Strategic Communications and Integration Manager 132 views0 applications

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Program Delivery (PDEL) – Pact exists to help create a world where those who are poor and marginalized exercise their voice, build their own solutions, and take ownership of their future. The Program Delivery Team, contributes to realizing this purpose by: Forging smart partnerships and treating all people with dignity and respect; Applying organizational policies and regulatory compliance appropriately and consistently; Facilitating team spirit among colleagues and promoting the organization through communications; Influencing decision makers through focused, relevant communications; Continually striving to learn and share knowledge and find small ways to make the workplace more enjoyable for all; Cultivating and harvesting innovation; Contributing to the organization’s ability to think and act strategically at all times; Inspiring and spreading our desired organizational culture across the global enterprise.

Position Overview

Pact is looking for a Strategic Communications and Integration Manager to use communications and integration (linked to Knowledge Management) approaches to influence behavior change and improve integrated development programming among USAID and partner staff for the anticipated USAID-funded REFRESH project. REFERSH works to conserve the freshwater biodiversity of Lake Malawi to restore the natural fisheries productivity, which largely underpins the food and nutrition security of the rural and urban populations. Primarily, the REFRESH activity will aim to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Fisheries governance and regulatory framework strengthened
2. Fisheries ecosystem-based management improved
3. Decentralization of fisheries management strengthened
4. Commercialization of conservation enterprises to counter unsustainable fishing catalyzed

and supported

1. CDCS priorities for integration advanced

S/he will be responsible for supporting comprehensive and accurate reporting and knowledge management by both Pact and partner organizations to improve project implementation. S/he will institute best practices for project monitoring, quality assurance, and learning; as well as ensure Pact’s strategic communications and knowledge management strategy is enforced. S/he will support the training of partners on knowledge sharing and learning from the project’s data specifically focusing on the application of Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA). The Strategic Communications and Integration Manager will also lead on coordinating activities with other implementing partners and projects working in complimentary landscapes and areas of activity.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications:

• Work with the Programs team and the Global Communications team to develop and implement a communications strategy and integration strategy. This includes systems for capturing, organizing and disseminating information and learning to all stakeholders and to the public and among complementary development activities;
• Organize and execute outreach and knowledge sharing activities, including studies, seminars/webinars, workshops, conferences, education of the American public, and peer learning sessions;
• Manage and upgrade the programmatic website to ensure the information needs of all stakeholders are being met and that it incorporates industry best practices;
• Develop tools and materials around learning and outcomes of the project to influence national and international decision makers, project adaptation, and development outcomes;
• Maintain positive ongoing relationships with national media including TV, radio, and newspaper;
• Represent the project to high-level external stakeholders including government, donor, project, and other stakeholders at meetings, conferences, and presentations;
• Manage consistent branding and storytelling across the project;

Integration:

• Set and track indicators for successful integration with other activities including resources leveraged and saved, impact multiplied, and causal linkages to adjacent positive outcomes, working closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Results team;
• Track and engage with ongoing and new development interventions working across project geographies and sectors;
• Develop and maintain relationships and regular communication with relevant Government of Malawi ministries, departments, and politicians;
• Develop and maintain relationships with other key implementing partners, donors, projects, and stakeholders to ensure best use of resources for most impact.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, journalism, knowledge management, adult learning/education, or related field.
• At least six to eight years of progressively responsible work experience with demonstrated success in a communications, outreach, knowledge management, or behavior change role.
• Previous exposure to technical content related to environmental, natural resources management, or conservation programming in developing countries desirable.
• Must have or be able to develop a thorough understanding of the Forestry & Biodiversity office, and the broader portfolio of USAID programming activities.
• Understanding of how communications/outreach intersects with organizational learning, knowledge management, and behavior change is important.
• Knowledge of international and local Malawi information network is required.
• Experience of applying USAID CLA approaches for improved and adaptive programming.
• Strategic Communications
• Has developed and led a USAID project communications strategy
• Has experience designing tools and materials that have influence change
• Has existing relationships with Malawian media outlets
• Strong use of Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) programs
• Familiarity with new media strategies
• Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills in English
• Integration
• Experience integrating project activities across sectors.
• Proven ability to coordinate and communicate between different funders and funding mechanisms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree.
• Experience creating and managing MoUs along vertically or horizontally integrated programs.
• Experience with InDesign, Publisher, and/or PhotoShop.
• Existing relationships with relevant government ministries and donors a plus.

Pact provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.