ThaiNGO

Thailand

Job Description

Technical Program Specialist (Copy Writer)

Education Development Center
Founded in 1958, EDC is an international non-governmental organization that works to build bridges between educational research, policy and practice. EDC’s headquarters is located in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, with additional offices in New York City, Washington, DC, Nairobi, and Bangkok. EDC manages 250 projects in 35 countries with more than 1,350 employees worldwide.

EDC is committed to diversity in the workplace.

The USAID-funded Connecting the Mekong through Education and Training (COMET) project will help universities and vocational centers to increase the number of skilled workers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Accounting and Tourism (STEM+AT) fields in the Lower Mekong countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.  COMET seeks to bridge the gap between the private sector, universities and vocational centers in order to ensure the supply of skilled workers meets the demands from local businesses. The project will rely on mobile technology, online learning, and traditional in-person workshops to promote regional networking in ASEAN and to help people from rural and marginalized areas access educational services.

Over the course of the five-year project, vocational centers and universities will be strengthened so that they can help future leaders develop the skills needed to catalyze job growth in high demand industries in the sub-region. This project will ultimately empower the Lower Mekong countries with a workforce that can bridge the development gap within ASEAN and take advantage of the benefits under the ASEAN Economic Community. 

Title:  Technical Program Specialist (Copy Writer)

Report to: Deputy Chief of Party - Programs

Summary:  Under the guidance of the Deputy Chief of Party - Programs, Technical Program Specialist (Copy Writer) will work closely with other communications staff both in Bangkok and at EDC Home Office to contribute to the development and implementation of the project communications strategy focusing on core messages for communications activities that are appealing to target audience. S/he is responsible for brainstorming, creating, and transforming ideas into clear and persuasive words and text that will be disseminated through a range of communications channels including messaging and content for websites, web portals, mobile technologies, mass media, press releases, success stories, events, and other print and non-print (video/audio) materials. S/he is expected to work effectively with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites and funders.

Job Responsibilities

Work as part of the communications team to contribute to the development and implementation of the project communications strategy, especially in relation to core messages for communications activities, target audience and industry sectors.

Conduct meetings, interviews or visits to partners, stakeholders, target audience and/or donor to seek information, views, interest and specific requirements related to project activities, events, website messaging, success stories, press releases and other communications materials;

Brainstorm concepts, ideas, messaging, and scripts with other members of the communications team;

Develop and present options of concepts, ideas, messaging and scripts to the team for discussion and finalization;

Ensure that text, scripts and messaging comply with USAID instructions and policy;

Obtain approval from USAID on the concepts, ideas, messaging and scripts as required;

Oversee the production phase, booking and liaising with designers, illustrators, printers, photographers and production companies as needed;

Coordinate with the Communications Officer on posting and updating websites and other social media platforms with timely content, scripts and messaging;

Integrate text, messaging scripts into communications materials and other types of technologies such as mobile technologies as appropriate;

Contribute to project reporting as required; and

Perform other tasks as assigned.

Essential Functions

Technical Program Specialist (Copy Writer) should possess good knowledge of social media trends, media production, dissemination and communication methods and techniques. S/he is required to have excellent English verbal and written skills. In addition, s/he is expected  to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work respectfully with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.

Skills and Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, advertising, mass media or similar field with 5-6 years of relevant experience;

2-4 years of related writing and copy-editing experience; experience working on USAID-funded projects or communications activities is a plus;

Have an interest in social media trends and techniques, popular culture, youth workforce, and education;

Fast learning, self-motivated and creative individual who can independently and as part of a team;

Can work effectively under tight deadlines;

Fluency in English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills;

Proficiency in other relevant languages a plus.

This is a local hire position and is open to Thai citizens and non-citizens with valid work authorization. A competitive benefits package and salary will be provided in local currency. This is a full-time position for 12 months with the possibility of extension based on availability of funding.

Interested qualified candidates are requested to submit their CV and cover letter to COMET_Jobs@edc.org by August 31, 2015. To ensure the timely review of your credentials, please insert “Technical Program Specialist (Copy Writer)” in the subject line of the email.  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

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