MSI is seeking experienced Strategic Communications Specialists with extensive training experience for a consultant bench to provide support to the communications team on the USAID/KEA Communications for Development Support project. The Specialists will conceptualize, coordinate, develop and facilitate the development of a range of training workshops on strategic communications for USAID’s network of implementing partners. Training topics could include, impact storytelling, visual storytelling, media engagement, advocacy, event planning and execution, social media, crisis communications, and speech writing. The Specialist will work within research and planning, development of training outline and curriculum, development of training materials and slides, training facilitation, and reporting. This consultant bench is for potential short and medium-term consultancy assignments (up to 40 days of level of effort).

Responsibilities:

• Create, deploy and analyze needs assessments, conducting focus groups or key informant interviews to inform training development, desk reviews, development of work plans, etc.
• Develop training outlines that outlines the sequence, content, and organization of training modules, and a curriculum as a comprehensive framework that outlines the entire scope of a training program.
• Prepare worksheets, activities step-by-step guides, templates, example datasets, software/application that complements the lesson plan.
• Develop visually appealing and informative training slides, with scripts/notes for the team of facilitators.
• Ensure training materials are suitable for varied learning styles and levels of expertise.
• Lead an in-person and/or online training session tailored to the specific learner needs.
• Ensure a hands-on/practical approach is utilized in the training.
• Encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants.
• Provide practical examples and case studies to reinforce key concepts.
• Provide regular progress updates to MSI.
• Collaborate with USAID, MSI representatives, and implementing partners as needed.
• Submit a final report summarizing the training outcomes, participant feedback, training materials used for both the online and face-to-face, learning products developed from the training and recommendations for future capacity-building initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in designing and delivering training programs for communications activities is required.
• Experience in developing training materials and guides is required.
• Experience working and traveling in Kenya and in-depth understanding of Kenyan culture, geography and development issues is required.
• Knowledge of USAID programs and requirements is preferred.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills using adult learning principles for both in-person and online is required.
• Written and verbal fluency in English and Kiswahili is required.