USAID/Uganda Economic Growth Office AOR/COR Communications Support

USAID/Uganda’s Economic Growth (EG) Office is seeking a qualified candidate to support AORs/CORs and communications activities across multiple mechanisms. In consultation with OAA, s/he will assist USAID to achieve programmatic and strategic objectives by providing assistance and support to EG’s CORs and AORs as required. Working closely with our Office of Acquisition and Assistance, the consultant will draft A&A documents such as branding and marking plans. They will also help move documents for clearance, address comments, and pull together clearance packages, including in GLAAS.

The consultant will provide award administration support. S/he will support the budget specialist and AORs and CORs to prepare modifications and supporting documentation. S/he will support award extensions by working with AORs/CORs on justifications and related waivers and documentation. S/he will work on post-award actions including monitoring and evaluation and supporting assessments. The consultant will maintain COR/AOR and OAA award files on USAID official systems to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

The consultant will also – in coordination with OAA -- work on the identification and documentation of success stories and lessons learned for EG’s ongoing activities, which includes health services in areas such as productive use of energy. The consultant will support AORs/CORs by conducting site visits to monitor progress and develop outreach materials as a result.

Together with OAA, the consultant will accompanying AORs and CORs on field visits (supporting project implementation) and collecting activity monitoring data for mechanism reporting. The consultant will be responsible for managing communications-related purchase orders (GLAAS) and Task Orders for overall communications in support of the Mission. S/he will be identifying, analyzing, and preparing public and internal information materials such as briefing papers, event plans, blogs, social media posts, and press plans; reporting program goals, results and performance in a manner easily understood by external stakeholders and the general public; providing guidance to local staff; and coordinating activities and events that publicize USAID programs as well as photography, videography, and translation. S/he will gather information on beneficiaries and use award monitoring tools such as EG’s site visit tracker to assist AORs and CORs, supporting A&A functions.

The consultant is an integral part of the EG team and assists in activities for A&A and communications purposes. The incumbent will be required to travel outside Kampala on field visits to provide outreach support for VIP visits and other public events. Around 30 days of in-country field travel is expected. Additionally, the incumbent may support OAA staff and AOR/CORs in developing and distributing programmatic reports through social media other communications to maximize USAID/Uganda project awareness. As EG houses and acts as liaisons for several cross-Mission functions such as environmental compliance, the Development Finance Corporation, Prosper Africa, and Private Sector Engagement, the candidate will be expected to work with the Office of Health and HIV (OHH) given their portfolio size and importance to the Mission. In USAID/Uganda, OHH activities touch on all offices given their size and role in the Mission.

The position will be under the overall supervision of the EG Office Director and may also receive direction and/or supervision from OAA, as designated by the Office Director.

DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK

Specific A&A functionality includes:

- Working closely with the Mission’s OAA and EG Office, facilitate award management.

- Support the drafting, review and clearance of documents needed for activities and A&A actions.

- Conduct site visits and work closely with AORs/CORs on monitoring and evaluation of awards receiving health funding.

- Liaise with CORs and AORs to ensure EG and health indicators are being tracked and met.

In consultation with AORs/CORs and/or OAA:

- Coordinates with USAID/EG technical staff to gather, draft, fact-check, and proofread information in response to both internal and external information inquiries related to EG activities across multiple mechanisms.

- Develops and maintains a repository of frequently asked questions/responses.

- Prepares anticipated questions and suggests appropriate answers for talking points drafted for the high-level U.S. Government officials, as required.

- Prepares status and other reports and memoranda regarding media and communications activities.

EG covers health related sectors such as nutrition, resilience, and WASH (water and sanitation). Incumbent backs up other offices, especially OHH (health), in these roles.

Provides support to OAA and A/CORs: Maintains files, supports award management through fact sheets, supporting award administration (2c), and efficiency of procurement process (3).

1. EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in any professional discipline such as media, journalism, communications, international relations, economic development, marketing and/or management is required.

1. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE

• From three (3) years of increasing experience in the development field, journalism, social media, or communications is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with and understanding of development programs, preferably in the economic growth space is preferred
• Demonstrated experience with USAID, USG, other multilateral or other bilateral organizations, NGOs, or IPs is preferred.
• Prior experience with USAID outreach and communication protocols is preferred.

1. LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION, AND COMPUTER SKILLS

• Demonstrated Level IV (fluent) English language proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrate experience in drafting and editing documents and content such as reports, speeches, briefing documents, one pagers, social media, and success stories.
• Ability to use standard computer programs for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.

1. JOB KNOWLEDGE

• Working knowledge of USG policies, priorities, and strategies; and demonstrated familiarity and expertise with a diverse range of communications software is preferred.

1. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and the ability to liaise authoritatively with representatives from the development sector, local media, local government, USG, and other relevant actors. Clear understanding and demonstrated skills in outreach and coordination of organizational messaging is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in leading consultations and facilitation of various teams with diverse backgrounds and development perspectives is preferred.
• Applying broad USG (or similar development organizations) principles, policies and strategies; leading effective USG interagency, partner country, and donor coordination; and working with USG leadership at the working- and senior-levels is preferred.