MSI is seeking experienced Production Specialists for a consultant bench to provide support to the communications team on the USAID/KEA Communications for Development Support project. The Specialists will drive the creation, coordination, publication, and analysis of USAID/KEA’s visual storytelling assets, namely photo, video, and audio. The Specialists will provide creative, strategic, and tactical support on campaigns and activities across the project. This consultant bench is for potential short and medium-term consultancy assignments (up to 40 days of level of effort) across any of the areas of expertise described in the section below.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate all photo and video coverage across staff, consultants, and project partners including in-person photography and videography support, coordination of consultant support.
• Design photography and video projects from concept to finished product using established workflows that include planning (developing scopes of work, shot lists, scripts, storyboards, etc.); capture (field work, consent) post-production (captioning, indexing, filing, editing and approvals) and dissemination (publishing on social media and photo sites, conceptualizing photo/video campaigns and participating in photo contests, etc.).
• Track incoming and anticipated content needs and lead storyboarding sessions across the project and USAID teams.
• Lead or contribute to in-house training on photography/videography topics.
• Collaborate closely with Communications Leads, Field Producers, and Content Creators to understand project objectives and deliver content that aligns with the vision.
• Conduct an extensive review of previously captured footage that includes b-roll and interviews.
• Recommend creative video formats and styles that best fit the content available.
• Incorporate graphics, effects, and transitions to enhance production value.
• Work closely with USAID C4D to incorporate feedback and revisions into the editing process, maintaining open communication channels throughout.
• Ensure central tracking of edits on a Google Doc, review and implement edits requested, and provide the final product.
• Ensure consistency in style, branding, and quality across all video projects.
• Provide accurate and culturally sensitive translation/dubbing and subtitling in Swahili or Somali language, ensuring readability and proper timing.
• Coordinate with leadership clients and photography and videography vendors to contribute to a cloud-based audio-visual library that can be easily transferred to USAID.
• Work with the Social Media Specialist to create compelling and shareable visuals, such as short videos that help the Mission’s handles “stand out” on social media.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Experience working on Kenyan or Somali content or within the Kenyan / Somali media industry is highly preferred.
• Experience with non-governmental organizations, donors, and/or agency or mass media is preferred.
• Strong understanding of Kenyan and Somali culture, language, and storytelling techniques.
• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and adherence to deadlines.
• Ability to adapt content to resonate with Somali audiences, considering cultural references and societal norms.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines.
• Proficiency in video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
• Written and verbal fluency in English and Somali is required.