Tetra Tech ARD, a US-based international development firm, is seeking a qualified Communications Unit Lead candidates for the upcoming USAID-funded India Partnership for Land Use Science (Forest PLUS II). The activity focuses on technical cooperation between the Government of India and the United States to build capacity to manage forest landscapes in India for improved delivery of ecosystem services and inclusive sustainable economic opportunities. The primary agency for cooperation is the Indian Forest Service. Secondary direct beneficiaries will be citizens of communities near to forested areas.

The Communications Unit Lead manages and oversees a substantial communications portfolio that includes support for external, internal, regional, and client-focused communications. The Communications Lead is a member of the senior management team, and is a visible member of a high-profile program that frequently interfaces with USAID, Government of India, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities:
Serve as the primary point of contact to USAID, Government of India (GoI), and partners on all communications related matters for the program.
Field incoming requests for information, talking points, messaging, etc. from project staff and/or USAID, and provide direct and rapid response.
Develop strategic messages and talking points on a range of issues and topics, some of which are politically sensitive, and ensure they meet the needs of diverse audiences including the USAID, the GoI, and internal staff.
Develop, adapt, and refine content and messaging to be used across Forest Plus written, verbal and web-based communications.
Collaborate with USAID, Forest Plus leadership, and Forest Plus technical leads to develop a strategic outreach agenda that builds and fortifies critical relationships with GOI leadership and officials, and facilitates direct communication between USAID and GOI leadership on program focal issues.

Qualifications:
10 years’ experience in Communications, preferably field experience;
Fluency in English, and fluency in Hindi preferred;
Master’s degree in communications, public affairs, marketing, political science or public policy, preferred;
Excellent strategic writing, editing, and speaking skills. Ability to distill and present highly technical information into digestible, succinct, clear messages for high-level government audiences;
Communications experience in the fields of development, policy, public affairs, and politics, or a combination thereof, highly desirable;
Experience working with NGOs and USAID in a communications role highly desirable;