RTI International

Overview

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 6,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI's Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI's experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world. 

The RTI Center for Governance promotes strong, stable societies by empowering people and strengthening institutions. Building on the RTI’s decades-long legacy of leading governance projects around the world, the Center works to increase transparency and accountability, mitigate corruption, and help government actors to better deliver on the needs of citizens. Boasting a global reach, the RTI Center for Governance includes partners, expertise, and learning from major initiatives spanning sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. The Center leverages RTI’s longstanding local partnerships to bring together governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities to define problems and jointly create sustainable solutions in countries around the world. 

Project Description 

The recently awarded United States Agency for International Development (USAID) US-Philippine Partnership for Skills, Innovation and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) Program will strengthen the Philippine higher education system to support broad-based and inclusive growth. It will do this by strengthening the innovation capacities and workforce development functions of Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) through faculty development, curriculum improvements, and engagement with industry and international partners; as well as overall improvements in HEI management and administration. UPSKILL will also support an enabling regulatory and policy environment to improve governance in the sector; and provide convergence platforms for local stakeholders to work together in achieving shared development goals. 

Position Description 

The RTI Center for Governance is seeking a Communications Specialist for the USAID UPSKILL Program. The Communications Specialist will ensure effective internal and external communication and reporting of project activities. This position will be based in Manila, Philippines, and reports to the Chief of Party. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a communications strategy to connect key stakeholders including USAID, other donor-funded projects, and the private sector with the project activities. 
• Develop relevant communication materials, tools, and approaches in line with the project objectives, including identifying appropriate ways to publicize and disseminate content. 
• Works closely with technical team members to gather and synthesize project-related information, translating information and data into suitable language for the general public, as appropriate. 
• Coordinate with USAID’s communications team, and RTI headquarter communications staff for project events and communications in a timely manner. 
• Ensure activity events and communications are aligned with USAID Mission priorities and are reviewed and approved by USAID staff as required. 
• Ensure compliance with USAID branding and marking guidelines and approved messages. 
• Develop tools, templates, and guidance for staff use to promote projects and activities in accordance with USAID rules and regulations, and approved project Branding and Marking Plan. 
• Develop project communications materials, including project factsheets, press releases, scene-setters, brochures, success stories, and social media posts. 
• Supervise the activities of service providers responsible for the production of communication media and tools, and event management. 
• Train project staff, partners, and other stakeholders on integrating communications into day-to-day responsibilities. 
• Ensure sub-awardees follow branding and marking guidelines and communications protocols. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of experience, Master's degree and 3 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of communication strategies, including social media campaigns, marketing, and event promotion. 
• Experience working with USAID and/or USAID projects strongly preferred. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to develop excellent relations with donor officials and key local stakeholders. 
• Experience developing, producing, and disseminating communication activities and materials, such as success stories, newsletters, and social media campaigns. 
• Understanding of USAID branding requirements preferred. 
• Experience managing direct reports and/or service providers supporting events and other communications activities preferred. 
• Strong planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 
• Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands. 
• Results-oriented, team player and strong interpersonal skills. 
• Fluency in written and spoken English required. 
• Ability to work throughout the Philippines. 

Successful candidates may be asked to submit writing samples as part of the application process.