Project Communication Officer at Mercy Corps Nigeria

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action - helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Communication Officer

Reference Number: ABV/PRO/2019/0012
Location: Abuja, Nigeria (With an estimated 40% travel to other program locations)
Position Status: Full-time, Field-based, and Regular.

Program / Department Summary

• This is a five-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP).
• The CIPP program aims to strengthen conflict prevention, mediation and early warning by facilitating community-led analysis and action to prevent, manage, and mitigate conflict and violent extremism.
• The program will work in twenty-four (24) high-risk local government areas in Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi and Plateau states.

General Position Summary

• The Project Communications Officer will be responsible for raising awareness about CIPP-related activities among the government and the Nigerian public at large. S/he will be responsible for engaging counterpart organizations and also work with the affiliated Ministries and LGAs to implement CIPP project activities and record their outcomes.
• An important role of the Project Communications Officer is to produce press releases, and maintain a vibrant and engaged social media platforms. The Project Communications Officer will report to the Chief of Party.
• The position is based in Abuja and it requires up to (40 %) travel to Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi and Plateau states.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Oversee the project Communications strategy and activities related to project outreach;
• As directed by the COP, provide quality control on all reports, publicity materials, and other documents generated from the program with particular emphasis on those for submission to USAID;
• Collect content for weekly, monthly and quarterly status reports;
• Draft weekly status reports for submission to USAID and other stakeholders;
• Attend meetings with project partners on an ad hoc basis regarding communications, outreach, PR, and media-related issues, program deliverables and reports, and USAID branding and marking guidelines;
• Assist with planning, logistics and attend project events as requested by the COP, provide technical editing and formatting assistance with program deliverables and reports;
• Manage consultant labor with regards to desktop publishing, graphic design, and technical writing/editing;
• Work closely with COP on tracking reports and deliverables as related to the monitoring and evaluation and program management plan;
• Assist technical staff with public outreach/awareness campaigns;
• Work with project partner organizations to assist them in developing and implementing communications strategies;
• Together with the policy and advocacy officer, work with project partner organizations to assist them in engaging in public advocacy/public relations campaigns to raise public awareness;
• Daily monitoring of state and federal level newspaper articles and other periodicals, including broadcast media for material substantively affecting the work of CIPP;
• Organize and coordinate with local vendors to host CIPP gatherings and public events;
• Show a willingness to perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Party.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Reports Directly To: Chief of Party
• Works Directly With: DCOP, Program officers, finance and operations and security and safety teams.

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 3 years of relevant, professional experience in roles with increasing levels of responsibility required, Five+ years preferred;
• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Publishing or similar area required; Master’s Degree preferred;
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and oral.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe applications;
• Working knowledge of USAID policies, rules and regulations preferred;
• Previous project work experience in the Middle Belt preferred;
• Team player, with excellent organizational, training design and delivery, time management.

Success Factors:

• The ideal candidate will have a strong curiosity for understanding and working effectively within the complex cultural, political, security and social environment of Nigeria.  He/She will be an excellent communicator, writer, multi-tasker, and able to work in ambiguous situations. He/She will be a tolerant and flexible individual able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures. 
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/STA to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
• Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision.  Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

Application Closing Date
19th May, 2019.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letters in one document, addressing the position requirements, reference number and location to: ng-recruitment.nigeria@mercycorps.org

Note

• All applications must include the position title and reference in the subject line.
• Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.
• We are an equal opportunity organization so women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.