Communications Specialist at CULTIVATING NEW FRONTIERS IN AGRICULTURE

job Description

Project Description: 
CNFA is inviting applications from qualified candidates for the position of Communication Specialist for the Quality Technologies Revitalizing Agriculture (Q’tra). The purpose of this USAID Activity will be to work with farmers in the West Bank and Gaza (WBG) to improve climate-resilient conservation and management of freshwater resources and associated ecosystems by increasing the availability, quality, and environmental resilience of drinking water supply sources. The duration of this Activity spans four years, from October 2023 to September 2027.

Position Summary: 
Reporting to the MEL Director, the Communication Specialist will oversee the Activity’s communications, including all client reporting and presentation requirements and all external communications in the West Bank and Gaza. This includes ensuring effective and timely communications and coordination within the project team and promoting project objectives, achievements, and activities to USAID and relevant public, private, and non-profit actors.

The incumbent will lead local media outreach and take responsibility for the delivery of project-sponsored events, including organizing, branding, producing information and promotional materials, and facilitating stakeholder participation. The position works with all project components and stakeholders to optimize their media and public communications strategies, including client outreach, web and mobile applications, and social media. The incumbent will actively engage and collaborate regularly with the US-based CNFA Communications team to amplify project impact and ensure effective communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

-Design and execute the overall communications strategy (internally and externally) to highlight achievements and effectively communicate progress, ensuring that the strategy is aligned with the global CNFA approach.
-Develop and maintain a communications plan to promote the vision and results of the activity to stakeholders, including USAID, government counterparts and other stakeholders.
-Lead the development of marketing materials such as newsletters, handouts, posters, leaflets, banners, infographics, and short videos in collaboration with CNFA HQ Communications team.
-Draft success stories and scene setters for USAID and other stakeholders site visits.
-Develop and share social media content for the Activity.
-Ensure that all staff, activities, and project media - related materials are in full compliance with Q’tra Branding Strategy and Marking Plan.
-Coordinate and support programmatic and high-profile events, delegations, and field visits by U.S. government agencies, international organizations, and donors, embassies’, and local partners and stakeholders.
-Regular monitoring of local newspapers and other periodicals for material substantively affecting the Activity's work.
-Ensure quality control of all reports, marketing materials and other project – related/generated documents.
-Ensure adherence to informed consent, safeguarding, and data security policies and procedures in all communication materials.
-Develop and assess outreach campaigns to raise awareness about the interventions and opportunities offered by the Activity.
-Conduct regular field visits to boost the Activity's outreach, ensure communication protocols are followed, and capture professional photos, video clips, and quotes from participants.
-Engage with the media according to the Activity’s protocols and prepare press releases as needed.
-Coordinate communication efforts with the home office and donor to ensure proper engagement and adherence to guidelines and policies.
-Organize all communication material folders on SharePoint and ensure timely and proper documentation of all internal and external engagements and meetings.
-Any other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

-Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
-A minimum of three (3) years of experience managing communication activities for donor-funded programs. Experience in the development and implementation of USAID Branding Strategies and Marking Plans is a plus.
-Proficiency in using software related to video/audio editing, brochures design, infographic design, and desktop publishing software is a required (i.e., Canva, InDesign, MS Publisher, Illustrator, etc.)
-Experience in leading and coaching program teams to support the development of fact sheets, success stories, media posts, training tools, media campaigns and other marketing and program support material.
-Proven ability to excel in dynamic environments, adeptly managing multiple tasks with precision and a keen eye for detail, ensuring the delivery of top-quality outcomes
-Demonstrated expertise in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and other relevant Microsoft Office applications.
-Excellent written and oral communication skills in Arabic and English are required.
-Willingness and ability to conduct regular filed visits to support project work.