Communications Specialist at DAI Global, LLC

About DAI

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world. DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work.  DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

DAI is seeking highly qualified candidates to occupy full-time Communications Specialist position in Kyiv or other regional HOVERLA project office in Ukraine (Poltava, Lutsk, Lviv, Zhytomyr, Rivne, Odesa, Uzhhorod) to join USAID Governance and Local Accountability (HOVERLA) Activity’s team.

Applications will be accepted until 05 May 2024. Due to a high volume of applications received, we are unable to contact each applicant individually regarding the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted in response to this job advertisement.

Project Background

DAI Global LLC is implementing the USAID-funded Governance and Local Accountability (HOVERLA) Activity, based in Kyiv, Ukraine. This project is designed to support Ukraine’s advance to self-reliant local governance, which includes legislative reforms, participatory strategic planning methodologies, service improvement, local economic development, civil society engagement, and capacity building of sub-national government entities.

HOVERLA has three primary objectives:

• Objective 1:  Ukraine’s system of local self-governance is increasingly institutionalized and effective;
• Objective 2:  Subnational government achieves greater self-reliance; and
• Objective 3:  Citizen’s participation and influence is increased in local governance processes

To support these initiatives, DAI seeks qualified candidates to fulfill HOVERLA’s goals.

Position Overview

The communications specialist will support HOVERLA’s activities and events with high-quality communications in different communication channels and work with local partners and key stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, businesses, and mass media. This position requires excellent writing, communication, event organization, and working media skills. We are looking for a team member who is not afraid to take responsibility, take initiative, and be creative.

The Communications Specialist will report to the Communications Director.

Responsibilities & Duties:  

The Communications Specialist will focus on the following functions:

Communication Outreach Activities and Content Development:

• Develop communications plans and activities for a variety of stakeholder groups, create messaging and materials for community action, and assist in implementing communications strategies.
• Develop innovative communications products to actively engage HOVERLA stakeholders across Ukraine, including institutional and private sector partners.
• Prepare and draft HOVERLA communication materials, texts, and impact/success stories in various formats (i.e., written, presentations, video, etc.).
• Work with staff to develop and produce communications, knowledge management, and outreach materials (videos, infographics, etc.).
• Draft the content (text and visual) for HOVERLA’s social media.

Support to Events:

• Assist in organizing, coordinating, and developing HOVERLA events; support the technical objectives in event organization, and ensure appropriate branding, visibility, and outreach.
• Provide suggestions regarding strategic initiatives and activities (such as ceremonies, forums, and high-visibility events) as needed.
• Assist with maintaining HOVERLA’s internal and external events calendar and schedule.
• Manage communications support for event planning following DAI logistics, finance, and procurement processes.
• Coordinate with external contracted consultants and firms on event management (branding, visibility, outreach issues).
• As needed and as security warrants, travel to HOVERLA regional areas to supervise the event arrangements by the service provider, gather success story materials, interview beneficiaries, and coordinate photo or video shoots.

Media Relations:

• Work with media on the national and regional levels to ensure the high-level and quality visibility and outreach of the HOVERLA activities.
• Develop and implement a partnership strategy with relevant media outlets.
• Coordinate the implementation of special projects with the media.
• Provide media support for the events.
• Act as a moderator for the events with media engagement.

Support to Grantees:

• Coordinate closely with HOVERLA Grantees to ensure quality communication about the Activity’s support in accordance with branding and marking regulations.
• Develop and maintain the content plan with relevant communication materials from grantees.
• Carry out field visits to grantee and partner sites for story development.

HOVERLA Communications:

• Assist with the implementation of USAID HOVERLA branding and marking during the performance of the technical tasks.
• Support the development of on-demand information/communications products requested by USAID or other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the preparation of weekly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Contribute to the development of relevant SOWs, requests for proposals, etc.
• Coordinate closely with external contracted consultants and firms on communication activities.
• Assist in creating and managing a knowledge bank (OneDrive/TAMIS knowledge repository/SharePoint) for HOVERLA and external stakeholders.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Communications Director, Sr. Communications Specialists, COP or DCOP

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, PR, languages, communications, or related fields; master’s degree is an asset.
• 2-5 years of professional experience in communications, media relations.
• Between 1-2 years of experience writing communications materials, FB posts, articles, impact/success stories, and other informational products.
• Experience in communications of the reform sphere in Ukraine is an advantage.
• Experience with event management or communications for USAID or other international donor-funded programs is beneficial.
• Experience in working with grantees is beneficial.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word and PowerPoint); graphic arts and/or desktop publishing software is beneficial.
• Native Ukrainian and excellent command of English; solid skills in writing and editing English and Ukrainian content for various channels.
• Knowledge of the Ukrainian government’s decentralization reform agenda and developments is a plus.