Job Title: Communications Manager

Company Overview:

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact - the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits. 

For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved - and is committed to continuing to improve - economies, societies and most importantly, people's lives. 

Palladium is a child-safe organisation, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status. 

Project Overview and Role:

CATALYZE is a $250 million 5 to 8-year program, designed to catalyze $2 billion in private capital, especially to underfinanced social sectors (such as education) and higher risk countries (especially low-income and post-conflict countries) around the globe, complemented by a cross-cutting inclusion of gender-lens investing. CATALYZE will provide services to USAID missions and bureaus that “buy in” to tap the CATALYZE investment and pay-for-results project management expertise. Our aim is for investors to explore and find commercially viable opportunities and approaches to creating jobs, developing sustainable social services, tightening and rationalizing supply chains, and advancing inclusive growth. 

CATALYZE: Market Systems for Growth (MS4G) will drive private enterprise expansion to catalyze Ethiopia’s future economic growth and prosperity. MS4G intends to foster enterprise-driven growth, especially among private enterprises that have high growth potential and the capacity to catalyze job creation throughout market systems. MS4G will address systemic challenges, including building business development services capacity, creating a more conducive business environment, building the financial sector infrastructure and capability within private finance providers, and expanding the digital economy. MS4G will catalyze private sector growth by improving access to finance and facilitating transactions through targeted interventions across market systems (demand, supply, and enabling environment). Expanded access to finance will also drive change across the market system by increasing business revenue and necessitating job creation. The program has an estimated life of project funding of $55-$70 million, and is expected to operate for five years. 

While focus sectors will be finalized in collaboration with USAID during the inception phase, it is anticipated that they could include agribusiness, light manufacturing, and telecommunications & ICT (including fintech). Across all initiatives, there will be a cross-cutting focus on women and youth, as well as a focus on ensuring that disparate ethnic groups and regions equitably benefit from the interventions.  

 Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Communications Manager, CATALYZE: MS4G will report to the Chief of Party with secondary reporting to the US-based CATALYZE Director of Communications & Knowledge Management. S/he will be responsible for implementing MS4G’s communications strategy, with targeted messaging for both public and private stakeholders in the blended finance and impact investment community. 

• Writes, edits, and oversees the production of publications, including articles, newsletters, reports, photos, infographics, success stories, social media messaging, etc., in compliance with MS4G branding guidelines and organizational policies; 
• Facilitates discussions with project staff to conceptualize, design and develop infographics, charts, maps and other visual content to translate technical findings into user-friendly products for non-technical audiences; 
• Leads the development and dissemination of marketing materials, social media content, and other mediums to amplify content generated from project activities; 
• Collaborates as required with the broader Palladium Communications team on the development of a strategic communications plan that includes participation in key events, targeted communications materials development, and other strategies as defined in the plan; 
• Attends industry and relevant private-sector events (i.e., conferences, professional networks/communities of practice working groups, and symposia) to share and promote CATALYZE’s work and successes, and to increase skills in relevant technical areas; performs representational duties to USAID and contributes to project management and coordination among partner organizations; 
• Establish and implement standard operating procedures and mechanisms for collection and distribution of information and knowledge materials from project staff and stakeholders; 
• Organize and host webinars and learning events; 
• Collaborate with the MS4G technical team and stakeholders, and facilitate organized forums designed to foster ongoing learning and adaptation; and 
• Meet regularly with CATALYZE communications team to share best practices, successes, and challenges. 

 Required Qualifications:

• Ability to synthesize complex investment mechanisms and deal structures into language that is accessible and compelling to external audiences; experience working on inclusive finance, blended finance, impact investing, agribusiness, or related areas; 
• Ability to synthesize and simplify information and communicate it in a lively, accurate and understandable manner; 
• Knowledge and understanding of USAID branding and communications style; 
• Excellent English verbal, written and presentation skills; 
• Excellent attention to detail and track record of designing and implementing a dynamic communications and knowledge management strategies. 
• Detail-oriented and deadline-driven with strong organizational skills, and ability to work in a dynamic and agile environment with changing requirements and priorities; 
• Strong cross-cultural, interpersonal, management, diplomacy, and collaboration skills in highly complex structures involving multiple teams and stakeholders; 
• Ability to meet deadlines under extreme pressure, build consensus, engage a variety of stakeholders, and work with diverse groups of people; 
• Video editing and/or graphic design skills preferred; 
• Relevant computer software skills and familiarity with accounting software (including, at a minimum, the standard applications in MS Office). 

Desired Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a relevant field; 
• At least 8 years of experience in project communications, including 4 years in a communications and/or M&E role on a USAID-funded project;