Country: Rwanda
Closing date: 03 Apr 2016
Title: Communications Advisory Services – Kigali Rwanda
Period of Performance: 4/25/2016-3/15/2017
Service Objectives:
Communications Advisor provides oversight of CDC Rwanda communications and public affairs activities to ensure United States Government (USG) funded programs are highlighted to support public health activities in Rwanda.
Task Requirements:
Under this task order, the contractor will independently provide all labor, supplies, materials and equipment (exceptions noted below) in support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) partners in accordance with the Statement of Work in support of CDC by providing the following services:
Consistently exercise excellent communication skills in sharing information about CDC programs to a variety of internal and external audiences through various outlets through writing, photography, video, and audio content
Finalize and implement a communications strategy plan identifying opportunities to highlight the United States government (USG) and CDC support for public health activities in Rwanda. Key activities highlighted in the strategy will include but are not limited to: messaging, planning and policy development surrounding signing ceremonies, facility openings, Ambassador Visits, CDC Country Director and VIP visits. As part of the communication strategy plan, the contractor shall develop briefers, scene setters, and promotion of journalist interaction with CDC activities, programs and partners; multi-media forums will be utilized to capture and promote positive CDC messages.
Write speeches, press releases, talking points, FACT sheets, and other media publications to be cleared by CDC Rwanda, PEPFAR, and US Embassy Public Affairs.
Collaborate with CDC-RW staff to draft and disseminate Quarterly newsletter that document CDC activities, accomplishments (success stories) and events.
Work with Public Affairs colleagues and the Office of the PEPFAR Country Coordinator to leverage interagency communication opportunities.
Attend Public Affairs/Diplomacy weekly staff meetings and participate in other interagency processes involving communications issues
Formalize and implement a process for planning events and official openings, in order to ensure adequate USG and CDC representation. Conduct regular presentations with public affairs representatives for each partner in order to formalize the communication strategies and policies.
Liaise with Embassy Public Affairs Office to research proper legal protocol and local Rwanda protocol/customs for taking and using photographs in publications; with specific attention to situations involving people being supported by public health programs. Ensure that CDC staff and visitors are aware of these policies and customs prior to arriving at sites. Contractor will also create formal processes and draft release forms to be taken to events and site visits.
Serve as one of the main points of contact for high-level visitors who come to Rwanda to view CDC programs, including event planning and material development. Liaise with CDC Atlanta and the Embassy to determine logistics and planning needs.
Attend, document, and report on multiple CDC and PEPFAR events happening in Rwanda.
Prepare written responses to US Embassy and PEPFAR Office on CDC activities and progress.
Provide technical assistance to Locally Engaged Staff (LES) and partners who will be giving presentations, speeches, etc.
Coordinate multiple events, openings, high profile and congressional delegation visits, and trainings provided by CDC Rwanda and PEPFAR. Liaises with technical staff to ensure that they have support when technical staff is assigned control officer responsibilities.
Regularly liaise with CDC technical teams and relevant staff to plan for upcoming CDC events and other media-worthy activities to ensure that appropriate steps and staff are in place to meet requirements.
Provides support to CDC Rwanda staff to write and edit documents related to program initiatives. Edit text for clarity, grammar, accuracy and consult on design and graphics to prepare materials for distribution
Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to strengthen CDC Rwanda’s efforts to build the capacity of CDC Rwanda staff on communications and public affairs activities.
Create a comprehensive database of site briefs detailing CDC programs across Rwanda. This database will be utilized to create briefing books as needed.
Ensure branding guidelines (USG and CDC) are understood and followed by CDC staff and implementing partners. This should be reviewed biannually in Partner Communications meetings.
Provide support to CDC program offices and implementing partner organizations to implement media strategies by organizing activities (press release, media advisories, remarks, media interviews, media trips, etc.) to ensure that Rwandans are aware of USG/CDC mission themes, priorities, and programs. A critical element of this includes the drafting/clearance of all remarks for CDC Rwanda Country Director, Chief of Mission, Deputy Chief of Mission, and representatives of CDC Rwanda. In addition, some materials will need to be drafted and/or reviewed by CDC technical teams to ensure accuracy and consistency of all communication materials.
Ensure that branding guidelines (USG and CDC) are shared with partners as well as CDC staff.
Provide branding templates, oversee and work with DDMO to procure program wide branding materials.
Along with DDMO, develop a SOP for clearing communication products.
Oversee, develop, and maintain all CDC public relations materials including: brochures, fact sheets, regional and sectorial profiles, presentations, visual displays, success stories for publication, and reporting to Atlanta and Washington. This shall be an ongoing activity.
Strengthen communication skills by providing support and work to strengthen efforts to build the capacity of CDC Rwanda staff on public health communication and public affairs activities.
Minimum Qualifications and/or Certifications:
Graduation from an accredited university with a bachelor’s degree in English, communication, international development, media arts, business, or closely related field.
Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentation experience to multidisciplinary audiences (USG officials, policy-makers, private sector staff, foundations, program managers, donors).
Excellent writing skills; good computer skills including PowerPoint, Excel, Word and other software relevant to presentations and graphics.
Level IV English proficiency required.
Effectively communicate in English (Speaking, Writing, and Reading) on a daily basis with various groups.
Experience working in an international setting preferred and/or diverse cultural settings.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should email their cover letter and CV to resumes@ctsglobalusa.com