Communications Manager - Creative Associates

Creative Associates International 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. 

Job Description

Location: Accra, Ghana, Dakar Senegal and Abidjan, Cote d Ivoire

Project Summary

The USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub Project (hereinafter referred to as the Trade Hub) is a five-year, $140 million trade and investment facilitation activity that seeks to improve private sector competitiveness in West Africa through a market-based approach.

By working in partnership with the private sector and fostering co-investments, the project will generate new private-sector capital investment into key sectors to create jobs and increase trade between the U.S. and West Africa, including through increased utilization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

The project comprises of three main components:

1. Design and administration of a Co-Investment fund for private sector partnerships, including a portion for partnerships in Research and Development (R&D) towards innovating and modernizing practices in Nigeria across five targeted value chains;
2. Technical assistance (TA) that directly supports, coordinates, and engages with qualifying recipients (i.e., partners and grantees) to achieve USAID’s trade and food security objectives;
3. Urgently respond to the secondary economic impacts of COVID-19, notably to 1) increase  access of working capital with financial actors, 2) prevent and mitigate job losses, and 3) help respond to local and regional supply chain disruptions and shortages of critical medical supplies and services as well as for agricultural inputs and food staples.

Through this Co-Investment Fund and technical assistance, the Trade Hub will improve companies’ abilities to expand business operations, increase productivity, and create jobs that build on the talents and aspirations of West Africa’s growing population.

The Trade Hub will collaborate on specific commercial opportunities with firms, service providers, research organizations, as well as other business network actors to access private capital that will contribute to large-scale jobs, exports and investment, particularly with strong demonstrated or potential links to the U.S. companies and investors.

Position Summary

The Communications Manager will provide management and oversight of all communication and outreach programs for the Trade Hub. The Communications Manager’s responsibilities will include:

1. Oversee all communication outreach to stakeholders on social media, newsletters, press releases, and other media forms;
2. Develop project communication strategies and work with Trade Hub staff to implement them across the region;
3. Maintain strong relationships with public relations companies providing technical assistance for the Trade Hub;
4. Organize events, inaugurations, and webinars based on the needs of the Trade Hub in collaboration with USAID, local governments, and other stakeholders;
5. Supervise the Communications team and contribute to the writing, editing, and outreach activities of the Trade Hub.

The Communications Manager will be responsible for supervising the Senior Communications Officer and Communications Specialist who will provide support in completing these tasks.  

Reporting & Supervision:

The Communications Manager will report directly to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) and will work closely with the Communications team at the Creative headquarters located in Washington, DC.

Primary Responsibilities:

Administration

• Supervise and edit the development and implementation of the comprehensive annual communications plan that aligns with the Trade Hub’s workplan that achieves the program’s internal and external communications goals;
• Ensure compliance to the Trade Hub’s Branding and Marking Plan;
• Assist the DCOP and the Communications team with activities that promote communication between the Trade Hub and the West Africa-based USAID Missions, including project content suitable for dissemination on USAID channels; 

• Support the writing and/or editing USAID quarterly reports and other major USAID-required project documents;
• Provide administrative support to outside subcontractors and consultants (such as public relation firms, translators, photographers, videographers, etc.);
• Manage the Communication team and provide administrative oversight;
• Collaborate with HQ Communications team.

Writing & editing

• Identify and propose to the DCOP suitable stories, photo essays and other content in collaboration with the Communications team that would appear in the newsletter, website and social media channels;
• Write and/or review assigned success stories, features and briefs for publication on the Trade Hub’s website and other channels, including USAID outlets;
• Oversee and review all content on the program’s website, newsletter and social media channels; and
• Collaborate with HQ Communications to create and disseminate content through Creative’s channels.

Outreach & events

• Coordinate and oversee all communications aspects of events and webinars, including promotion, program content for program, registration materials and related items; and
• Setup, staff and pack up Trade Hub exhibits at events.

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or relevant field is mandatory. Graduate degree is preferred.
• At least 6 + years of relevant communications experience in the role of developing project communication strategies and managing outreach initiatives, with at 4+ years of specific experience years in an international developing country context.
• Must have 3+ years of supervisory experience with groups or teams of staff.
• Strong preference in past experience working with USAID-funded projects.
• Experience managing different social media platforms for organizations and/or businesses.
• Experience in event organization.

• Experience working in promoting private investment and trade is preferable.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout West Africa
• Problem-solving, stress management and time management skills are required
• Proficient at using Microsoft office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Proficient at using graphic design software is preferable (ex. InDesign)
• Speaking, writing and reading fluency in English and French is required.

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