Program Description
Building Markets’ USAID Sustainable Marketplace Initiative Liberia (SMI-L) creates jobs and sustains peace by championing local entrepreneurs and connecting them to new business opportunities. SMI-L works across sectors to support local businesses, build and strengthen local supply chains, and ensure monies spent in Liberia stay in Liberia.
Country Context
Building Markets has worked in Liberia since 2011 with funding from the Australian Government, Humanity United, BHP Biliton and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In Liberia, BM partners with the Government of Liberia, development organizations, local entrepreneurs and the private sector to provide innovative solutions to complex developmental challenges. Building Markets expects to receive new funding and will be implementing two programs in 2015.
Position Overview
The Communications and Reporting Specialist (CRS) will support the advocacy, communications, public relations, research, editing and dissemination on and for all Building Markets activities in Liberia. The CRS is part of the Market Research and Communications and Advocacy teams (MRCAT).The CRS will work closely with the Business Operations Unit and data collections teams supporting surveys on the impact of Ebola on the Liberian economy and on business activity in Liberia. CRS also plays a critical role in project development identifying new project/partner opportunities.
The CRS will demonstrate skills in writing, editing, research and analysis skills. Interest and understanding of macro and micro-economics and government economic (and local content) policies is an added strength. Moreover, the position requires out of the box thinking, ability to multi-task and support capacity building of local staff. In addition, the CRS will also have the following core competencies:
· Creative mindset: initiative-rich, energetic and efficient, results-oriented
· Critical Analysis: an ability to structure and find solutions to complex problems
· Communications: good interpersonal skills and ability communicate, both verbal and written, to external counterparts and internal colleagues
· Capable of thinking “outside the box” and provide innovative approaches to programmatic and management challenges
· Comfortable with and managing large amounts of data
Responsibilities and Duties
The CRS reports to the Country Director is responsible for supporting the development of all communication products, managing BM websites and editing all reports and documents that BM-L produce. He/she will also be a key member of the project development team. He/she will have experience working with Africa, project development and communicating to various types of audiences and stakeholders.
Communications
· Support the dissemination and promotion of SMI-L “Buy Local, Build Liberia” campaign, this includes working with local radio stations and newspapers as well Liberian government agencies and businesses
· Write, draft and edit all SMI-L/BM communications material with the support of the Communications Team.
Reporting
· In cooperation with the Market Research and M&E Teams, CRS will lead the development, writing and editing of all SMI-L/BM reporting materials to our donors, which include USAID, World Bank, Humanity United as well as others.
Project Development
· Support the development of new project proposals for various donors, including identifying new opportunities and partners.
· Where needed, provide technical advice on new concepts and existing activities
BM-L Cross-Team Collaboration
· As part of both the Market Research and the Communications and Advocacy team ensure all products are edited and properly branded with the respective donor and BM logos
· Working closely with Business Operations Unit to ensure data collected on business and Ebola related surveys are both accurate and complete
· Provide input to improve the overall strategy and efficiency of the SMI-L project.
· Ensure all teams are properly trained on donor regulations, including branding and deliverable due dates.
Key skills, technical background and experience required
Building Markets is seeking someone who has knowledge and experience in editing and publication and how to use appropriate software. Personnel with the following are required:
- An Advanced Degree in: English, communication studies, development studies business administration, enterprise development or other related field
- Three (3) years of experience in the communication, editing and reporting
- Demonstrated ability to establish/edit websites and work in social media and web based formats
- Excellent written and verbal skills for the development of reports, tables, and presentations.
- Proven writing, facilitation, training and communication skills and informed on latest best practices in publication
- Relevant country and/or regional experience
- An innovative mind with the right portion of common sense and novel approaches to development work.
- Excellent written English
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your cover letter and CV to vacancies@buildingmarkets.org. This position will remain open until filled.
