The TNRC project is a five-year cooperative agreement awarded by USAID to a project consortium led by WWF. It was awarded in late August 2018 and is expected to run through August 2023. The project consortium also includes TRAFFIC, based in Cambridge, UK; the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center at George Mason University; and the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre (U4) at the Chr. Michelsen Institute in Bergen, Norway.
The purpose of the Targeting Natural Resource Corruption (TNRC) project is to strengthen USAID's efforts and those of a wider community of natural resource management (NRM) and anti-corruption stakeholders to improve NRM outcomes by reducing threats posed by corruption to wildlife, fisheries and forests. TNRC will focus on harnessing existing anti-corruption knowledge for the NRM sector; delivering new thought leadership and evidence on effective approaches to anti-corruption issues in NRM; leveraging practitioner and stakeholder networks for knowledge dissemination and improved anti-corruption action; deepening globalpartnerships to combat corruption in the management of natural resources; andprogramming more effectively against corruption in specific contexts. TNRC targets a diverse audience of USAID practitioners (including implementing partners), other donor and NGO practitioners and policy makers, international fora and, to a more limited degree, stakeholders and practitioners in specific countries where TNRC may implement activities.
A project management unit (PMU) based at WWF headquarters in Washington, DC leads the project and has final responsibility for achieving its objectives. This position will be a key member of the PMU.
As part of a small, dynamic PMU team, the job holder will work with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist, along with consortium representatives, to define, refine and achieve project objectives. Within the PMU, the job holder will have the lead responsibility for implementing communications and related activities to assure that knowledge generated by TNRC reaches targeted audiences and that modes of conveying this knowledge are effectively framed for achieving practical changes in how the NRM sector addresses corruption at the international and national level. Specifically, the Project Communications Specialist:
- Plans and implements communications for TNRC. Works with relevant WWF communications teams and the PMU to define audiences and develop strategies for achieving TNRC’s objectives, then implements those strategies.
- Works with WWF Information Technology team to design and launch a project web page and/or independent web site; has ongoing responsibility for adding and maintaining content. Works with consortium partners to assure effective use of partner web sites for achieving TNRC objectives.
- Finalizes a TNRC branding and marking policy in compliance with USAID regulations, designs templates and guidance for TNRC publications and other communications products in line with this policy, and works with project personnel, consortium partners and others to assure compliance with quality and design standards, including final review of TNRC publications and materials.
- Delivers publication layout and distribution, social media profile and presence, and other communications materials. Maintains mailing lists and delivers a project newsletter (via Mailchimp, Constant Contact or another appropriate mechanism) at established intervals (probably quarterly).
- Develops and monitors project operating plans and budgets related to communications.
- Manages and implements other technical and administrative functions to support project communications such as responding to requests for information, organizing events or supporting consortium member events (e.g., with document layout and production, announcements, etc.), and developing systems for managing communications materials and resources.
- Reviews performance outcomes and status of all communications activities and evaluates and reports these results, such as evidence of uptake and use of TNRC materials. Seeks opportunities and proposes actions for improving outcomes.
- Monitors and analyzes new information, policy development issues, and trends related to TNRC and advises others accordingly. Keeps abreast of issues relevant to project communications. Responsible for gathering data relevant to specific project elements from conservation and governance peers, governmental agencies, media and universities.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- A Bachelor’s in a related field is required, such as development communication, international development, mass communication, marketing, journalism. A graduate degree is preferred.
- A minimum of four years of experience leading and executing international development-related communication, or relevant similar work, is required. Experience with USAID audiences, projects and policies is an advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to use layout and design software such as Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Office Publisher, and to provide and continuously update web site content utilizing a CMS platform such as WordPress, Dreamweaver or Drupal, is essential.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, research and writing skills.
- Strong project communications skills and ability to convey complex issues simply to target audiences.
- Demonstrated understanding of research communications and knowledge management strategies, especially related to renewable natural resources (fisheries, forests, wildlife) and/or public governance issues, is an advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and operate with independence, under pressure, to meet deadlines and commitments.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member with a wide range of individuals, across cultures and time zones.
- Fluency in English is essential, and additional language proficiency is an advantage.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
- Please Note:This is a Limited Term position funded until July 2023. Extension may be a possibility but is not guaranteed.
- Application deadline is February 21st, 2019.
- Must be available to start no more than three weeks after job offer.
- Relocation assistance is not provided.