Creative Associates Overview:

Creative Associates International Inc.  is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.  

Program Overview:

The USAID READ II Education Recovery responds to the crisis in Northern Ethiopia conflict. READ II Education Recovery Activity’s Core Activity Package consists of three major areas of focus: 1) Support and Prepare At-risk Populations to Return to Learning, 2) Reduce the Risk of School Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV), and 3) Support to Child Protection and Wellbeing. The “triple layered approach” is mainly organized to target at-risk populations, including adolescent girls and young children who have been victims of the Northern Ethiopia Conflict. The project provides support to conflict affected communities in many ways including provision of teaching, learning, and recreational materials to students as well as basic school supplies, furniture, and tents for use in Temporary Learning Centers (TLCs), where necessary. training and ongoing support are also provided to teachers and school and community leaders on Psychological First Aid (PFA), Psychosocial Support (PSS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Education administrators are trained on how to lead and manage TLCs and schools, so that teachers and students can recover quickly and effectively from conflict shocks and trauma and recommence teaching and learning. READ II collaborates and coordinates its crisis response with international and local organizations to leverage their programs as appropriate.

Position Summary:

The Senior Communications Officer is responsible for the design, management and implementation of the organization’s Communication Strategy that utilizes various media including on-line platforms, portal for the project and Partners, and mobile apps. S/he will compile, market, and project information from project staffs, partners, and beneficiaries to communicate activities, success stories, and results for USAID and stakeholders through quarterly reports, annual reports, project newsletters, technical briefs, and media outlets.  S/he will ensure all READ II documentation, media, and on-line products follow the Branding Strategy and Marking Plan. S/he will develop and maintain libraries, archives and data bases of marketing and training materials, project information, success stories, photos, productions and other media. S/he is expected to travel about 15% of the time.

Reporting & Supervision: The Senior Communications Officer will report to the Chief of Party (CoP).

Primary Responsibilities:

Area 1: Communications

• Develop and maintain project information, success stories and communications materials.

• Work across all components and partners to support communication and marketing production needs for events, activities, meetings and other informational needs.

• Support development of targeted marketing & communications materials in cooperation with program staff.

• Works closely with the KM Specialist and supports content development for website, portal and other informational materials.

• Maintain and advise staff on USAID marking and branding requirements.

• Lead development of quarterly reports, annual reports and other reports required by USAID.

• Produce and maintain marketing information about the project.

• Serve as communications liaison with the USAID/Ethiopia Mission.

• Handle all media invitations, photography needs, and write-ups for newspapers or brochures. 

• Liaise with Headquarters communications to share content for Creative’s website.

Area 2:  READ II Activity Calendar and Website

• Oversee the development and maintenance of a monthly READ II Calendar and ensure accurate updated information is provided to COP, DCOP, Regional Directors and M & E Director. 

• Develop and maintain a READ II website to include: READ II information, upcoming events and activities, all Success Stories, recruitment advertisements, approved reports, pamphlets and other documents as needed.

Area 3: Desktop Publishing and Design

• Lead Marking & Branding for all READ II products as approved by USAID in the Branding Strategy & Marking Plan.

• Support desktop publishing for manuals, brochures, posters, quarterly reports, Fact Sheets, and other products (i.e. business cards, letterhead, folders, banners, etc.)

• Review products and include graphics and design as needed  

• Lead development of Information Package for READ II. 

• Design/edit Power Point Presentations. 

Area 4: Event Planning

• Lead the set-up and preparation of all READ II sponsored events

• Lead media and marketing events including: informational meetings with staff, broadcasts, interviews, etc.

Area 5: Marketing and Media Relations

• Lead various basic tasks surrounding media relations such as developing responses to inquiries, composing press releases.

• Review Contact List related to communications

Job Requirements

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in respective technical field and at least 6 years of relevant experience or a BA/BSc in a related field with 10 years of experience.

• Minimum 5 years of experience providing leadership and managing multiple highly complex program components.

• Up to 5-years of professional experience working on USAID or other international donor initiatives.

• Demonstrated competence to assess priorities, and concurrently manage a variety of activities effectively to meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality.

• Experience with software programs such as N-design, Photo Shop, Adobe Acrobat, and one or more we-based meeting applications and database development.

• Experience in working with translators, graphic artists, media specialists.

How to Apply

Creative invites eligible candidates to submit applications through THIS LINK

 Only finalists will be contacted.  No phone calls, please Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran.