Job Description

Communications and Outreach Director - Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) - Belize

About MCA

The Government of Belize (GoB), together with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (“MCC”), is in the process of establishing an independent executing agency called the Millennium Challenge Account – Belize (MCA-B). MCC is a U.S. government agency focused on assisting countries and is dedicated to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people. The MCA-B will be created by an act of Parliament to undertake the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of the Government of Belize under the Compact, which is expected to be signed in September 2024. The MCA-B is located in Belize City.

Belize compact

In December 2021, MCC’s Board of Directors selected Belize as eligible to develop a five-year grant agreement known as a “compact” that will include two separate projects:

1. The $73.8 million Education Project aims to equitably increase the number of post-primary graduates with the competencies relevant to labor market demands
2. The $21.1 million Energy Project will address the root causes of the high costs of wholesale electricity.

Position Objective

The Communications and Outreach Director, under the supervision of the Executive Director, will lead the Communications Team at MCA-Belize and develop and implement broad-based strategic communications strategies and plans to successfully communicate the implementation of the MCC-Belize Compact and promote and publicize its activities. The Director will be responsible for the successful communications surrounding the implementation of the Compact and overseeing the communications department budget, contracts, and staff.

Responsibilities

The Communications and Outreach Director will be expected to carry out the following among his/her primary responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all communications efforts for MCA-Belize, ensuring that all communications activities are aligned with the established strategies, frameworks, budgets, and resources defined by the compact. This includes leading and managing events, media and stakeholder outreach, social media channels, and public information campaigns.
• Develop and implement a robust communications strategy, including outreach to local and national media, government officials, stakeholders, and the public and a proactive approach to mis- and disinformation.
• Serve as the official spokesperson for MCA-Belize and proactively develop media opportunities.
• Direct and manage the MCA-Belize communications budget, staff, and contractors.
• Coordinate closely with MCC Headquarters on communications strategy and plan, branding, and any high-profile issues. Coordinate high-profile efforts with the US Embassy in Belize.
• Develop a cohesive messaging framework to inform all aspects of compact and project outreach and create tools, including talking points, fact sheets, presentations, bulletins, and others, to support outreach undertaken by staff and managers across the MCA. 
• Work closely with MCA directors, managers, and staff to provide clear key messaging for the compact. This messaging will be used in all communications with stakeholders, including local communities, administration, and project-affected parties, in support of the established communications strategy.
• Ensure public access to information on MCA-Belize and compact activities.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to ensure meaningful community/public participation in planning the program.
• Develop and implement a private sector partner outreach strategy with the MCA-Belize Executive Director and relevant Directors to communicate private sector successes and publicize opportunities.
• In cooperation with the Executive Director, support the communications of the MCA-Belize Board of Directors to public.
• Support the development and implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan in accordance with MCC’s requirements and in collaboration with the ESP and GSI Directors.
• Develop the MCA-Belize logo and Branding Guidelines that will adhere to the mandatory MCC Branding Guidelines and manage the MCA-Belize brand.
• Direct and manage the development and maintenance of the MCA-Belize website.
• Manage stakeholder relations by building, maintaining, and leveraging a good network of contacts to facilitate and/or promote the program.
• In collaboration with the MCA M&E Manager, communicate progress as per the M&E plan.
• Prepare speeches and talking points for the Executive Director on public speaking engagements.
• Develop and maintain a library of communications tools, including photos, videos, and other materials, as needed to support communications plans strategically.  Build the communications team through recruitment, training and development, and staff performance management to ensure the capacity to deliver the project’s objectives.

Required Competencies

• A Bachelor´s degree in Communications, Community Development, Marketing, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Communications or Public Relations or similar field is a plus.
• At least ten (10) years of relevant work experience, including approximately five (5) years in a in corporate communications, public relations, community, NGO, and/or public outreach.
• Ability to think strategically with planning and project management skills.
• Experience in leading the production of publication and media content with national and local media; previous on-the-record experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in managing public information campaigns and producing communication materials to influence policy (national strategy, behavior change, media engagement to support advocacy strategy, market promotion strategy, facilitating dialogue and debate forum, public messaging, etc.).
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in crafting and delivering messages to diverse stakeholders, including government (both national and local), civil society, NGOs, private sector, and international donors.
• Experience in leading, managing, and executing high-profile communication and public relations events.
• Experience working with international organizations or donors a plus.
• Strong and documented writing skills for bulletins, newsletters, and other outreach tools as described above.
• Experience managing a team of communications professionals, PR firm contracts, and/or outside consultants.
• Experience in managing contracts and budgets for communications and outreach activities.
• Full computer skills in email, word processing, spreadsheets, the Internet, etc.
• Fluency in English and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

How to apply

To access positions’ profile requirements and submit applications, please visit https://belize-jobs.tenderwell.app/. The following documents should accompany applications:

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 encounter challenges when applying online, please contact belize@developmentaid.org for assistance.

The closing date for receiving applications is September 19th, 2024. Only applications received through the online portal (Tenderwell) will be considered. Any applications received through other channels will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.