Communications Associate - Sri Lanka and Maldives Ocean Plastics

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI's Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI's experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world.

SG&R’s Water portfolio has delivered innovative, breakthrough solutions in key development sectors, including water sector governance, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, solid waste management, urbanization, economic livelihood development, community engagement, and institutional capacity building. Our work spans the Africa continent with a growing presence in South Asia.

Project Description

The purpose of the USAID Sri Lanka & Maldives Ocean Plastic Reduction Program (Ocean Plastics Reduction) Activity is to minimize ocean plastics pollution in Sri Lanka and the Maldives by reducing reliance on plastic products while improving integrated solid waste management (SWM) practices. The project will provide programming to both Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Responsibilities

The Communications Associate will support the Sri Lanka and Maldives Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity, focusing on effective communication and reporting of project activities. The ideal candidate will be a native Tamil speaker with excellent English writing skills and, preferably, a background in environmental studies.

This position will be based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and report to the Learning and Communications Director.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Assisting with communications tasks, focusing on the Sri Lankan context. This includes supporting the senior communications officer in developing and ensuring quality assurance and control of contents for social behavior change campaign and other project led outreach activities.

Identifying appropriate ways to publicize and disseminate project-related information and materials; designing and developing project materials and publications.

Developing an information resource database for the project; collecting and compiling materials from team members for sharing and submitting to USAID website (and ministry websites, if required).

Liaising with media personnel to publicize project activities and success stories.

Ensuring adherence to the branding plan on all project documents, reports, and public information materials.

Writing articles on project activities including technical notes, best practices, and lessons learned; contributing to USAID publications and local media outlets.

Supporting reporting tasks by assisting with weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. This involves providing write-up assistance to team members in Sri Lanka.

Contributing to field-level implementation activities, including translations, capturing photos, and gathering quotes for success stories.

Assist the technical team members in capturing and documenting success stories and other relevant qualitative narratives for RTI reporting.

Working closely with other team members to gather and synthesize project-related technical information and data.

Translating and writing information data into suitable language for a lay audience as appropriate.

Contributing to the development and preparation of annual work plans, quarterly reports, and other reports to USAID; editing documents.

Promoting knowledge sharing through the organization’s processes, systems, and departments/units.

Performing other tasks as assigned by the Supervisor from time to time.

Qualifications

Master’s degree or bachelor’s Degree in communication, education, social sciences, or a related field with 1 year of experience.

Proven experience of at least 1 years in communication and awareness, public engagement or education, with a strong portfolio of past work.

Experience with a USAID project or a related donor-funded project is highly desirable

Excellent writing and editing skills in Tamil and English.

Proficiency in communication software.

Experience in working on international development projects is a plus.

Sound knowledge of written and oral language skills in both English and Tamil is mandatory.

Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel

Ability to multi-task

Ability to work well with others

Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing

Ability to work independently

Attention to detail and accuracy

EEO & Pay Equity Statements

As a global employer of choice, RTI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace and the communities and markets where we serve our mission. We value diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective and welcome applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, creed, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination laws or RTI policy.We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Further information is available here.RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach and one that integrates expertise across the social and laboratory sciences, engineering, and international development. We believe in the promise of science, and we are inspired every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses around the world. For more information, visit

Regular Full-Time