Power Africa Communications Specialist

CAMRIS International, LLC, (CAMRIS) is seeking a Communications Specialist to support USAID/POWER AFRICA.

This position will perform work under the Africa Bureau Institutional Support and Services II contract (AFR ITSS II). AFR ITSS II assists USAID in achieving its program priorities by providing contracted technical, professional, operational, and administrative support staff in support of USAID’s African programs on both short- and long-term bases. Work performed under this contract will cover a range of technical and administrative areas aimed at advancing USAID’s development objectives in sub-Saharan Africa.

CAMRIS is a dynamic international development and research firm that achieves innovative solutions to health and development challenges through high-quality, cost-effective programs and research management services. We combine our proven systems with today’s most effective, evidence-based best practices to improve the lives of people around the world. Our core capabilities include: public heath, such as strengthening health systems and combating HIV/AIDS, TB and other infectious diseases; fostering trade and investment; expanding power and electrification; strengthening democracy and governance; expanding access to and improving the quality of education; and ensuring environmental sustainability for generations to come by fighting climate change.

Our employees enjoy a diverse, collegial environment where individual contributions matter at all levels. At CAMRIS, you will notably improve the lives of people at home and abroad.  

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A U.S. government-led partnership, Power Africa harnesses the collective resources of public and private sectors to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. Power Africa is an office within the Africa Bureau that addresses one of the most pressing challenges to sustainable economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa – access to electrical power. Approximately 53 percent of the population of sub-Saharan Africa has no access to electricity. Yet, the region has significant potential to develop clean energy to meet its needs.

The Communications Specialist, who will serve as a deputy to the Communications Director, assists in managing the outreach, and internal and external communications strategy for Power Africa. They report directly to the Communications Director and work closely with Power Africa leadership and staff to advance Power Africa’s brand and communications objectives. Under the direction of the Communications Director, the incumbent is responsible for managing Power Africa’s outreach and communication strategy in Washington D.C. and supporting the Power Africa Coordinator’s Office’s overall communications and outreach efforts. As a key liaison, the incumbent will work closely with representatives from USAID, including Africa Bureau, Legislative and Public Affairs, interagency partners, and other public and private sector partners communications and public relations personnel to coordinate strategies and develop content that promotes and supports Power Africa’s key messages. This position is based in Washington, D.C., though travel to sub-Saharan Africa and other international and domestic destinations is anticipated.

The Communications Specialist is expected to respond to taskers including drafting talking points, remarks, and external messaging to support the Power Africa Coordinator’s Office. The incumbent must be hands on and politically savvy, and able to manage multiple priorities and requests. They will support a range of communications and outreach activities and will contribute to all aspects of the day-to-day communications operations, including content creation, social media, event management, and will provide communications inputs for partnerships and interagency coordination. The incumbent follows the guidance of and coordinates closely with the Communications Director in executing the following responsibilities:

• Develop talking points to deliver key Power Africa messages to our target audiences including the U.S. Congress, the interagency, Power Africa’s public and private sector partners, and international development partners.
• Develop remarks and draft speeches for Power Africa Coordinator’s Office’s leadership team.
• Draft and edit media advisories and press statements for the Power Africa Coordinator’s Office.
• Serve as the U.S.-based communications team point of contact for Power Africa to liaise with U.S. government interagency partners, and other public and private sector partners.
• Contribute success stories to increase awareness of Power Africa progress and activities.
• Work efficiently and exercise judgment to prioritize assignments and requests.
• Contribute materials to public presentations and support media engagement in the United States and globally.
• Under the direction of the Communications Director, lead on U.S.-based events and work with the Power Africa communications team on executing global events including supporting photography when needed.
• Participate in D.C.-based team meetings and coordinate with teams to ensure new information, including regular data calls, project milestones and success stories are reflected in all materials and distributed through appropriate channels.
• Develop a working knowledge of the energy sector and U.S. policy priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In successfully carrying out these duties and responsibilities, the Communications Specialist will:

1.    Develop Content and Support Activities to Promote Power Africa Interests-40%

• Support the Communications Director in the execution of effective messaging, communications, outreach strategies.
• Develop written communication materials for the Power Africa Coordinator’s Office.
• Maintain strong relationships with partners and coordinate with the USAID Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) and Africa Bureau to promote and seek opportunities to advance Power Africa activities and messages and update the team on content requirements and Agency-wide strategies and messages.

2.    Execute on Strategic and Tactical Communications-50%

• Prioritize and manage day-to-day communications functions including briefer requests, taskers, media requests, content creation, and events.
• Develop and maintain talking points and background materials.
• Exhibit interpersonal skills that encourage collaboration with staff at all levels to implement strategic communications plans.
• Provide support and guidance as appropriate to the Coordinator and Power Africa staff to ensure that all public affairs activities including, speeches, panels, media interviews, and other public speaking activities, are up to date and in line with Power Africa’s branding, goals, and strategies.
• Identify and support U.S. and global events in coordination with the Pretoria-based communications team.
• Develop and maintain a repository of Power Africa’s key messages in digestible formats such as  success stories, newsletter articles, OpEds, press releases, visual content, and other communication materials.
• Contribute to team projects and activities, such as writing and editing, responding to requests for information, internal communications, and strategic planning.
• Support the Coordinator and other Power Africa Coordinator’s Office staff in meetings and external events as requested.

3.    Perform Other Communications and Outreach Duties -10%

• Respond flexibly and capably to a wide range of work-related requirements such as: responding to congressional inquiries; supporting VIP visits; responding to Washington policy and operational requests; and carrying out ad hoc assignments as dictated by unforeseen operational requirements at the discretion of the Coordinator, Deputy Coordinators, Communications Director or their designees.

• Bachelor's degree with 6 years of progressive communications experience.
• Specialized experience in organizing and implementing communications and outreach activities, including speechwriting, strategic messaging, content writing and editing.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate technical content into plain English for external, non-technical audiences.
• Experience in developing written products such as talking points, remarks, press releases, and success stories.
• Experience organizing events and projects effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to make judgments about the newsworthiness and appropriateness of communications, including knowledge of related U.S. government policies.
• Experience working with international development organizations or U.S. government entities.
• Experience working in legislative affairs or for a U.S. Member of Congress is preferred.
• Experience in photography, especially taking photos that can be used in social media messaging.
• Proficiency in editing and writing, and technical proficiency, social media marketing (X, Facebook, Instagram, Medium, LinkedIn, YouTube), Adobe CS (Illustrator, In-Design, Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects), and data visualization is desirable.
• Ability to travel domestically or internationally.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance required.
• This position is telework eligible for two days a week and will require working from the office three days a week.

CAMRIS International offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Please submit your resume online at www.camris.com. CAMRIS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law.

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, a requirement for this position under an active federal contract. The background check process may include, but is not limited to the following: (1) contacting your professional references; (2) verification of previous employment, education and credentials; (3) a criminal background check; (4) use/abuse of federally-controlled substances; and (5) a department of motor vehicle check. Candidates must be prepared to fully-complete any required background check questionnaire during initial onboarding.