Communications Specialist Tetratech ARD

The 5-year USAID Zambia Alternatives to Charcoal (A2C) Activity works to reduce urban charcoal energy consumption and catalyze an increase in the use of charcoal alternative technologies and/or fuels (ATFs) to reduce deforestation directly attributable to charcoal production. USAID A2C works with the private sector, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), civil society, community-based organizations, and communities to remove barriers and create opportunities to advance consumer adoption of ATFs; strengthen enforcement of existing charcoal regulatory frameworks; and work alongside consumers to shift preferences and reduce demand away from charcoal while supporting alternative sustainable livelihoods for former charcoal-producing households. The activity is guided by an understanding of local market systems, strong private sector engagement, and a commitment to engaging youth and empowering women.

Reporting to the Social Behavior Change Communications (SBCC) Coordinator, the Communications Specialist will lead the development and timely execution of A2C Activity-level communications strategies, products, and activities to ensure compliant and effective communication and reporting of progress and impact. The Communications Specialist will support advocacy and outreach efforts to promote awareness and adoption of ATF options. . The Communications Specialist will work closely with technical project staff, private sector partners, government officials and community and religious influencers to develop communication products and ensure compliant branding and marking.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Develop and implement Activity communications materials, plans, strategies, and activities, including but not limited to newsletters, success stories, articles, and mobile messaging listservs/groups etc.
• Manage and develop content for A2C Activity social media accounts.
• Ensure compliance with USAID Branding and Marking policies, as well as other USAID communication guidelines and Tetra Tech home office practices.
• Support SBCC programming such as clean cooking demonstrations, road shows, workshops, meetings, and other events.
• Organize and facilitate public outreach and awareness raising to communicate Activity progress and impact.
• Support the development of SBCC strategies, campaigns, and outreach/advocacy activities and materials in collaboration with the SBCC Coordinator.
• Collaborate with Cross-Cutting staff to produce, edit and disseminate internal and external communication materials (e.g. success stories, lessons learned) that contribute to A2C’s adaptive management approach.
• Engage and strengthen the capacity of local media to improve coverage of A2C activities and objectives.
• Provide communication training to project staff, partners, and grantees, as needed.
• Assist in the generation of reports, data tables, graphics, maps, and other visual tools/aids that support program activities and results, as needed.
• Support the Chief of Party and other staff members to effectively communicate Activity progress and to USAID, government stakeholders, the private sector, and others.
• Contribute to the development and drafting of success stories, project work plans and reports (annual, quarterly, technical etc.), as needed; and
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the SBCC Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS: (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS)

• Bachelor’s degree or higher, in relevant field.
• Must have at least five (5) years’ experience in project communications, preferably for USAID-funded projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project communications and produce written content highlighting project progress, successes, and impact for local, regional, and global audiences.
• Knowledge of USAID Branding and Marking Requirements required.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with local media.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) required, with working knowledge of other editing software (Adobe, Microsoft Publisher etc.) preferred.
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining social media platforms required.