DAI is an employee-owned global development company. For 40 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governments, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 60 countries. Our integrated development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines—crisis mitigation and stability operations, democratic governance and public sector management, agriculture and agribusiness, private sector development and financial services, economics and trade, HIV/AIDS and disease control, water and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.

Building Capacity for African Agricultural Transformation (Africa Lead II) Project

The USAID-funded Building Capacity for African Agricultural Transformation (Africa Lead II) Project is a five-year effort to support and advance agricultural transformation in Africa as proposed by the African Union Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Program (CAADP), while working in concert to help realize the Feed the Future goals of reduced hunger and poverty.  The project aims to realize both goals by continuing to build the capacity of men and women African leaders, institutions and stakeholders to develop, lead and manage the structures needed for the transformation process. This project will build on the success of the predecessor Africa Lead Project and work across three components:

•   Establishment of institutional/organizational architecture to lead African agriculture transformation at the national and regional levels;
•   Operationalization of capacity to manage the policy change and alignment process; and
•   Effective participation of Non-State Actors (NSAs) in the CAADP process.

The Communications Specialist will work closely with the regional teams and the Communications Manager, based in Washington, DC, to promote Africa Lead II activities to a broad external audience.  Communication efforts will include a focus on external outreach to ensure public awareness of project activities and facilitate information access and sharing to strengthen reporting functions.

Under the supervision of Africa Lead II’s Knowledge Management Manager and in close consultation with the Regional Director s/he will:

•   Develop  project marketing materials such as newsletters, fact sheets, fliers, brochures, success stories, presentations and audio/visual promotional material, in collaboration with Regional Offices, Home Office and technical staff, and facilitate their strategic distribution;
•   Contribute to the preparation and presentation of  newsletter and reports on the progress and impact of program activities (including quarterly and annual program reports);
•   Contribute to and implement a  communication plan and media strategy to increase profile of project in the public arena;
•   Organize data and information to upload on  Africa Lead II new website and manage content for the WA region ;
•   Advise on locally appropriate systems for networking and knowledge sharing for Champions of Change and other project beneficiaries
•   Manage regional office project photograph and video archives;
•   Organize media and video coverage and design of promotional materials for events, meetings, workshops like invitations, fliers, banners, pull-ups, brochures, agendas, fact sheets etc.
•   Perform other duties as assigned by the Regional Director and/or Knowledge Management Manager that are consistent with the overall focus of the assignment and the implementation of the project’s Communications Strategy.

Reporting

The Communications Officer will report to the Knowledge Management Manager with close engagement with the Regional Director.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   BA/BS in English, Communications, Journalism, Political Science or related field
•   3-5 years prior experience in media or communications
•   Excellent oral and written English language skills
•   Demonstrated experience in writing and designing brochures, success stories, technical reports and promotional material
•   Experience in photography, graphic design and short video production
•   Ability to leverage social media platforms to great effect
•   Experience in website content management and/or knowledge management platforms
•   Prior experience working with USAID or other donors preferable
•   Experience reporting on high profile events preferable

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

If you have the qualifications and skills listed above, please send the following to

africaleadftf@dai.com

Closing Date: 29 October, 2014

•   CV
•   Salary history
•   Three professional references
•   Unedited writing samples (include design work if available)

Please title the subject of your email as: “Communications Officer” Application

•   This is an Accra-based position with potential travel within the region.
•   Qualified Ghanaians, ECOWAS nationals and expatriates based in Ghana are encouraged to apply.