This position is located in the new established Development Outreach and Communication (DOC) Unit in the Policy Coordination and Program Support (PCPS) Office. The DOC Specialist reports to PCPS Office Director, directly supervises three staff and is the lead in the unit for implementing USAID/Haiti’s outreach and communications strategy.

The DOC Specialist is responsible for guiding and ensuring that the Office Directors, Development Objective Teams (DO Teams) and the FO implement USAID/Haiti’s Outreach Strategy. The incumbent supports the Mission’s goal to broaden awareness of and support for U.S. government (USG) U.S. Government foreign assistance programs, and their contribution to Haiti’s social and economic development.

The primary purpose of this position is to lead the unit and coordinate and manage USAID/Haiti’s public and local and international press relations, along with its development outreach and communications processes. The USG is Haiti’s largest international donor contributing to the economic and social development of the country. The DOC Specialist significantly influences and impacts the way USAID/Haiti programs are perceived at local, regional and international levels. The incumbent supports efforts to ensure the United States, Caribbean, international community, and Haitian public is aware of USAID/Haiti’s programs and of the Mission’s role in Haiti’s economic and social development. The DOC Specialist mentors unit staff and works with the U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section (PD) to develop and disseminate press releases, radio and public service announcements and broadcasts, and generates social media inputs. Special efforts will be used to further advance the use of community radio and develop partnerships for broadcasting across Haiti. S/he leads the DOC team in organizing public events and communication activities designed to highlight U.S. foreign assistance to Haiti through USAID, including the bilateral program and any regional programs administered from Haiti or Washington.

This position is a FSN Program Specialist who coaches and leads a diverse DOC team, manages complex, multi-sectoral outreach activities, and facilitates relationships between governmental, civil society, faith-based, nongovernmental and the private-sector. S/he helps represent the Unit and interacts with the press to help them understand and report on USAID/Haiti’s innovative approaches and program results in addressing Haiti’s development challenges. The Job holder will be required to perform work related travel on an occasional basis.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, international relations, marketing, or related field is required.

Evaluations: Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. Candidates meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed candidates. If the interview is conducted, the interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

Experience: At least five years of professional experience in public relations is required, at least one of which is with a U.S. government, other international development or economic assistance, or a private organization in this field. Proven experience in disseminating information to a variety of target audiences is required; demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing effective public relations/communications campaigns directed at both closely targeted audiences and the general public. Experience in disseminating information on donor programs/projects/activities is required. Must have progressively responsible senior, professional-level experience in mass communications, media relations, and working the press and social media is required. Experience must include interacting with and advising senior level government officials or donor country representatives. Ability to work successfully in a team environment is required. Additional experience as a journalist, including English language journalism and international experience is required.

Job Knowledge: Must have broad knowledge of Haitian culture, politics, and major development issues in which the USAID Mission operates. Because the incumbent works across all technical offices, knowledge is required in a broad range of areas in the development sectors. These include economic growth, trade and investment, education, health, food security, natural disasters, justice, public sector executive and legislative function, good governance, human rights and civil society, media, and/or technical capacity building is a must. An understanding of U.S. foreign policy interests and objectives in Haiti and knowledge or the potential to acquire knowledge of how the USAID Mission portfolio addresses these objectives is required. A thorough knowledge of the Government of Haiti’s policies and programs and an understanding of the nature of Haiti’s development needs and the socio-cultural contexts in which the development needs can be addressed is necessary. A strong knowledge of public attitudes and techniques to incorporate these into Mission analytical planning and program development is essential. Also needs to be knowledgeable or have the potential to learn about the historical context and current events affecting USAID and U.S. Embassy operations.

Skills: The DOC Specialist must demonstrate the ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, websites, stories, social media, etc.), and targeting a variety of audiences. S/he must demonstrate outstanding coordination and organizational skills within multicultural work environments; the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work effectively under pressure; and demonstrates initiative and creativity. In addition, The DOC Specialist must have the following skills and abilities:

Excellent skills interacting with the media, press and managing social media platforms. Creativity and ability to plan, arrange and execute an overall information and outreach programs. Advanced knowledge of public affairs to make key decisions affecting the local, regional and international image of USAID/Haiti. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to handle sensitive issues diplomatically and to inspire confidence in Government, Embassy, journalists and other counterparts. Ability to professionally and effectively interact and coordinate with the U.S. Mission personnel at all levels, including the Ambassador, the USAID FO, and Minister and Cabinet-level GOH appointees.

Superior organizational skills and the ability to positively and professionally represent the USAID Mission. Ability to understand and describe USAID-funded development programs .Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior USG, GOH, contractors and grantees and Haitian private sector officials. Ability to develop and maintain extensive high-level contacts in the media and information networks. Excellent knowledge of social media platforms and skilled in creating attractive social media entries to amplify USAID/Haiti’s work. Sound intellectual, professional and political judgment in order to advise on the reply to media responses; and Excellent computer, photography and digital manipulation skills, and all Microsoft Office applications. Must be comfortable using social media and desktop publishing software, one or more website development applications, and Adobe Photoshop

Language: Fluent Level IV English, French and Spoken Haitian Creole is required for this position.

Post Entry Training:USAID will provide necessary training in aspects specific to USAID and Embassy communications policies, regulations and procedures, Development Outreach and Communications operations, and USAID branding standards. GLAAS training and COR/AOR courses, if needed, will be provided.

1- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.

2- A Cover Letter or summary Statement Addressing the evaluation factors

3- Copies of Educational Certificates

4- List of a minimum of three (3) professional references with accurate telephone and e-mail information

Eligible applicants are required to complete this on-line application process and submit any applicable required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)] on the closing date of this announcement.

If applying on-line poses an extreme hardship, you must contact the human resources office no later than [e.g., two, three, etc.] business days prior to the closing date of this vacancy announcement. An alternative application method will be provided upon approval of the hardship notification. After this time, requests to apply via alternative methods will not be granted.

Please note that all required documents must be received by the closing date, via online or alternative methods, and that we will determine your eligibility and qualifications based solely on the material received by the closing date.