Communications Manager

USAID FTF Kenya Private Sector Activity (KPSA)

Company Profile:

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact - the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities, and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental, and financial benefits.

For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved - and is committed to continuing to improve - economies, societies and most importantly, people's lives.

Palladium is a child-safe organization, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran, or marital status.

Position Description: 

Palladium is seeking a Communications Manager for an anticipated USAID-funded economic growth program which is anticipated to begin in 2023. The Communications Manager will lead the implementation of the communications plan and related project communications tools and disseminate these to inform key audiences as well as the client of project progress and successes.

The USAID/Kenya and East Africa Feed the Future (FtF) Private Sector Activity (PSA) will be a 5-year program focused on accelerating agriculture-led growth in Kenya through partnerships with large agricultural sector firms (such as processors and off-takers) and expansion of smallholder farmer out-grower schemes. The anticipated activity will focus on creating jobs and generating large scale increases in sales/exports in the agriculture sector cost-effectively and, ideally, through a sustainable and locally-led vehicle.  The activity would combine tools used in USAID’s traditional private sector development activities with tools used to mobilize finance and investment into one mechanism – supporting a range of agricultural firms to expand investments and operations via a blended finance approach. For more information on the potential project, please consult the RFI: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=338564 .

Duration: 5 years (anticipated start in July 2023)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Roles and Responsibilities:

Support the development of project deliverables, including coordinating information gathering for weekly, quarterly, annual reports and annual work plans, one-pagers, reports, etc.Contribute to the sections of deliverables related to M&E and CommunicationsEnsure appropriate branding and marking for all communications toolsOversee the design and roll out of all tools to effectively communicate project activities and results, (i.e. website, videos, visual images, Investment Mapping System (IMS), press releases, flyers, etc.)Maintain project library of all communications tools, photos and events in a digital formatConduct media relations for the project, including targeted publicity for project activities and responses to queries from press.Write press releases, organize press conferences, schedule interviews for spokespersons for the project, etc.Maintain a close and collaborative relationship with USAID and the U.S. Embassy teams on all outreach and communications effortsSupport development of project events and workshops in collaboration with project teamsAll other duties deemed necessary, including support to the Chief of Party as requiredManage Short-Term Technical Assistance for Communications efforts (i.e. editors, graphic designers, video production teams, Investment Mapping System, photographers, etc.)

Position Requirements:

Proven experience in communications, outreach, and/or marketing, preferably on a USAID project.Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.Ability to communicate effectively with managers, colleagues, service providers and clientsMicrosoft office suite proficiency and the ability to operate spreadsheet and word-processing programs at a highly proficient levelProactive problem-solving, decision-making and good judgment skillsAttention to detail and ability to effectively and efficiently perform multiple tasks and balance competing priorities
Professional and mature demeanor and conduct