• Oversee design, identification, and implementation of subcontracts and other agreements with external firms and consultants to support partner and project communication efforts.
• Draft project reports, as required, including weekly, quarterly, annual reports, and work plans using MSI and USAID templates and formats, but also introducing creative ways of presenting required information.
• Ensure compliance with the project’s branding and marking plan, for both the project and partners.
• Design, produce, and present products that analyze political, social, and other developments to help with the design of activities and keep project leadership and USAID updated on current developments in creative, easy-to-use, and informative ways.
• Provide other support and perform tasks as necessary to further the objectives of the project.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, communication arts, public relations, or a related field required.
• Minimum four years of experience in communications or a related field required, preferably working with a combination of the private sector, local and international thinktanks/CSOs, and/or government/international organizations.
• Knowledge of the political sensitivities and cultural considerations in the West Bank, as well as of U.S. government policies and sensitivities with respect to the Palestinian situation, highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, proactive problem solving, service-oriented, and communication skills required.
• Ability to design and implement communications strategies targeting both international and Palestinian audiences of different social, economic, age, gender, and geographic backgrounds.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and ability to adapt to change required.
• Ability to travel to activity sites throughout the West Bank as needed required and security situation permitting.
• Fluent English writing and speaking skills and Arabic language skills required.

MSI is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work.

We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

MSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities/Veterans Employer.

Reasonable Accommodations:

MSI is dedicated to hiring an inclusive workforce. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please visit Tetra Tech’s Disability Assistance Page. Our recruitment team looks forward to engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

apply for job