Event Communications and Technology Advisor at Panagora Group

Background 

• The Technical Support Services (TSS) Activity supports USAID/Southern Africa and the Regional Health Office (RHO) in addressing technical priorities and developing creative, innovative solutions to strategically allocate resources, strengthen connections with partners, and replicate best practices and effective program models. Through the TSS contract, Panagora Group augments capacity by providing technical, operational, and administrative support to USAID’s largest health portfolio. TSS deploys advisors in response to USAID requests for priority work with government stakeholders, implementing partners, and/or other entities. TSS supports Health Office staff and teams to integrate creative solutions into routine work. TSS provides international and local expertise for surge support, as needed, for USAID Program Cycle requirements, planning, development, outreach, communications, and Health Office human resource functions.  TSS also provides over 800 square meters of centrally-located meeting/event and flexible work-space for use by USAID, implementing partners, and other key stakeholders in Pretoria, South Africa. 

Description of Position 

• Panagora seeks a consultant to leverage cutting-edge technology and communication strategies to enhance strategic engagements for USAID/Southern Africa and the Regional Health Office.  TSS provides in-person, virtual, and hybrid engagements, including team-development retreats, program and stakeholder meetings, and technical workshops. This includes planning and preparation (program design, resourcing, procurement, preparing materials); event and meeting support (facilitation, events coordination, note-taking, triaging challenges, liaising with providers, and administering virtual collaboration platforms); and follow-up and reporting (meeting notes, surveys). In addition to managing these engagements, the consultant will support TSS to leverage technology and online platforms to facilitate engagement, learning and adapting. The consultant will also develop and implement strategic communication initiatives to convey project achievements in a concise and compelling manner. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies for strategic engagements, ensuring effective and timely dissemination of information to stakeholders. Utilize various channels, such as digital media, and traditional communication methods, to enhance engagement and drive desired outcomes. 
• Identify and leverage cutting-edge technologies to streamline event and project management processes for events and engagements. Evaluate and implement appropriate software tools, collaboration platforms, and project management tools to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and communication.  
• Establish knowledge management frameworks and processes to capture, organize, and disseminate valuable insights, lessons learned, and best practices from events and projects. Foster a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the organization, ensuring that knowledge is effectively utilized to improve future initiatives. 
• Establish metrics and tracking mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies, technology integration, and knowledge management efforts for strategic engagements. Generate comprehensive reports and insights to inform future decision-making and continuous improvement. 
• Coordinate and manage in-person and hybrid events, including project management, budgeting (set-up and monitoring), sourcing and procurement of venues and providers (abiding by all procurement processes, rules, and regulations), venue setup, and preparation of materials.  
• Complete procurements related to engagements as directed by the team lead for client requests and internal needs, following procurement policies and processes.   
• Occasional domestic travel for engagement support as needed.  

Requirements

• Master’s degree or 7-10 years of relevant work experience in strategic communications, management, project management, or relevant discipline. 
• Experience with USAID, larger USG community, Embassies, stakeholders and implementing partners is preferred. 
• Strong technological proficiency, including proficiency in Google Workspace, virtual collaboration platforms and other tools for engagement. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging to various audiences in English. 
• ​Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. 
• Demonstrated experience in developing excellent stakeholder relationships. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with individuals from diverse professional backgrounds. 
• Analytical thinker and attention to detail. 
• Strong work ethic and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.