Development Outreach and Communication (DOC) Specialist – Sudan Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning (SMEL)

Company profile

SoCha (a portmanteau of Social and Change) is an independent Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) firm that provides bespoke solutions to social challenges. We are a US-registered, veteran-owned small business with staff support offices in Nairobi, Bangkok, and Mauritius. SoCha currently supports multiple foreign assistance interventions across Asia and Africa.

Background

SoCha, LLC is preparing a response to the Request for Task Order Proposals for the Sudan Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Project (SMEL). This award will support USAID/Sudan will support the implementation of a Mission-wide monitoring and evaluation (M&E) regime by providing monitoring, evaluation, assessment, and learning services. The task order is expected to be awarded by September 30, 2022.

The SMEL Activity will be a central platform for integrating collaboration, learning, and adapting (CLA) throughout the design and implementation of USAID/Sudan’s activities and ensuring that development activities funded by USAID/Sudan achieve their intended results through strong performance management of services in an efficient and cost-effective manner, with a focus on the monitoring of technical services; evaluation of technical services; and learning and adaptive management services.

To oversee the work of the MEL Support Activity, SoCha seeks an experienced Development Outreach and Communication (DOC) Specialist.

Scope of Work

This position requires a proven track record of strong written and oral communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills and a thorough knowledge of and experience in implementing communication strategies. S/he will:

• Support USAID Sudan DOC unit in the implementation of USAID Sudan’s communications and outreach strategy to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development efforts among Sudan audiences. This includes event management, public relations, media outreach, report development, photography, video production, advertising, and translations, etc.
• Support implementing partners (who receive USAID funding) in addressing issues related to Mission and Agency communications and outreach priorities, messaging, dissemination methods, branding and marking plans, event planning, and communications and media policies.
• Work with USAID Sudan’s DOC unit to expand opportunities to keep TV, radio and other media abreast of USAID Sudan programs through the planning and promotion of targeted media or outreach activities.
• Travel to the field to support the identification and capture of success stories, photos, and videos about USAID Sudan programs and impact for publication and dissemination through various platforms.
• Support the USAID DOC unit in developing and implementing social media campaigns to promote the various USAID project milestones.
• Support the monitoring of local and international press coverage, awareness and attitudes about USAID programs, and monitor the effectiveness of messaging.

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in the communications field is required.
• A university degree in Journalism, Communication, Advertising and Marketing, English literature, or relevant field.
• Knowledge of international development work and the local media landscape is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in international donor report writing, event planning, and social media content development.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communications and presentation skills.
• Native proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Must be able to use the language fluently and accurately and be able to read all styles and forms on all levels pertinent to professional needs.
• Experience working with a diverse group of stakeholders, including donor/development organizations, government officials, civil society leaders, community leaders, and project beneficiaries.
• An intermediate level of Arabic language proficiency is required.

Location

Khartoum, Sudan with travel throughout the country.