Public relations advisor Iraq

Chemonics seeks a public relations advisor for the ongoing USAID-funded Governance Strengthening Project in Iraq. The project focuses on assisting Iraq's transition to a more decentralized federal system of government by supporting its provincial and local governments in responding to community needs, improving the perception of state legitimacy, providing greater accountability of local authorities, improving efficiency in delivering provincial-government-based services, and increasing citizen participation in local decision-making. The public relations advisor will focus on improving the long-term institutional capacity of communications and public outreach of government counterparts (provincial councils) and work with the long-term program staff embedded in the provinces to identify data relevant for public outreach. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world. 

Responsibilities include:

• Work with the provincial councils on briefings, providing talking points for policy issues, supporting press relations, and mentoring on coordinating outreach to the public and private sectors
• Write press reports and speeches, organize conferences, create communications content regarding local development issues, and serve as a liaison between the project supporting the provincial councils and the Iraqi public
• Mentor designated public relations representatives and project staff on improved roles, responsibilities, and procedures through formal and informal discussions and action planning exercises
• Draft standard operating procedures for review and finalization in early 2013 and training materials targeting local government officials

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field such as communications, public or media relations, or development policy and planning required; advanced degree preferred 
• Committed to a minimum of one year in Baghdad, Iraq​
• Minimum five years of experience providing public relations services for high-level government or private sector entities
• Understanding of local government planning and policy issues similar to those faced by Iraq
• Minimum of 10 years of training in public relations, public outreach, or local government communications
• Minimum five years experience in developing technical assistance tools and templates for donor funded projects in developing countries
• Experience working in the Middle East region, particularly in Iraq preferred
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Fluent Arabic and English language skills

Application instructions:

Thank you for ensuring that you meet the minimum qualifications and submitting your application. Please send electronic submissions to IraqGSPPublicRelations@chemonics.com​ by March 15, 2013 and include the name of the position in the subject line. No telephone inquiries, please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

In addition, please download and complete Chemonics’ equal employment opportunity self-identification form and submit it separately to EEOselfidentify@chemonics.com with only " Public relations advisor - Iraq GSP" in the subject line. If you prefer not to disclose your sex, race, or ethnicity, you may check “I do not wish to complete the information requested.” Thank you for completing the form and supporting our equal employment opportunity reporting requirements.

 

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

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