Chemonics International,Communications Specialist Jobs in Rwanda

Project: Rwanda Soma
Umenye

Project Summary

Soma Umenye will work to improve reading outcomes in
Kinyarwanda for at least 1 million children in public and government-aided
schools in Rwanda
by the end of Grade 3. Specifically, Soma
Umenye will target all children in Grades 1-3 attending public and
government-aided schools nationwide and ensure that at least 70 percent of
students are able to read grade-level text
with fluency and comprehension by
the end of Grade 3.

Principal Duties and
Responsibilities

Operate multiple media and communications platforms,
coordinating the project’s approach with several media outlets and
obtaining support from all necessary partners and stakeholders.
Work closely with the monitoring, evaluation, and
learning (MEL) staff to gather evidence of success, document success
stories, and create linkages with local press and electronic media to
broaden the media outreach for the project.
If needed, work with Soma
Umenye partners and stakeholders to design, implement, and
manage reading campaigns.
Work closely with USAID’s Development Outreach and
Communications (DOC) specialists to ensure the project’s alignment with
USAID/Rwanda’s communication efforts (and branding and marking
guidelines).
Train local professional staff, including subcontractor
staff, in public outreach and strategic communications methodologies and
processes, and USAID branding guidelines.
As needed, advise technical team in effective use of
video technology and SMS (text messaging) to demonstrate and reinforce
teaching techniques that engage young readers.
Draft and maintain appropriate communication templates,
and ensure that the project and all technical staff abide by USAID
branding and marking requirements.
Supervise the production of press releases, one-pagers,
fact sheets, and other write-ups (ensuring USAID approval as appropriate).
Coordinate input from government and implementing partners
and subcontractors for the development and realization of communications
activities.
Work closely with the chief of party to assist in the
development of reports and deliverables.
Establish guidelines for project reporting, media
outreach (e.g., rules of engagement for project staff/subcontractors,
authorized spokespersons, key messages, and most effective media
channels); work with the chief of party to develop and obtain USAID
approval for products and messages.
Help plan and oversee project events such as workshops
and conferences when required (ensuring appropriate USAID approvals are
secured); liaising with other project staff as needed.
Follow and document all media coverage related to the
project.
Other duties as assigned by the chief of party.

Job Qualifications

8-10 years of public awareness and communications
experience including planning and implementing strategic communications,
public outreach, and/or social behavior change campaigns.
Experience with USAID branding and marking guidelines is
required.
Knowledge of local press and electronic media, and
strong relationships with media agencies and journalists.
Graphic design experience is required.
Experience working with international development sector
organizations and/or donor agencies is preferred.
Successful experience designing and implementing public
outreach campaigns.
Excellent writing and editing skills in English and
Kinyarwanda is required.
Master’s degree in communications or similar relevant
field is preferred. A combination of a bachelor’s degree and the required
number of years’ work experience may substitute for a Master’s degree.
Demonstrated experience successfully writing
communications-related reports of more than three pages in English is
required.
Familiarity with the Rwandan education sector is
preferred.
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.