Communications Specialist job position at FHI 360 - Rwanda Country Office||Deadline 27th October 2021

Job Description

Communications Specialist – Rwanda Schools and Systems Activity

FHI 360 is a global development organization, with a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Our team of professionals includes experts in health, nutrition, education, economic development, civil society, environment, and research. FHI 360 operates from over 60 offices with more than 4000 employees in the United States and around the world. Our commitment to partnerships at all levels and our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to have a lasting impact on the people, communities, and countries we serve by improving the lives of millions.  We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Communications Specialist for the Schools and Systems (S&S) Activity, a USAID funded project in Rwanda.

Project Description 

The Rwanda Schools and Systems Activity will strengthen the education system to enable all pre-primary and lower primary school and classroom environments to be of high quality, inclusive, and focused on learning of foundational reading skills. Specifically, the five-year activity will improve learning outcomes by focusing on increasing Kinyarwanda literacy skills of boys and girls through primary 3 (P3) through four intermediate results: (1) Pre-primary education system enhanced to develop, promote and improve emergent literacy, (2) Lower primary reading classroom instruction improved, (3) School environments improved for increased lower primary reading outcomes, and (4) Education systems management strengthened for improved literacy outcomes. The Schools and Systems Activity will include a focus on learning for children with disabilities to ensure project approaches reach all children.

Position Description  

The Communications Specialist will work under the leadership of the Deputy Chief of Party and have primary responsibility for ensuring the timeliness, quality, and relevance of the project’s outward-facing communications, including reports, social media feeds, success stories, etc as well as managing communication-related data (contact information, calendars, photo libraries, etc).

S/he will work with senior project staff to participate in the development of communication and public relations planning strategies to promote and publicize various activities, services, and programs of the project.  S/he will support the COP, DCOP, and other senior project staff to maintain contact information on key partner staff and stakeholders and will develop e-lists or other tools to help staff communicate directly with select groups. Communication with stakeholders in Rwanda may include SBC and advocacy messages in print and other media. The Communications Specialist is expected to understand and use the project’s Branding and Marking plan and to provide staff with guidance in its use. S/he will also be expected to provide quality control for all print and media documents and reports in terms of accuracy and adherence to policy.

Job Summary/Responsibilities:

• Contributes to the development of technical supports (reference documents, training manuals, communication tools)
• Maintains updated contact information with key partners and stakeholders at central and regional levels
• Communicate by e-mail and telephone with stakeholders when requested by senior staff
• Maintains a quarterly calendar of all S&S program activities
• Provides the program staff with a template for monthly and quarterly reporting, ensures that activity reports are collected and reviewed.
• Develops initial program inputs, including with M&E data and relevant photos, for quarterly performance reports
• Maintains photo and video files for use in program communication products. Ensure that content and permission forms are completed and on file for all photos and videos to be used outside the project.
• Understand and serve as project “expert” on USAID Branding and Marking requirements
• Ensure quality and good production on all communication platforms including print materials, emails, website, social media platforms of the project.
• Researches, writes, and edits a wide range of communications that promote project activities and successes, including quarterly performance reports
• Provides advertising and promotional support for special events and community outreach activities.
• Supports targeted communications support to project SBC messaging and advocacy objectives, especially in support of writing messages and design of print and media materials, as needed
• Prepares a variety of promotional and informational materials, including articles, newsletters, websites, flyers, and other related media materials.
• Required to travel to project sites, schools, and communities with other project staff to take pictures, interview participants.

Required Qualifications 

• Undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or equivalent field.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience in communications development, including writing and editing publications and maintaining social media accounts. Previous experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) highly recommended.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Kinyarwanda required
• Excellent computer skills, including substantial knowledge of common design software such as InDesign, as well as Word, Powerpoint, Outlook applications.
• Basic skills in photography and experience in video production.
• Experience writing media messaging for behavior change or advocacy preferred but not required
• Professional and able to communicate clearly and positively with clients and staff.
• Mastery of IT tools for administrative and management tasks (office automation)
• Experience traveling to and working in many regions of Rwanda

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work and are subject to modification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. 

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

We offer competitive compensation and a package of exceptional benefits. Please visit the FHI 360 Career Center at http://www.fhi360.org/careers  for a list of all open positions. 

FHI 360 is an employer with equal opportunity and affirmative action. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status in policies, programs, or activities. 

The deadline is Oct 27, 2021.