Director, Communications and Outreach – MCA Zambia II 8 views0 applications

About MCA-Zambia II

The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) in Zambia, collaborating with the Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the Government of the United States of America, delivers projects under the $491.75 million Farm to Market Compact (Compact) that promotes agriculture and agro-processing in the country through the implementation of the Roads and Access Project, Asset Finance Project, Agriculture Policy Reform and Institutional Strengthening (Ag PIR) Project, and American Catalyst Facility for Development (ACFD) Project. More information on the Compact can be found in the following link: https://www.mcc.gov/where-we-work/program/zambia-farm-to-market-compact/.

The MCA-Zambia II offices are in Lusaka, Zambia.

Director, Communications and Outreach

Position Objective

The Director of Communications and Outreach is responsible for leading the Communications and Public Affairs Department under the guidance of the Chief Executive Officer. The Director of Communications and Outreach is accountable for the successful communications surrounding the implementation of the Compact (from initiation to execution to completion), building collaborative relationships with Project and Sector Directors to build out communications on the Compact, and overseeing communication department budgets, contracts, and staff. The Director of Communications and Outreach ensures the alignment of project execution with the overall objectives of the Compact and the judicious management of its resources.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the Compact’s Communications Department and ensure that it is aligned with the established strategies, frameworks, budgets, and resources defined by the Compact and developed by Project Directors; this includes leading and managing events, media and stakeholder outreach, and public information campaigns.
• In compliance with MCC and Government of Zambia guidelines, develop an integrated communications strategy, including outreach to local and national media, government officials, stakeholders, and other audiences relevant to the success of projects throughout the life of the Compact.
• Collaborate with the Environmental and Social Performance (ESP) Director to assess and contribute to the development of the Compact Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
• Adapt the communications strategy throughout the life of the Compact to address emerging needs, tailoring MCA-Zambia II’s communication approach to reflect organizational priorities and enhance messaging. Devise tools and processes to improve the quality of the communications strategy of the Compact.
• Establish a workplan to guide and track work against the communications strategy. • Advise project staff and other team members on the MCA-Zambia II communications strategy to ensure it is aligned with Compact objectives.
• Develop a cohesive messaging framework to inform all aspects of Compact outreach and create tools, which may include talking points, fact sheets, presentations, and others, to support outreach undertaken by staff and managers across the MCA-Zambia II.
• Work closely with MCA-Zambia II directors, managers, and staff to provide clear key messaging for the Compact, which will be used in all communications with Stakeholders, including local communities, administration, and project-affected parties—all in support of the established communications strategy.
• Develop strong relationships with the media. Build a strong communications network in local and regional media to promote the Compact’s achievements in Zambia and represent MCA-Zambia II in public engagements.
• Serve as the official spokesperson for MCA-Zambia II and the Compact. Identify opportunities to amplify Compact successes and convey information via media.
• Represent the Communications department as an integrated component of the Compact to project stakeholders (e.g., with national/local government counterparts, civil society, project beneficiaries, etc.), ensuring that collaborative relationships are built and maintained to facilitate the delivery of the program.
• Collaborate with MCA staff to strategically keep stakeholders and audiences appraised of progress via targeted channels (i.e., blogs, reports, newsletters) to provide updates on Compact and project impacts, including highlighting beneficiaries and progress.
• Coordinate closely with MCC Resident Country Mission and MCC Headquarters on communications strategy and plan and any high-profile issues. Coordinate high-profile efforts with the local US Embassy. • Develop and maintain a library of communications tools, including photos, videos, and other materials, as needed to strategically support the communications plan.
• Manage implementation of MCC branding guidelines.
• Guide Communications and Public Affairs team to ensure the use of resources and the implementation of project activities are aligned to the overall project plan;
• Build the Communications and Public Affairs team through recruitment, training and development, and performance management of staff to ensure a capacity to deliver the project’s objectives. Required Competencies Education.
• Advanced University degree in Communications, Journalism, Community Development, Business Administration, Public Relations, or other related field Experience:
• Minimum of eight (8) years of executive management experience in corporate and public communications, community and public outreach, or advocacy communications at a senior management level.
• Experience working with national and local media; previous on-the-record experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in managing public information campaigns and crafting and delivering messages to diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to produce compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Experience managing a team of communications professionals, PR firm contracts, and/or outside consultants.
• Proficiency in computer software or tools related to the role, e.g., word processing software; research and verification tools; content creation and management; data journalism and visualization; communication and collaboration; mobile journalism; social media; MS Office.
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English. Communication skills in local language(s) are strongly desired.
• Experience working with international organizations or donors is a plus.