Job Description

About MCA

The Government of Malawi signed a five-year agreement (“Compact”) with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (“MCC”) to fund specific programs targeted at reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth. MCC is a U.S. government agency focused on assisting countries dedicated to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people. An Accountable Entity called the Millennium Challenge Account-Malawi II (“MCA-Malawi II”) has been created and designated by the Government of Malawi to implement the Compact.

Malawi compact

The Compact consists of three projects, namely;

1. The Accelerated Growth Corridors Project (AGC) will focus on reducing transport costs in targeted rural areas. Under the AGC Project, the Road Corridor Improvement (RCI) Activity will target investment in physical upgrades and improvements across different classes of roads within four selected Accelerated Growth Corridors (AGCs) to improve rural access by addressing road conditions and reducing transport costs. The Policy and Institutional Reform and Capacity Building (PIR) Activity will focus on assisting the Government to address policy, legislative, institutional, and funding issues to ensure that road transport in AGC areas is well-maintained and managed.
2. The Increased Land Productivity Project will focus on improving land services, strengthening conditions for increased investment in land and better-functioning land markets through two main activities: the Land Administration Resourcing and Institutions Activity – which will support development, adoption, and implementation of reforms to expand national land-based revenues and address institutional change – and the City Council Land-Based Revenue Modernization Activity, which will expand coverage and collection of land-based revenues, to increase resources for key services and increase investment in land and finally.
3. The American Catalyst Facility for Development Project will focus on facilitating U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) investment in Malawi to catalyze increased private investment consistent with Compact objectives and increase the scale and impact of the Compact.

Director, Communications

Position Objective

Reporting to the CEO, the Director, Communications will develop and implement broad-based strategic communications strategies to effectively promote and publicize MCA-Malawi II projects and activities across all media platforms, including online, press, broadcast (radio/TV) and other publications and manage and track regular and as-needed stakeholder engagement across the projects. The Director will develop a strong relationship with the media, serve as the official spokesperson for MCA-Malawi II, develop media opportunities for MCA-Malawi II and MCC officials, and act as the key focal point for all media requests from stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all communications efforts for MCA-Malawi II, including events, media and stakeholder outreach, and public information campaigns.
• Develop and implement a robust communications strategy, which includes outreach to local and national media, government officials, stakeholders, and other audiences relevant to the success of projects throughout the life of the compact.
• Develop a strong relationship with the media while serving as the official spokesperson for MCA-Malawi II.
• Coordinate closely with MCC Resident Country Mission and MCC Headquarters on communications strategy and plan and any high-profile issues with the US Embassy.
• Manage stakeholder relations by building, maintaining, and leveraging a good network of contacts to facilitate and/or promote the program.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to ensure meaningful engagement in planning, monitoring, and evaluating the program (the latter in coordination with the MCA M&E Director).
• Collaborate with the M&E Director and project Directors to issue timely bulletins (ie, blogs, reports, newsletters) to stakeholders and target groups, furnishing them with information about the program.
• In conjunction with the MCA CEO and relevant directors, develop and implement an outreach strategy to establish an internal reporting mechanism to ensure examples of private sector participation in the compact and to effectively communicate private sector successes, as well as publicize opportunities.
• Oversee public consultation sessions and stakeholder engagement in coordination and collaboration with Environment and Social Performance and Gender and Social Inclusion staff at MCA-Malawi II in a manner consistent with IFC Performance Standards and the MCA Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS).
• Ensure public access to information on Malawi and compact activities, including on upcoming MCC-funded procurement activities.
• Develop and implement market outreach activities for procurements when relevant.
• Manage implementation of MCC branding guidelines.
• Manage and direct the development and maintenance of the MCA-Malawi II website.
• Take charge of all activities relating to social media by planning and supervising operations across all social media platforms.
• In collaboration with the MCA M&E Director, communicate progress to results as per the M&E plan.
• Prepare speeches and talking points for the MCA CEO and other senior staff on public speaking engagements.
• Lead organization and management of small and large-scale events to highlight compact activities.
• Monitor and liaise with the media to ensure that accurate information about the program reaches the public domain.

Required Competencies

• A master's degree in communications, journalism, media studies, business administration, public administration, development administration, social sciences, or related field.
• Project management or media certifications in MCA-related sectors would be an added advantage.
• Ten (10) or more years of relevant working experience in strategic communications and community and public outreach at senior management level.
• Ability to think strategically and manage projects.
• Experience in working with national and local media; previous on-the-record experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in managing public information campaigns.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in crafting and delivering messages to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in project management with the ability to plan work and meet deadlines
• Experience being an effective spokesperson across a range of media
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to produce compelling media products
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality photography and video materials
• Familiarity with digital production workflows, photography, and video editing software
• Interpersonal and communication skills producing materials for a wide range of different audiences and or the ‘general public, including influencing and negotiation skills
• Experience in building networks and engaging with coalitions
• Strong computer proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and willingness to learn additional applications (and accessible technology) as necessary
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, plus the ability to develop, maintain, and engage a broad range of contacts in the public and private sectors of Malawi.
• Experience in working with international organizations or donors is a plus.

How to apply

To access positions’ profile requirements and submit applications, please visit https://malawi-jobs.tenderwell.app/. Applications should be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience;
2. Cover letter confirming interest and availability; 
3. Soft copies of higher education and professional certificates (if available).

If you meet challenges in applying online, please contact 098 923 5904 for assistance. The closing date for receiving applications is 17 November 2023. Please note that only applications received through the online (Tenderwell) portal will be considered. Any applications received through other channels will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.