Communication Specialist

The Communication Specialist is a full-time position and will be based in Kampala, Uganda. She/he will lead TLC's communications activities and support the Activity’s strategic information needs. The Communications Specialist will develop and execute a comprehensive, multichannel strategic information & communications strategy. They will be responsible for ensuring that project results and achievements are communicated in a timely manner to key target audiences. S/he will work with technical units and project leadership to document and disseminate successes and lessons learned, and develop activities and products to distribute information effectively to different key audiences. Specifically, s/he will work in close coordination with the MEL Director to refine, curate, and package evidence-based data for use by internal and external stakeholders to further program objectives as part of the strategic information & communications strategy. S/he will report to the Chief of Party.

Requirements

• Degree in communications, journalism, or a related field;
  
• 7 years of experience working in a communications role; of which 5 years in communication for donor funded projects
  
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English;
  
• Ability to conceptualize, write, and edit technical content;
  
• Proven track record of turning data into stories;
  
• Demonstrated ability to create content for digital platforms;
  
• Demonstrated ability to capture and produce high quality audio/visual content, including photographs and videos, preferred;
  
• Ability to manage tight deadlines;
  
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent relationships with project team members, funders, and other stakeholders;
  
• Design experience using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, or similar systems preferred; and
  
• Prior work history within international development, specifically USAID-funded projects, preferred.
  
• Perform any other tasks required for the needs of the project as assigned by the supervisor or designee.
  

• Fully understand USAID communications and outreach strategies and expected program contributions; liaise with those groups to regularly provide program information to support their communications and outreach objectives;
  
• Work with key program staff and partners to compile, write, and finalize weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for USAID. Coordinate the entire process to ensure these program deliverables compellingly present the project’s successes and impact and meet internal and donor deadlines;
  
• Work with key program staff and partners to identify, compile, write, and disseminate communication products, such as technical briefs, policy briefs, reports, stories, social media posts, blogs, and others;
  
• Ensure the Activity is taking advantage of key communication opportunities and advise the COP and senior leadership as needed;
  
• Lead the coordination of the quarterly progress report to USAID, including creating, sharing and ensuring adherence to timeline;
  
• Track all relevant international, regional, and national conferences and support program staff to develop abstracts; manage and coordinate program conferences and other high profile events;
  
• Manage and maintain media relations in Uganda and monitor TLC media coverage;
  
• Ensure all Activity-produced public communications and materials are branded correctly according to the Activity branding strategy and marking plan and USAID policy;
  
• Ensure secure filing of project documents, photos and publications, including release forms;
  
• Ensure a clear understanding of child safeguarding principles and guidelines by providing capacity building in awareness, prevention, and action.
  
• Ensure monitoring and supervision of regional staff compliance to Child safeguarding practices to ensure prevention of abuse as they are our first contact personnel.
  
• Engage and manage consultants, when necessary, in areas of media outreach, photography, and videography for special events; and
  
• Carry out other tasks as assigned by the Chief of Party or designee.