Location: On-site at USAID/Libya or Remote with TDYs as required
Position Duration: September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025
Type: Full-time
Clearance Required: Secret level security clearance
Position Title: Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist
Work Location: The preference is for this position to be based in Libya or Tunisia, with a secondary preference for the candidate to be located in a friendly time zone.
Position Duration: September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025
Requesting Office: USAID/Libya
Travel: 4 TDYs. Contractor will travel to Tunis, Tunisia for up to 2 weeks at a time, once per quarter or as requested by USAID/Libya.
Clearance: Secret level security clearance
This position serves as the DOC Specialist for USAID/Libya. USAID/Libya is based in Tunis, Tunisia at the Libya External Office (LEO) (the U.S. Government’s diplomatic representation to Libya). The position reports to the USAID/Libya Program Officer.
The DOC Specialist will be responsible for executing USAID/Libya’s communications strategy, working with USAID staff and implementing partners based in Tunisia and Libya. The DOC Specialist will work closely with all members of the USAID/Libya team, the LEO’s Public Affairs Section (PAS), and the communications staff of USAID implementing partners. The DOC Specialist may also liaise with relevant staff of other donors and international organizations working in Libya, local and international businesses, and Libyan government officials. They will manage USAID/Libya’s outreach and communications strategy, ensuring that the Libya Operating Unit’s (OU’s) results story is effectively communicated to the Libyan public and relevant Agency and interagency stakeholders. Close collaboration with USAID/Libya technical staff and other members of the LEO is required to be successful in this position.
The DOC Specialist must be able to work constructively across team structures in a fast-paced working environment often driven by tight deadlines and evolving requirements. They must demonstrate initiative and creativity, have the ability to clearly guide the outreach efforts of USAID implementing partners; produce accurate, timely, and well-written products with minimal supervision; and have the knowledge and skills needed to provide communications oversight and conduct training on best communications practices for USAID staff and partners. In addition, they must be a skilled “story-teller,” capable of identifying and using appropriate communications tools and channels including video clips, social media, and targeted written pieces for USAID/Libya and LEO platforms and publications. The DOC Specialist must also be well-versed in U.S. foreign policy goals for Libya, the strategic objectives of USAID/Libya and how USAID’s work supports their achievement.
Substantial reliance is placed on the DOC Specialist’s experience and judgment regarding all aspects of outreach activities. The incumbent must identify, react to, and interpret changing priorities and circumstances in local and international media and provide guidance on how these shifts affect the work of the USAID Country Office and the LEO. The need to exercise good judgment carries over into communication with Washington stakeholders, including through speeches, cables, or other similar documents, as well as in the sphere of social media, as they will be posting regularly on behalf of the United States Government.
The DOC Specialist’s experience and managerial skills will be brought to bear on a daily basis as the USAID/Libya team members and implementing partners reach out to the DOC with questions regarding USAID assistance and with requests for advice and clearances. The DOC Specialist must plan their work schedule independently and assist colleagues to focus and prioritize key actions that are needed to amplify USAID’s message effectively. The DOC Specialist also serves as USAID/Libya’s “Branding Champion” and will be required to ensure full understanding and compliance with USAID and LEO requirements.
Job Responsibilities:
Public Outreach (40%)

• The DOC Specialist counsels USAID/Libya leadership on targeted media placement, including print, TV, radio, and internet; they provide guidance to USAID technical teams and implementing partners on branding, storylines, engagement strategies, and linkages with USAID and LEO strategic communication approaches.
• They identify activities appropriate for media coverage, participate in travel to visit activities, and accompany TV/radio crews to site locations for filming should this occur.
• The DOC Specialist will help to plan and directly support press events and trips involving the participation of the U.S. Ambassador, the Deputy Chief of Mission, USAID leadership, and visiting VIPs. The DOC Specialist coordinates the outreach components of travel and public affairs activities for USAID, LEO leadership, and major U.S. Government and Congressional visitors.
• The DOC Specialist prepares schedules, briefing materials, information related to events (e.g., backgrounders/scene setters, briefing materials, talking points, speeches, video/photo coverage, etc.), and organizes logistics, guest lists, and other arrangements in collaboration with Country Office staff.
• The DOC Specialist works with USAID staff to plan and implement public events to maximize exposure for U.S. Government development assistance and supports the conception, information collection, and dissemination of all public materials relating to USAID programs.
• The DOC Specialist advises implementing partners on planning, scheduling, publicizing, and carrying out outreach and public affairs activities which inform audiences in Libya as well as the U.S. about the work supported by the American taxpayer. The DOC Specialist organizes training for CORs/AORs and implementing partners on communication and media skills such as working with the media, developing briefing materials, stories and blogs, video production, photo taking, and planning and managing special events.
• As a resident expert on the Agency’s branding, marking, and style guidelines, the DOC Specialist develops and delivers training for CORs/AORs and implementing partners on USAID branding and marking requirements. They ensure that regulations are followed and applied as outlined in ADS 320 and the Agency’s Graphic Standards Manual.
• They review and edit implementing partner branding and marking plans and work with the Contracts/Agreement Officer and COR/AOR on approval of these final documents.
• The DOC Specialist ensures that partners’ materials (videos, websites, banners, posters, brochures, publications, etc.) are in compliance with approved marking and branding plans, and, by extension, USAID requirements. When required, the DOC Specialist can recommend revisions, reprinting, or other appropriate action.
• They seek guidance from the Middle East Bureau and/or USAID’s Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau (LPA) on any branding and marking waivers or disputes. They are also responsible for ensuring that USAID staff and implementing partners understand the nuances involved in working with funding provided through Presidential and other special initiatives and the branding and marking requirements for those activities.

Visibility Products and Materials (40%)

• The DOC Specialist coordinates with LEO PAS to ensure that the LEO is properly apprised of USAID public outreach activities in Libya and works with PAS to promote USAID content, as appropriate, through LEO social media channels.
• They also serve as a liaison with the USAID/Middle East Bureau’s Communications team in Washington.
• The DOC Specialist collects input, edits, and prepares information for use through a range of USAID products and platforms tailored to target audiences and manages the procurement and distribution of communications materials related to USAID foreign assistance in Libya.
• The DOC Specialist serves as a liaison for information requests coming from Washington.
• The DOC Specialist drafts, formats, and updates high-quality public information materials such as briefers, talking points, speeches, portfolio fact sheets, and Country Office website content and maps for USAID or LEO leadership.
• They write, solicit, review, and prepare an array of success stories, articles, and blog submissions for USAID/Libya and USAID/Washington platforms.
• They manage social media platforms in coordination with PAS (including Facebook, You Tube, Instagram, and Flickr).
• The DOC Specialist must know how to use relevant software programs and social media to manage USAID Libya’s public-facing, online digital platforms.
• The DOC Specialist must also have the ability to highlight and communicate effectively the impact of the USAID/Libya portfolio through the use of photography, video, and public presentations.
• The DOC Specialist is expected to know how to capture high-quality images and video footage that meet the standard of modern journalistic practice and to edit those materials for use across USAID outreach platforms.
• The DOC Specialist ensures that USAID/Libya is able to accommodate special outreach requests from the Middle East Bureau, LPA, and Presidential Initiatives at USAID/Washington, and LEO PAS.

Media Relations (20%)

• In coordination with the LEO PAS, the DOC Specialist counsels the Country Representative and USAID staff on sensitivities and engaging with the local or international press.
• They work closely with PAS on U.S. and international media inquiries. They are responsible for supporting USAID/Libya media activities, including monitoring media coverage on issues related to USAID activities in Libya.
• The DOC Specialist works with PAS to expand opportunities for coverage of USAID assistance, including TV, radio, and other media.
• In coordination with PAS, the DOC Specialist builds and maintains a professional network of media contacts interested in USAID activities in Libya.
• Responsibilities include arranging interviews with the USAID leadership, press briefings, press tours of USAID activities, and preparing USAID/Libya and visiting senior U.S. Government officials from USAID/Washington for interviews with the media.
• The DOC Specialist is responsible for writing and distributing press releases on program successes, project inaugurations, significant developments, etc., and following up with the media to encourage and support coverage of activities.
• They will coordinate with USAID leadership, USAID technical teams, PAS, and LPA to ensure local and international media requests for information are met with well-written, timely, and accurate responses.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in developing and implementing outreach and communications strategies and approaches, including familiarity with a range of traditional and social media platforms, and a proven track record of producing high-impact social media content.

• A demonstrated ability for Arabic and English language proficiency through written work examples (preferably published examples)
• Experience working in Libya with demonstrated knowledge of the politics and development context in the country.
• Experience managing media events, including preparing talking points, managing press, and developing post-event press releases and social media (strongly preferred).
• Experience working with USAID or other donors or international organizations on outreach and communications is preferred.
• Familiarity with USAID branding and marking guidelines is preferred.

Education

• A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or international development work with at least 5 years of relevant experience in developing and implementing outreach and communications strategies and approaches, including familiarity with a range of traditional and social media platforms, and a proven track record of producing high-impact social media content.

Required Skills

• Ability to thrive in a fast paced and changing growth environment.
• Customer Service driven towards all external and internal customers.
• Unwavering professional integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive company/employee information.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work remotely, though collaborating on a team.
• Ability to reside in or frequently travel to Libya is required. Non-residents must live within a two-hour time difference of the Libyan time zone.

Security Clearance Requirements

• Must be eligible to obtain a Secret Clearance.

Place of Performance:

• USAID Office in Libya

Salary Requirements
Legal Disclaimers
Applicants selected may be subject to a background investigation and must meet suitability requirements for eligibility.
Telework/Remote Work policies are contingent upon client needs and staffing requirements and are subject to change.
Applicants with disabilities may contact the Human Capital Team via telephone, e-mail, and other means to request and arrange accommodation. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request accommodation at any time. Please contact the Human Capital Team at HC@vistantco.com or (301) 719-2381.
Please note: Updates on applications or the general Recruiting process should reach out to recruiting@vistantco.com.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)