Learning and Communications Director (Stabilization and Transition) at DT Global

Background:

DT Global is implementing the Somalia Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Plus (TIS+) program, which is a $66 million, USAID-funded program promoting good governance and community cohesion. TIS+ is implemented in Mogadishu, Lower Shabelle, and Puntland, with possible expansion to other communities across Somalia.

TIS+ pursues four objectives: 1) Increase confidence in governance based on equitable participation in decision making and management of community assets. Additional crosscutting objectives are to: 2) Empower community and government representatives to engage with private sector and development actors in a collaborative process for community growth; 3) Increase Somali engagement in creating a more stable future; and 4) Support inclusive, sustainable development by reducing gender gaps in stabilization and development.

Objective:

TIS+ implements strategic in-kind activities (PIKA) across Somalia, with a particular focus on areas recently liberated from the control of violent extremist organizations. As part of this work TIS+ engages research and analysis (R&A) companies to collect atmospherics and provide analysis on these liberated zones and conduct evaluation of individual in-kind activities. TIS+ requires a Learning and Communications Director (LCD) to manage these R&A contracts, support program reporting, and coordinate the execution of the full PIKA cycle.

The LCD will report to the DCOP. The LCD must be flexible, pragmatic, and able to think creatively to implement activities in a sustainable, responsive manner. Additionally, the LCD will travel to Somalia and carry out other tasks assigned by the DCOP.

Primary Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Lead program learning efforts in line with the TIS+ learning agenda including:

• Work with COP and DCOP to instill an inclusive learning culture amongst the TIS+ staff.
• Organize and lead regular learning sessions. Document and share findings across the team. Maintain learning documentation in location accessible to all staff.
• Participate in all PIKA and GUC close-out processes to capture lessons learned.
• Disseminate Lessons Learned, atmospherics and research products (where applicable) amongst the team. Ensure participation amongst both program and operations staff in reviewing lessons learned.

Oversee TIS+ learning, research, atmospherics and analysis contracts.

• In line with the TIS+ learning agenda, develop technical requirements for R&A contracts in coordination with the DCOP and M&E Manager.
• Manage R&A contracts from the procurement process through the final payments.
• Work with DT Global Home Office MEL STTA to ensure timely review of R&A scopes of work, deliverables and other required documents.
• Ensure that the program team is receiving the information necessary to have impactful programing.

Lead program reporting.

• Oversee timely completion and submission of all activity reporting as outlined in the TIS+ contract, including drafting production calendars and communicating with staff about expected roles and deadlines.
• Compile initial draft of all deliverables including weekly, quarterly, and annual reporting, as well as drafting success stories. Manage drafting of case studies and other reporting that results from R&A contracts.
• Work with the TIS+ field teams to provide consistent and clear information on activity implementation.
• Ensure TIS+’s technical assistance and work is disseminated among stakeholders through proper available mechanisms, including through creative means such as graphics, maps, videos and photos.

Oversee PIKA cycle documentation.

• Verify the content and quality of all documentation in the PIKA files; develop and maintain system for filling documentation gaps.
• Oversee the Information and Grants Specialist to ensure the TIS+ database is updated weekly with budget expenditures and activity notes.
• Monitor PIKA budgets and period of performance and alert the Program and Procurement teams if either are at risk of being exceeded.
• Regularly report to the DCOP on status of above items.

Other duties as assigned.

Reporting and Working Arrangements

The LCD reports to the DCOP. The LCD will manage the Information and Grants Specialist. The LCD could spend as much as 50% of their time in Somalia.

Required Qualifications:

• At least three (3) years’ working on international development projects overseas of similar scale, scope and technical focus, with at least one of those years in a fragile state context; experience working on Somalia is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in governance, peace-building, conflict management, social sciences, international development, international relations/affairs, business, management, political science, law or other related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with communities, civil society, local government representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing programmatic, administrative, and reporting functions, particularly for design and administration of in-kind or other grant activities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to work effectively as a member of an international team.
• Experience developing programmatic reports and press releases.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office and MS Access.
• Flexible, creative, and prepared to work against ever-changing deadlines in a demanding work environment.

What we Value:

• Autonomy and proactivity around driving work to completion in the face of ambiguity and challenges;
• We value high-performing creative individuals who dig into problems and opportunities;
• We value individuals who are team players and interact positively with colleagues and clients;
• Demonstrated ability to identify and solve problems individually and as part of a team, while respecting individual team members’ roles, strengths, and communication styles;
• Strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to perform effectively within tight deadlines

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

• DT Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or national origin. DT Global prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.