Communications Officer for USAID DRC LCSM

The USAID DRC Localization Capacity Strengthening Support Mechanism (LCSM) aims to enhance the capacity of local actors in the DRC to lead and sustain development interventions. This mechanism will help empower local organizations, civil society, and government entities by improving their access to technical, financial, and organizational development support, enhancing their ability to lead transformative development initiatives across sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and governance.  

The Communications Officer will play a vital role developing and implementing the project's communication strategy to enhance visibility, promote project activities, and ensure effective communication with stakeholders. This role involves content creation, media engagement, knowledge management, digital communication, and the dissemination of project achievements.  

This position is contingent upon winning a contract award. 

Responsibilities: 

Strategy and Content: 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for the project, aligned with USAID guidelines and project objectives.   
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all project communication materials.   
• Identify and leverage communication channels to reach target audiences effectively, including local partners, stakeholders, and the public.   
• Produce high-quality communication materials, including success stories, newsletters, fact sheets, press releases, social media content, and reports.   
• Document and share project achievements, lessons learned, and best practices through various formats (written, video, and photography).   
• Coordinate the translation and adaptation of communication materials into relevant local languages as needed. 
• Maintain an editorial calendar to schedule content dissemination across various channels. 

Media Engagement: 

• Establish and maintain relationships with local and international media outlets to ensure coverage of project activities.   
• Organize media events, such as press conferences, site visits, and project launches, to highlight key milestones.   
• Develop and distribute press releases and media kits to share project updates.  
• Monitor media coverage and track key communication metrics to assess outreach efforts. 

Social Media and Digital Communication: 

• Manage the project's social media presence, creating content to engage online audiences and raise awareness of project goals.   
• Monitor and respond to social media interactions to foster positive engagement.  
• Track social media metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of digital communication strategies. 
• Keep the project website updated with news, stories, and relevant project information.   

Knowledge Management and Learning: 

• Work closely with technical teams to gather information and document project activities, impacts, and lessons learned.   
• Develop knowledge products such as case studies, policy briefs, and technical reports to share insights with partners and stakeholders.
• Support the organization of learning events, webinars, and workshops to disseminate project results. 
• Maintain a digital library of communication resources, ensuring easy access to information. 
• Support internal communication efforts to ensure staff and partners are informed about project activities, events, and opportunities.   
• Develop internal newsletters or bulletins to share key updates with the project team.   

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, public relations, or international development.  
• At least 5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or media, preferably with USAID or other donor-funded projects.   
• Excellent writing, editing, and content creation skills in English and French; knowledge of local languages is a plus.   
• Demonstrated experience managing social media accounts and digital communication strategies. 
• Familiarity with USAID branding and marking guidelines.   
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously.  
• Proficiency in graphic design and multimedia tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) preferred. 

Making Cents International is a certified B Corporation, founded on the principles of social entrepreneurship. Since 1999, we have supported the well-being of youth and adults globally through high-impact programs that bolster those who serve people living in vulnerable contexts in low- and middle-income countries. As a purpose-driven small business, we have implemented more than 130 projects in over 60 countries and are a trusted partner to public- and private-sector clients who benefit from our expertise and broad industry exposure.

Making Cents International is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.