Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.

Outreach and Communications Specialist, Sahel

ACDI/VOCA is seeking an Outreach and Communications Specialist for an upcoming Regional Resilience Activity in the Sahel region – Burkina Faso, Chad, The Gambia, and Mauritania – funded by USAID. The anticipated program seeks to expand resilience in the Sahel, improving the ability of individuals, households, and communities to mitigate, adapt to, and recover from perennial shocks and stresses.

The Outreach and Communications Specialist will develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to raise awareness and mobilize support for program activities. The program is anticipated to start in 2025 and this position will be based in Burkina Faso.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement the program’s communication and outreach strategy, including managing and developing appropriate positioning, messaging, and dissemination strategies for the program
• Create compelling content, including articles, press releases, blog posts, and social media updates, to engage stakeholders and promote the program’s activities
• Support technical staff in the collection and writing of success stories, lessons learned, case studies, and other learning communications
• Prepare regular write ups on “people’s story” from the pool of program participants
• Ensure compliance with communications policies and standards set by USAID and ACDI/VOCA, including USAID branding and marking requirements
• Coordinate with partner organizations, local authorities, and community leaders to ensure effective dissemination of information and mobilization of resources
• Oversee the preparation, printing, and dissemination of documents, including liaising with authors, printers, and graphic designers, and provide guidance on USAID branding and marking
• Organize and facilitate workshops, trainings, and community events to promote dialogue and participation among key stakeholders
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication and outreach efforts, providing regular reports and recommendations for improvement
• Support the development of communication materials, including brochures, videos, and presentations, to showcase program achievements and lessons learned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, international development, or relevant field is required; master’s degree is desired.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, outreach, or public relations, preferably in the international development sector.
• Photography, graphic, or web design experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communications strategies, including digital and social media campaigns.
• Knowledge of international development theory, practices, and issues.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and engaging content for various audiences and platforms.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with activity stakeholders, donors, partners, local government institutions, local communities, and vulnerable groups.
• Experience working in Burkina Faso preferred.
• Fluency in French required; English strongly desired.

Burkina Faso nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.