Strategic Communication Specialist, Jordan Youth Grow Activity

FLSA Status: Exempt

Q2 Impact Overview

The QED Group, LLC (doing business as Q2 Impact) is a global consulting firm with more than 25 years of experience providing data-driven and insightful solutions in close to 100 countries. We are passionate about transforming lives through knowledge-based solutions. Leveraging deep expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, we help our clients collect, analyze, visualize, and ultimately use data in more effective ways to sustainably address complex global challenges. Our work maximizes results using cutting-edge technologies and innovation, organizational development, and evidence-based decision-making.

THE PROGRAM

The Youth Grow Activity (YGA) is an innovative project designed to provide targeted support to youth in Jordan over the next five years (2023-2028) to empower them to become active and productive participants in Jordanian society, government, and economy. At its core, YGA emphasizes the need for Positive Youth Development (PYD) tenants to include youth and broader ecosystems in design and implementation, creating an enabling environment for youth. The Youth Grow Activity key interventions will focus on three core objectives: (1) preparing youth for economic opportunities through access to high-quality online career counseling and entrepreneurship information; (2) strengthening youth leadership through targeted support of local Youth-Led Organizations (YSOs) and Youth Serving Organizations (YLOs); and (3) strengthening the Government of Jordan (GOJ) systems to guarantee effective youth participation, create youth inclusive and enabling environment.

Position Summary And Purpose

The Communications Specialist will use his/her expertise to ensure the YGA services, activities, and initiatives are widely promoted to the correct audiences through the development, management, and troubleshooting of communication and dissemination strategies. The communication specialist will be responsible for ensuring that the YGA communication products comply with the USAID branding and marking requirements. He/she will be responsible for consolidating and preparing the weekly updates and quarterly progress reports.

The Communications Specialist will work closely with and under the oversight of the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) to execute essential communication and outreach strategies through the development and dissemination of high-quality work products.

Primary Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an outreach and communication plan.
• Ensure that all the YGA activities and communications-related materials comply with USAID requirements.
• Implement a comprehensive schedule for rolling out strategies that support effective management of messaging frequency and audience saturation, and track reach and engagement.
• Support an array of in-person and technology-based communications solutions to facilitate outreach, education, and ongoing communication with relevant stakeholders.
• Create messaging, content, and communications tools, ensuring that communications are based on a clear understanding of target audiences’ needs and preferences, use engaging and plain language, are user-friendly and visually appealing, and follow digital and marketing writing best practices.
• Work with the YGA stakeholders and technical team to gather input and feedback on content and strategy and revise as necessary.
• Disseminate content, leveraging pre-existing messaging, lists, and channels where possible, including e-mail contact lists and dissemination software to share invitations to training events and promote access to resources, tools, guidance documents, and e-learning for staff; virtual meeting platforms and registration sites to facilitate opportunities for engagement, knowledge and skill building, discussion, webinars and feedback for staff; and digital content.
• Lead the development of graphics, photos, videos, and films on YGA activities.
• Build the YGA team and partners' capacity to ensure compliance with USAID branding and marking requirements.
• Review the YGA technical terms of references/scope of works to ensure that communication requirements are included, and the TOR/SOW is well-branded.
• Support on reviewing, proof reading, and ensure proper communication of YGA events, publications, learning briefs studies and research.
• Compile and review YGA Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly and Annual reports that are directed to USAID and the government of Jordan.
• Ensure that the YGA events agenda is continuously updated.
• Handel venue and visibility material preparation for all YGA events.
• Develop YGA printed material, write press releases, feature stories, factsheets, and opinion pieces in both Arabic and English for use in YGA channels and in traditional and online media, including newspapers, magazines, and media outlets.
• Collect and systematize press and media products related to YGA.
• Conduct research and produce abstracts on past research/reports on relevant topics as requested.
• Handel the logistical support needed for communication materials, such as printing roll-ups/banners, fact sheets, flyers, etc.
• Ensure proper communication coverage of the YGA events, this might include coordinating with newsletter and media, taking photos, shooting videos, writing press releases, taking testimonials, etc.
• Design brochures, invitations, and infographics as part of communicating YGA efforts or provide details about specific activities.
• Manage preparations and execution of press/media, donor, public sector, and other stakeholder visits to YGA field activities including agenda, logistical arrangements, coordination with partners and selection of activities and beneficiaries.
• Ensure that all YGA communication & visibility content are up to date by scheduling regular field visits.
• Support in drafting talking points for staff to use in external meetings.
• Support in attending and participating in USAID community of practice.
• Ensure that YGA communication materials and messages are gender-sensitive and inclusive.
• Develop communication materials for the Youth Community of Practice (YCOP).
• Support in reviewing and developing TORs, frameworks, workshop agendas, fact sheets, and other materials for YCOP.
• Support in managing and implementing the YCOP activities and workshops.
• Other tasks as required.
  
  
  

Minimum Education, Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, communications, public relations, or related field which requires an understanding of written communication.
• At least 5-6 years of experience in communications, media, or journalism, preferably in an NGO or media setting.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience developing communication packages, strategies, or plans for an organization or project .
• Previous experience working on USAID-funded projects.
• Ability to communicate technical information in an easy to understand, informative and collaborative manner through diverse channels.
• Experience in editing and copy editing.
• Strong skills in producing content for social media and facilitate discussion in online communities.
• Excellent writing skills, including reports, best practices, case studies, success stories, etc.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel and Word.
• Proficient in utilizing Adobe Illustrator and Canva for graphic design tasks.
• Experience in writing for/collaborating with news media and magazines in Arabic and English
• Clear and effective communication, both verbal and written
• Project Management Professional or similar certification is a plus.
• Education and/or experience in programming and training for youth is a plus.
  
  
  

Reporting Requirements

• Reports Directly to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP).
• Works Directly with the Chief of Party (COP), YGA technical and operation team, MEL team, and Home Office communication team.
  
  
  

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

SUCCESS FACTORS

The success of the Communication Specialist is his/her dedication to development principles, proactive attitude toward learning new skills and methodologies, and adeptness in handling pressure while collaborating both independently and within a team. Furthermore, his/her ability to showcase outstanding analytical and reporting skills, proficient problem-solving capabilities, and a commitment to effectively fulfilling assigned work duties daily are essential factors for success in this role.

WORK LOCATION AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

The communication specialist role is based in Amman, Jordan and it requires traveling to Jordanian’s governorates to support implementing the program activities.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental aspects of YGA's mission. We believe that by fostering a team comprised of individuals from various backgrounds, beliefs, and ways of thinking, we can effectively harness the collective strength needed to address the world's most complex challenges. Our commitment is to cultivate a culture characterized by trust and mutual respect, where each team member is encouraged to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential, both as individuals and as part of a collaborative team, enabling us to deliver exceptional work.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Q2 Impact is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and social and recreational activities. We believe in creating an inclusive environment that respects and values the diversity of all individuals, fostering a workplace where everyone can contribute to our shared success.

SAFEGARDING & ETHICS

Ethical conduct is foundational to our organization's mission and operations. We adhere to the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and accountability in all aspects of our work. We are committed to conducting business ethically and treating all stakeholders with fairness, respect, and dignity. Our employees are expected to uphold ethical principles in their interactions with colleagues, clients, partners, and the communities we serve. We prioritize transparency, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Working Conditions & Required Equipment

The incumbent in this position will work in a professional office environment and will utilize the

following equipment when working from the Arlington, VA office.

• Computer (laptop or desktop)
• Printer/Photocopier/Scanner/Fax
• Telephone
• Other (Specify if any)
  
  
  

The physical demands and work environment that have been described is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This position description is an overview of the major functions and requirements of this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of the position; the Employee’s Manager may assign other duties as related or as otherwise deemed appropriate and necessary within the general scope, without the need for additional compensation.

NOTE

Please note that applications submitted by other means; or without either a resume/CV and/or biodata may not be considered. Only finalists will be contacted.

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have read and fully understand this position description, and I accept it as an essential component of my employment with QED. I understand this position description cannot be changed without the agreement of my manager and the concurrence of Human Resources