Communications Consultant

1. Introduction

USAID’s Vietnam Forests and Deltas (VFD) program is supporting the  acceleration of Vietnam’s transition to  climate?resilient,  low  emission,  sustainable  development  by improving  land?use  planning  and  forest  and  natural resource management and engaging communities in development of action plans to address climate  risks and vulnerabilities. The program informs ongoing Government of Vietnam (GVN) efforts to develop and implement  its  National  Target  Program  to  Respond  to  Climate  Change  and  the  nascent  Green  Growth Strategy. Through an evidence?based cycle of analysis, demonstration, evaluation, and replication, the team will empower the  GVN,  communities,  and  nongovernmental organizations  to develop inclusive, equitable solutions tailored to the unique characteristics and challenges of Vietnam’s forests and deltas. 

The Vietnam Forests and Deltas program focuses on two main areas:

1. Support adoption of land?use practices that slow, stop, and reverse emissions from deforestation and degradation of forests and other landscapes, and
2. Increase resilience of people, places, and livelihoods in delta areas through assistance on adaptation and disaster risk management.

One of the requirements and expected results of the project is to develop success stories and other communications materials that demonstrate the impact of the project to Vietnam. To support this activity, VFD is seeking an experienced professional to implement the following activities:

2. Scope of Work and Activities:

• The Consultant will be expected to perform the following duties under the overall supervision of VFD’s Chief of Party and The Communications Specialist. S/he will coordinate and cooperate with the project’s Adaptation and Sustainable Landscape team leaders.
• Support the VFD Communication Specialist to review and update and/or develop an overarching communication strategy and timeline
• Assist  in  the  identification  of  project  actions  writing  Communications  and  lead  on  the development  of  communication  materials  including  success  stories,  program  briefs,  press releases, press kits, information packages, etc.; 
• Work with team to develop content for program deliverables (e.g. quarterly and annual reports).
• Edit and format project deliverables, to ensure they are in?line with donor requirements. 

3. The working time of the consultant and location

- Location: VFD Hanoi Office
- Working time: 7?10 days per month, depending on program needs -  Duration: 1.5 years. The proposed commencement date is December 2015 

4. Required qualifications and experience 

- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in related field
- Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in a field related to communications 
- Sophisticated communications and writing skills, including the ability to draft, format and edit, as well as the ability to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style to a variety of audiences. 
- Candidate will demonstrate persistence when faced with difficult challenges. 
- Candidate  will  have  the  ability  to  identify  strategic  issues,  opportunities  and  risks,  and communicate broad and compelling message.
- Previous work experience with USAID or other donor?funded project is an advantage
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to use In?design software is an advantage

5. How to apply

Interested  candidates  with  the  right  qualifications  and  motivation  are  invited  to  send  letter  of  interest and a full CV in English to the following email address: [email protected] with subject line of “VFD Communications Consultant” no later than 17 p.m on 11 November, 2015. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.