Communications Specialist
Job Description
Position: Somalia Communications Specialist
Social Impact is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.
Background
Somalia has faced significant instability since the early 1990s, including political conflict, civil unrest, and humanitarian crises. Since 2007, USAID through the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), the Democracy, Stabilization and. Governance Office and other offices and programs have implemented a multitude of stabilization efforts that aim to address root causes of violent extremism and instability, while fostering sustainable peace and democracy. USAID/Somalia has invested over $300 million in stabilization during this timeframe.
USAID’s key stabilization programs include:
Transition Initiatives for Stabilization (TIS)
Transition Initiatives for Stabilization + (TIS+)
Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Saddex (TIS3)
Stabilization Amplification Mechanism (SAM)
Stabilization and Recovery in Somalia (SRS)
USAID contribution to the multi-donor Somalia Stability Fund (SSF)
Peace II Program 2007-2010
Somalia Stabilization Initiative OTI Program 2016 – 2020
Purpose of Assessment:
USAID has commissioned Evaluation, Learning and Monitoring Initiative (ELMI) to carry out a review of its overall stabilization portfolio since 2007. The purpose of this review is to articulate the following about USAID’s stabilization investments: what has been done, how has this changed over time, what the complexities are, and what outcomes this body of work has or has not achieved.
This review will also highlight one or two case studies of recently liberated areas where USAID stabilization programs played a role in Somalia’s stability journey. Specific case study questions will be developed once the cases have been identified.
Specific Tasks:
Working closely with the Stabilization Assessment Team Leader, the Communications Specialist will undertake the following specific tasks:
Assist the Team Lead in creating clear and compelling deliverables, including the visual timeline, and infographic of USAID’s stabilization work in Somalia since 2011, and short videos of the case studies.
Provide visualization and ‘storytelling’ assistance to the Team Lead to ensure all deliverables are high-impact products, useful to communicate to key USG audiences, internal and external to USAID (e.g. Congress).
Design and produce short videos of the case studies, in collaboration with other team members. These should convey the following kind of information: what was the need/why did USAID or OTI program in that area, what programming did they do, what challenges were faced, what outcomes or results were achieved, etc. – as determined during the inception phase. Note that due to sensitivities and security, no video footage will be collected specifically for these case studies. The content of the video will need to rely on existing images and video clips, visualized data from this review (including maps), and/or content generated by AI software for the purpose of this case study.
Support the production of compelling data visualizations for the visual timeline and infographic, under direction of the Team Lead.
Manage tasks and timelines effectively, ensuring that deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
Deliverables:
The Communications Specialist will produce the following deliverables and submit them to the Stabilization Assessment Team Leader:
At least two short videos that capture the results on USAID’’s stabilization investments based on the selected case studies.
Two written case studies of the stabilization support, outcomes and lessons learned.
Visual timeline that demonstrates how stabilization efforts have unfolded over time, key milestones, etc.
At least one infographic of USAID’s stabilization work in Somalia since 2011.
Skills and Qualifications
Master’s degree in organizational learning, international development, communications, public relations, social sciences, or other related technical disciplines.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in supporting activities such as: data visualization, communications, and/or learning for international development projects.
Knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production process of videos, including use of AI software to generate image content.
Previous experience in strategic communication of USG projects and priorities to high-ranking USG offices, including Congress.
Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate with other USG or donor-funded projects.
Fluency in written and spoken English
Period of Performance:
The anticipated period of performance is on or about September 16, 2024, to February 15, 2025.
Level of Effort:
The level of effort for this assignment is approximately 5-10 days.
Reporting: The Consultant will report to Deputy Chief of Party or his designated official.
How to apply
Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.
To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com
SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
