Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

USAID/Nepal invites applications for employment from all interested and qualified U.S Citizen or Resident Alien for the position of Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist in the Program Office under a Personal Services Contract (PSC), subject to availability of funds.

OPEN TO: Interested and qualified U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien
POSITION: Development Outreach and Communications Specialist, Resident Hire USPSC GS-12 equivalent ($71,099.00 – $92,429.00 base per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s relevant qualifications and experience.
OPENING DATE: June 30, 2023
CLOSING DATE: July 28, 2023, 5:00 PM Kathmandu Time
PERFORMANCE PERIOD: One-year initial contract, renewable for one-year extensions up to a total of five years, subject to review and approval for continuing need for the position and availability of funds.
WORK HOURS: Full-time; 40 hours per week

NOTES:

• U.S. citizen who at the time of contract award resides in the cooperating country.
• RESIDENT Hire USPSCs are eligible for FICA, health insurance and life insurance in accordance with USAID policy. RESIDENT Hire Contractors are not eligible for any other fringe benefits.
• As a RESIDENT Hire, no moving, lodging or RELOCATION travel expenses will be extended to successful applicants.

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:
USAID/Nepal is seeking a skilled Communications Specialist to join our team and support our communications efforts in Nepal. The successful candidate will play a key role in documenting USAID’s work in Nepal through photography and videography, ensuring editorial quality control for various written materials, and planning and supporting public events. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about visual storytelling, possess strong editorial skills, and enjoy organizing and coordinating public events.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, media studies, or a related field is required.
• Proven experience in photography and videography, including proficiency in editing software.
• Strong editorial skills, with experience in editing and proofreading written materials and a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in graphic design software and knowledge of visual storytelling techniques.
• Experience in event planning and coordination is desirable.
• Familiarity with development issues and USAID’s mission is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines is required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team.
• A high degree of English fluency is required (reading, writing, and speaking), an equivalent of level IV (Fluent). Given the nature of the position, demonstrated effective written and oral communication is required.

The incumbent is expected to effectively apply principles of equity, diversity and inclusion within all aspects of their work, including within the Mission, as part of their interactions with external stakeholders, and across relevant USAID programming and partnerships, with the objective of bringing in the various perspectives and voices of populations and communities across Nepal for a more inclusive distribution of the responsibilities and benefits of development.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

a. Prior Work Experience (20%):

• Previous experience in professional photography and videography, including a portfolio showcasing high-quality work.
• Proven track record of effectively capturing and documenting events, people, and development initiatives.
• Experience in editing and post-processing photographs and videos to enhance visual appeal and storytelling impact.
• Background in working with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and supporting public events is required.

b. Job Knowledge (40%):

• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of photography and videography principles, techniques, and equipment.
• Possesses knowledge of editing software and tools for both photography and videography.
• Familiarity with editorial standards, style guides, and quality control processes.
• Understanding of communication strategies and storytelling techniques to effectively convey key messages.
• Awareness of current trends and best practices in visual communications and public relations.

c. Skills and Abilities (40%):

• Excellent editing and proofreading skills, with attention to detail and the ability to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency in written materials.
• Proficiency in using photography and videography equipment, as well as editing software to create compelling visual content.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to collaborate with team members, program managers, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, translating complex information into engaging visual narratives.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively in a diverse team and build relationships with external partners.
• Proficiency in graphic design software and knowledge of visual storytelling techniques.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and requirements.

Maximum Points Available: 100

A detailed job description for the position can be obtained by visiting USAID/Nepal website at
http://www.usaid.gov/nepal/careers or by contacting USAID/Nepal Human Resources Office.

Please send your application to the attention of USAID/Nepal Human Resources Office, US Embassy Maharajgunj, G.P.O. Box. 295, Kathmandu, Nepal. Applications may be sent electronically to: USAIDNepalHR@usaid.gov.

The application must include the following:

1. A brief narrative (no more than one page) demonstrating how education, experience, and skills address the requirements listed under required qualifications.
2. Resume not exceeding 3 pages in length.
3. Application for employment form AID-309-2. Please click HERE
4.  Names and contact details for three references.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

USAID/Nepal is an equal opportunity employer committed to a staff composition that reflects the social and ethnic diversity. We believe that social inclusion and diversity contribute to excellence. ALL applicants are encouraged to apply.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST- PPD
USAID/Nepal
Resident-Hire Personal Services Contractor, GS-12 Equivalent

MARKET VALUE: GS-12 Equivalent. Final compensation will be based upon the candidate’s work history and educational background.
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One-year initial contract, renewable for one-year extensions up to a total of five years, subject to review and approval for continuing need for the position and availability of funds.
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kathmandu, Nepal

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. Introduction and Background
Position Overview:
USAID/Nepal is seeking a skilled Communications Specialist to join our team and support our communications efforts in Nepal. The successful candidate will play a key role in documenting USAID’s work in Nepal through photography and videography, ensuring editorial quality control for various written materials, and planning and supporting public events. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate about visual storytelling, possess strong editorial skills, and enjoy organizing and coordinating public events.

A. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Photography and Videography (50%):

• Capture high-quality photographs and videos that effectively convey USAID’s development initiatives, projects, and success stories.
• Utilize professional photography and videography equipment to ensure optimal image and video quality.
• Edit and retouch photographs, as well as edit video footage to create compelling visual content.
• Manage the organization, storage, and accessibility of visual assets, ensuring their proper archiving and categorization.
• Collaborate with project teams and subject matter experts to identify and document key visual opportunities.

Editorial Quality Control (25%):

• Ensure the accuracy, clarity, and consistency of written materials, including briefing memos, fact sheets, talking points, speeches, and press releases.
•  Edit and proofread content to maintain a high standard of quality, paying attention to grammar, punctuation, style, and tone.
• Collaborate with program managers, technical experts, and communications team members to develop and refine content that effectively communicates key messages.
• Conduct thorough fact-checking and research to verify the accuracy of information presented in written materials.

Planning and Supporting Public Events (25%):

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of public events, such as conferences, workshops, and media engagements, to promote USAID’s programs and initiatives.
• Work closely with event vendors, partners, and stakeholders to ensure smooth logistical arrangements, including venue selection, catering, audiovisual setup, and participant management.
• Develop event-related materials, including invitations, programs, presentations, and signage.
• Support the dissemination of event information through various communication channels, including websites, social media, and newsletters.

B. MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, media studies, or a related field is required.
• Proven experience in photography and videography, including proficiency in editing software.
• Strong editorial skills, with experience in editing and proofreading written materials and a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in graphic design software and knowledge of visual storytelling techniques.
• Experience in event planning and coordination is desirable.
• Familiarity with development issues and USAID’s mission is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines is required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team.
• A high degree of English fluency is required (reading, writing, and speaking), an equivalent of level IV (Fluent). Given the nature of the position, demonstrated effective written and oral communication is required.

The incumbent is expected to effectively apply principles of equity, diversity and inclusion within all aspects of their work, including within the Mission, as part of their interactions with external stakeholders, and across relevant USAID programming and partnerships, with the objective of bringing in the various perspectives and voices of populations and communities across Nepal for a more inclusive distribution of the responsibilities and benefits of development.

Due to the short-term nature of the PSC, the successful candidate will be eligible to receive minimal post-entry training that focuses on USAID policies, procedures, and regulations that cover: 1) Development Outreach and Communications; and 2) Programming US Foreign Assistance.

C. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

a. Prior Work Experience (20%):

• Previous experience in professional photography and videography, including a portfolio showcasing high-quality work.
• Proven track record of effectively capturing and documenting events, people, and development initiatives.
• Experience in editing and post-processing photographs and videos to enhance visual appeal and storytelling impact.
• Background in working with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and supporting public events is required.

b. Job Knowledge (40%):

• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of photography and videography principles, techniques, and equipment.
• Possesses knowledge of editing software and tools for both photography and videography.
• Familiarity with editorial standards, style guides, and quality control processes.
• Understanding of communication strategies and storytelling techniques to effectively convey key messages.
• Awareness of current trends and best practices in visual communications and public relations.

c. Skills and Abilities (40%):

• Excellent editing and proofreading skills, with attention to detail and the ability to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency in written materials.
• Proficiency in using photography and videography equipment, as well as editing software to create compelling visual content.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to collaborate with team members, program managers, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, translating complex information into engaging visual narratives.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively in a diverse team and build relationships with external partners.
• Proficiency in graphic design software and knowledge of visual storytelling techniques.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and requirements.

Maximum Points Available: 100

D. SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The employee is directly supervised by the Mission’s DOC Team Lead. The candidate is expected to work with a high degree of independence, while regularly updating her/his supervisor on the progress in her/his work.
E. AVAILABLE GUIDELINES: Guidance for USAID policies and procedures can be found in the Automated Directive System (ADS), DOC Manual, Mission Orders, and Mission Notices.
F. EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT: The employee is expected to exercise a high degree of sound judgment.
G. NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Personal contacts are with U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, and USAID partner organizations on outreach.
H. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENT: The employee is not authorized to make financial commitments on behalf of the USG.
I. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCE: The selected applicants must be able to obtain and maintain security and medical clearances. For resident hire PSCs the post RSO will process facility access clearance and the medical clearance is obtained through the post medical unit.

Tagged as: Communications Specialist, Kathmandu, NGO INGO, USAID