PROJECT BACKGROUND:

J.E. Austin Associates (JAA) is seeking a Media and Communications Training Specialist for an anticipated local empowerment activity in Nepal. The activity will support USAID Nepal’s ongoing transformation towards locally-led inclusive development by equipping staff with the knowledge, skills, and information to align with Agency-wide priorities such as localization, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). The activity will strengthen the capacity of local staff within the mission to respond to development challenges, create partnerships, engage with local systems, and promote inclusion of historically disempowered communities, empowering local staff within the mission to play a crucial role in the shift towards greater local ownership and sustainable development results. The activity is anticipated to start in March 2024 for a twelve-month duration.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Media and Communications Training Specialist will work closely with USAID’s Foreign Service National (FSN) Advisory Committee (UAC), the Project Director, and the Training Manager to develop and coordinate training sessions for the local staff, encouraging practical application of skills as part of continuous learning. Responsibilities will include the following:

• Collaborate with the Project Director and Training Manager to design a 2-3 hour skill-building training session for USAID local staff on media engagement and communication. Sessions should be designed based on local staff needs.
• Independently facilitate or co-facilitate virtual and/or in-person media and communications trainings for USAID Nepal local staff.
• Build local staff's capacity to use digital platforms and communicate issue-relevant information online to various audiences.
• Advise USAID Nepal Mission departments on strategic communications and digital engagement.
• Monitor and document training sessions’ effectiveness, providing key takeaways from each session and recommendations for future training.

Timeframe: March 2024 – February 2025

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications or relevant field
• Experience writing and compiling training program curricula and developing training tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of principles, best practices and current and emerging trends in communications, marketing and community relations.
• Knowledge of digital communications strategies and best practices, including skills in and proficiency with technology, including website, social media and other common communications-related technology platforms.
• Fluency in Nepali and English is required.

REPORTING:

The Media and Communications Training Specialists will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager. 

The Specialist will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Preference will be given to applicants who hold Nepali citizenship/residency.