General Information
Location: Malawi
Division: Media, Technology and Civil Society
Reports To: Chief of Party
Date Posted: 3/4/2014
Application Deadline: 3/15/2014
Division: Media, Technology and Civil Society
Reports To: Chief of Party
Date Posted: 3/4/2014
Application Deadline: 3/15/2014
Position Summary
IREX seeks a Communications and Advocacy Specialist to provide expertise for an anticipated USAID-funded civil society strengthening project in Malawi. The Communications and Advocacy Specialist will support the Chief of Party and other key personnel to provide technical assistance and day-to-day management in the delivery of all communication and advocacy activities.
The position is contingent on funding.
Malawi citizens are encouraged to apply
Duties & Responsibilities
- Interact regularly with civil society groups, media outlets, opinion leaders, government officials, members of the international community and other program stakeholders to promote the communications plan
- Increase awareness and advocate on behalf of the program
- Build the capacity of program stakeholders to incorporate program messages in events and materials utilizing interactive communication tools e.g. media campaigns, talk shows, brochures, and other communication materials
- Contribute to effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting of communication activities
- Represent IREX and support its organizational development
- Design and conduct advocacy trainings to program partners
- Assist program partners in identifying and refining core advocacy messages and techniques
- Mentor each program partner in their ongoing advocacy efforts, including the monitoring and evaluation of their efforts
- Facilitate coalition-building among civil society partners and networking with government stakeholders
Qualifications
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in international development providing technical assistance to complex and socially sensitive projects
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in communication and advocacy strategies
- Demonstrated experience in building constructive relationships between government and civil society
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in working with civil society organizations, with some of that period focused on strengthening civic engagement through advocacy
- Experience in mentoring, coaching, and skills transfer
- Superior oral presentation and training skills, evidenced by professional experience and success
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact and cooperate effectively with partners and the program team
- Understanding of Malawi communities and the Malawi political system
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in establishing procedures and systems relevant to the project
- A bachelor's degree in a related field
- Prior experience with a USAID funded program preferred
- Previous experience working in Malawi or the region preferred
- Professional proficiency in English is required
