Communications Specialist (m/f)

Description

• The Peace Corps Communications Specialist will work with the Country Director (CD), Director of Programming and Training (DPT) and PC staff to create and deliver content across various media to tell the PC Mozambique story. The primary responsibility of the Communications Specialist is to serve as the official point of contact for all Peace Corps Mozambique (PC/Moz) communication materials and maintains the communication resources for staff and Volunteers. This includes, but is not limited to, official publications, briefing papers, brochures, calendars, PC/Moz website content, and social media
• As Liaison Officer, the incumbent facilitates communications with key stakeholders, manages VIP visits and major events, and advises staff and Volunteers on protocol and provides support to CD and other staff on external relations and key partner outreach
• Additionally, the Communications Specialist provides administrative support to the Country Director (CD), including liaising with various agencies, institutions, and organizations. This position requires strict adherence to ethical standards of confidentiality and professional conduct. In addition, the candidate should be flexible, highly organized, creative, and able to multi-task and work independently. This position requires fluency in spoken and written English and Portuguese

Duties

Communications

• Lead development of strategy and content for all Post communications channels, including website, Facebook, Instagram and other electronic forums. Collect, document, and publish volunteer successes in collaboration with the Program team
• Strengthen and oversee implementation of social media campaigns and content
• Write or assist in developing stories for the Post website, social media, HQ and Embassy requests
• Travel to Volunteer sites to highlight PCV work, accomplishments and to share stories of PCV life and experience
• Work with staff and outsourced photographers to maintain a current database of multimedia (including videos and photographs)
• Develop innovative dissemination strategies for internal and external audiences
• Develop presentations for training, representation and other external purposes
• Develop key messages and talking points as requested by PC senior staff or other officials, including U.S. Ambassador to Mozambique and the Global Director for Peace Corps for key agency initiatives
• Review and edit press releases and talking points for Peace Corps events
• Review all communications for content and acceptability
• Liaise with other Committees, Regional Coordinators, and Content Specialists to ensure that newsletters and other communications are consistent, coordinated, and stored in a standardized way
• Liaise with Public Affairs Office and other U.S. agencies within the U.S. Mission to share communications content, develop messaging, and engage with the media

Official Publications

• Draft, edit, and disseminate public information materials to better communicate technical programming information to stakeholders including Annual Reports, fact sheets, informational packets, photo decks, and newsletters
• Lead the development of Peace Corps Mozambique’s Annual Report/Calendar
• Support the design and printing of programs, invitations, toolkits, and fact sheets as needed
• Organize, catalog and maintain communications materials, media (photos and video) and other communications collateral
• Ensure all communications information meets PC Mozambique’s communication standards, is in line with PC social media policy, and is vetted/approved prior to publishing on websites, social media, etc.

Website and Social Media

• Develop and maintain Peace Corps Mozambique’s online presence including website and social media with daily content sourced from volunteers on the ground, stakeholders, and news outlets; this includes collecting and maintaining a photo library
• Monitor PC/Moz Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter accounts to ensure content is accurate and appropriate
• Encourage Volunteers to submit photos and videos that capture the PC/Moz experience and can be used to enhance posts social media presence
• Provide quality control of all materials used to promote a positive PC Mozambique image
• Monitor local and international press coverage, awareness of, and attitudes towards Peace Corps programs to assess impact of agency interventions; notify leadership of problematic content

Training

• Lead training focusing on policies and ethics around social media sessions for Volunteers/Trainees and staff
• Throughout the life of the Volunteer, collaborate with Programming and Training staff to train Volunteers in authoring success stories addressing work, life, small grants, etc.
• Work with staff and Volunteers to build communications understanding and capacity
• Train staff, Trainees, and Volunteers in effective storytelling, blogging and photography
• Plan and deliver media sessions during Pre-Service Training and In-Service Trainings with an aim to train
• Volunteers on Peace Corps media policies and expectations

Public and Partner Relations

• Respond to inquiries from the general public about Peace Corps programs and projects
• Regularly meet and collaborate with key communications point people from PEPFAR, U.S. Mission, and other stakeholders to update on upcoming events of note, share best practices, and brainstorm solutions to shared challenges when documenting the work of communities and Peace Corps Volunteers
• Serve as the point of contact for the U.S. Embassy Customer Management Database (CMS) operated by Salesforce to maintain a current list of contacts who may be invited to an event

External and VIP Visitor Coordination

• Working closely with the CD to serve as control officer for external visitors, including but not limited to, planning for and coordination of schedules, travel with staff, Volunteers and third parties (e.g. Embassy)
• Serve as control officer for the planning and coordination of schedules and travel related to U.S. Ambassador and local other VIP visits to PCV sites, invitations to luncheons or other events with the Ambassador or other VIP
• Facilitate participation of VIP invitees to PC events and track VIP participation at PCV activities or visits to PCV sites
• Provide guidance to staff and PCVs on protocol related to events and communications
• Liaise with USA Embassy protocol officer for key events and/or visitors

Major Event Coordination

• Manage documentation of Peace Corps events, including video, photos, and social media updates
• Work with the Training Logistics Coordinator to co-lead planning for and execution of swearing-in ceremonies in coordination with staff
• Manage media outreach, social media reporting and reporting/video presentations for PC Washington communications in addition to PC/Moz communications
• Draft CD or other USDH speeches/remarks as requested

Executive Assistant

• Assist in maintaining CD calendar and preparing materials for meetings and events, as requested
• Draft official correspondence and translates incoming correspondence in Portuguese, as needed
• Maintain Master Partner list and Ministry/Secretariat directory
• Maintain staff directories, contact information, and biographies
• Collaborate with DMO to distribute PC/Moz staff directory and organizational chart and ensures that the
• Embassy phone list for PC/Moz is current
• Provide support to CD in other administrative duties as assigned

Other Duties

• Ensure complete confidentiality regarding all information related to PC staff, Volunteers and operations
• Performs other duties or assignments, when deemed necessary by the Country Director for the successful management of Peace Corps operations

Standard Roles and Responsibilities

• Occasional Money Handler: Occasional Money Handler may be requested to courier cash and /or purchase orders to various vendors who furnish supplies and/or services to PST/IST training site, or other locations as directed by the Contracting Officer. The PSC may also be requested to courier cash to PC trainees or volunteers
• The PSC will not be functioning as a procurement or disbursing official but will only be acting as an intermediary between the Contracting or Disbursing Officer and the recipient. In the case of dealing with vendors, the PSC will not exercise any procurement discretion concerning the supplies or services to be purchased or the cost limits of these purchases; these will be determined by the Contracting Officer
• Safety and Security: Immediately communicates Volunteer safety and security concerns and issues to the Safety and Security Manager (SSM) and CD. Knowledgeable and supportive of Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons or articles
• A. Inherently Governmental Function (IGF): N/A
• Logistics & Level of Effort & Duty Station
• Duty station is the main office located in Maputo, Mozambique. May be required to travel up country. May require telework or remote work from home. Performs duties during a 40 hour work week. Events may require occasional work in the evenings and on weekends and holidays. May carry a duty phone
• Typical work schedule is Monday through Thursday from 7:30am to 5:15pm and Friday from 7:30am to 12:30pm, with flexibility to work additional hours on weekends or on an as-needed basis

Requisites

• In order to be selected for this position, the applicant must be legally eligible to work in Mozambique, must not have been employed in intelligence-related activities and must submit an application that clearly documents how they meet each of the following requirements:
• Education/Certification: University degree (Licenciatura) in Communications, Public Relations, Media Studies, Journalism, or related field
• Minimum of three (3) years of communications (public relations, journalism, media or related field) and event management professional experience with an international, multi-cultural organization working in community development or adult training is required. Experience working with a US government agency or contractor will be an added advantage
• Minimum of three (3) years professional experience with websites and any other aspect of a communications, media, marketing, or journalism effort to create and deliver important content to a diverse audience including social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
• Familiarity with graphic design and printing of promotional materials
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to effectively multi-task in a fast-paced office environment is needed
• Fluent in oral and written English and Portuguese
• Experience working in cross-cultural environment
• Advanced computer literacy, word processing (Word), spreadsheet development (Excel), presentation development (PowerPoint), and publishing tools/applications (MS Publisher)
• Knowledge of social media outlets and basic photography and video tools/practices
• Ability to operate office equipment such as copiers, printers, computers, cell phone
• Attention to detail, organized, flexible and proactive
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in a related field
• Professional experience working for a donor funded, multi-cultural or volunteer organization
• Professional experience in photography and video

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Indicate the source of this job post: emprego.co.mz
• For consideration, all application materials must be submitted in English
• Applicants should submit applications early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date/time to be considered. There are no exceptions
• Attach all required and any supporting documentation. Required documentation is listed in the Required Documents Section
• Emails which require documents to be downloaded from a cloud service will not be accepted. Examples include Dropbox, Google Drive, or any other cloud service
• Send the email before 11:59 PM on the closing date of this announcement
• Submit all documents in one email, if possible. Peace Corps does not accept attachments which exceed a combined total size of 20MB
• Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Peace Corps Mozambique provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation

How to Apply

1. Documentation

• It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the application is fully complete and all required documents are emailed before the closing deadline of this announcement. An incomplete application or any missing required documents will result in the candidacy not being considered. Send an email, as specified in the How
• To Apply Section, with all required attachments listed in this section
• Government issued identification (e.g. passport, B.I.)
• Detailed resume or CV that includes:
• Professional positions held in the last 5-10 years identifying duties, responsibilities, dates and location of employment, and reasons for leaving
• Schools attended, dates of attendance, qualifications obtained
• Cover letter
• List of 3 professional references. Include the following for each reference: Full name, your relation to the person, email address and contact number(s)
• Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above

2. Application

• Send your Documentation to MZ-Jobs@peacecorps.gov with the Subject line “Communications Specialist + your full name”