Communications Consultant for The Kaizen Company - Learning Project

Scope of Work: Communications Consultant

Project Title: Communications Consultant for The Kaizen Company - Learning Project

Project Location: Remote

Project Duration: Six months (August 2024-January 2025)

Level of Effort: 50 Days

1. Project Background:

The USAID Learning Project, a five-year initiative funded by USAID and executed by The Kaizen Company and Headlight Consulting Services, alongside subcontractors IBM, MSI, Lead Beyond, Pardee Center, and Premise, enhances collaboration, learning, and adaptation (CLA) for the USAID/Ethiopia and USAID/Djibouti Missions. Leveraging Kaizen's innovation and organizational development expertise, along with Headlight's local leadership and CLA proficiency, the project delivers comprehensive CLA and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) services.

2. Objective:

To provide expert communications support to the Learning Project by drafting, editing, and finalizing communication materials, developing effective communication strategies, and enhancing existing templates and materials. The consultant will ensure that all communication outputs are of high quality and align with the project's goals and objectives including the USAID graphics standards.

3. Scope of Work:

The communications consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

A. Content Development and Editing:

1. Writing and Drafting:
   • Draft and write various communication materials including but not limited to newsletters, reports, infographics, case studies, and success stories.
   • Ensure all written content aligns with the project's objectives, audience needs, and branding guidelines.
2. Editing and Proofreading:
   • Edit and proofread communication materials to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency.
   • Ensure all content is free of grammatical errors and follows the project's style guide (USAID Guideline).

B. Communication Strategy Support:

1. Newsletter Management:
   • Assist in the creation and dissemination of newsletters.
   • Develop content plans for newsletters in coordination with the communications lead.
2. Strategic Communications:
   • Support the development and implementation of communication strategies that enhance the project's visibility and impact.
   • Advise on best practices for communicating complex information to diverse audiences.

C. Template and Material Enhancement:

1. Review and Improve Templates:
   • Review current communication templates and suggest improvements to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency.
   • Develop new templates as needed to support various communication needs.
2. Innovative Communication Tools:
   • Advise on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and other innovative technologies to improve communication processes and outputs.
   • Propose and develop new communication materials proactively to meet emerging needs.

D. Collaboration and Coordination:

1. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Work closely with the communications lead and other project staff to understand communication needs and priorities.
   • Engage with stakeholders in staff capacity strengthening and training on writing, editing and proofreading
   • Gather feedback from internal and external stakeholders and incorporate into communication materials.
2. Self-Initiated Projects:
   • Identify and undertake self-initiated projects that contribute to the overall communication strategy.
   • Propose new ideas and approaches to enhance the project's communication efforts.

4. Deliverables:

• High-quality written and edited communication materials (newsletters, reports, and contents etc.).
• Updated and enhanced communication templates.
• Developed and implemented communication strategies.
• Regular progress reports on communication activities and outcomes.
• Any potential needs or capacity gaps that may arise within the communications function.

5. Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of relevant work experience in communications, journalism, or a related field.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Experience with communication strategy development and implementation.
• Previous USAID/international donor experience
• Familiarity with AI tools and innovative communication technologies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

6. Duration and Level of Effort:

This is a short-term, 6-month position requiring 7 days of work per month, with 2 days specifically allocated to the last week of each month. The position may be extended based on performance and project requirements.