Communications Officer at Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA)

Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA) is a leading financial sector development organisation working to promote financial inclusion in Nigeria. Established in late 2007, EFInA’s vision is to be the leader in facilitating an all-inclusive and growth-promoting financial system. EFInA is funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

EFInA is well renowned within Nigeria’s financial sector for providing thought leadership in financial inclusion and championing the unbanked. Through funding and catalysing innovation, providing cutting-edge research, advocating for enabling inclusive policies and building capacity, EFInA has built a reputation as an “honest broker” amongst both the private and public sectors. Data from the EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria surveys was a key source of information in the development of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy; and is also widely used by a diverse range of stakeholders, including regulators, as a benchmark for financial inclusion in Nigeria, Furthermore, financial services providers use EFInA’s research to develop a range of relevant financial products through gaining insights and understanding of consumers’ needs.

EFInA is seeking to appoint dynamic, strategic, and committed individuals to newly defined roles to build on its current achievements and accelerate the impact of financial inclusion in Nigeria. EFInA is a rapidly growing organisation with considerable influence in the financial sector. Employment with EFInA offers an exceptional and challenging opportunity for the right candidate.

Job Title: Communications Officer

Location: Lagos

The Role
The Communications Officer will assist the Head of Knowledge and Evidence to develop and implement effective communications strategies to support EFInA’s financial inclusion objectives, and position EFInA as the leading financial sector development organisation committed to deepening financial inclusion in Nigeria.

By strategically disseminating EFInA’s research findings and other relevant information, the Communications Officer will contribute to increased understanding of financial inclusion in Nigeria. He/she will help to increase awareness of EFInA as a credible and leading source for information about financial services in Nigeria, and drive increased use and citation of EFInA’s research, especially for policy development and product innovation. The Communications Officer will work to strengthen EFInA’s brand in the Nigerian and international space, increase awareness of EFInA as the premier champion of financial inclusion in Nigeria and reinforce EFInA’s reputation as an “honest broker.”

The successful applicant will be an experienced communications professional with the desire and ability to quickly learn about financial inclusion in Nigeria. He/she will be able to leverage strong communications skills to increase the effectiveness of EFInA’s external communications and position EFInA as a key advocate of financial inclusion. They will be results driven and committed to high standards of performance. Highly adaptable, creative, and used to delivering results in a dynamic and fluid working environment, the Communications Officer will make tangible contributions to EFInA as soon as he/she joins the organisation.

Primary Relationships
Reports to: Head of Knowledge and Evidence
Department: Research
Manages relationships with: Media and communications vendors, including PR agencies and design firms; journalists; counterparts in EFInA’s partner organisations

Principal Responsibilities and Accountabilities
The role will include, but not be limited to the following responsibilities and accountabilities:

Strategic Planning for EFInA’s Communication

• Work with the Head of Knowledge and Evidence to develop and implement an imaginative communications strategy, in line with EFInA’s 5-Year Strategy. Distil and disseminate EFInA’s primary research to relevant stakeholders, which will include proposing the appropriate dissemination channel for all research commissioned and presenting research findings in a compelling and informative manner, e.g. writing reports, producing brochures, contributing to research publications, etc.
• Plan PR and communications campaigns; implement upon approval by the Head of Knowledge and Evidence, and monitor the effectiveness of the campaigns
• Develop EFInA’s social media strategy; implement upon approval by the Head of Knowledge and Evidence
• Work with the Programme Managers and other colleagues to identify, distil and disseminate key messages related to EFInA’s strategic areas and cross-cutting themes
• Liaise with any agencies appointed by EFInA to ensure the successful implementation of PR and communications strategies

Disseminate Relevant Information

• Plan, design and disseminate regular EFInA newsletters and/or other relevant publications, such as fact sheets, upon approval by the Head of Knowledge and Evidence
• Act as the EFInA internal editor and quality controller for EFInA publications and other documents, reviewing layout and proofreading to ensure alignment with EFInA’s quality standards, and managing vendors to ensure timely delivery
• Strengthen EFInA’s online presence by updating EFInA’s website as needed. Ensure that EFInA’s research and other relevant information is uploaded to the website, and regularly audit EFInA’s website to ensure that information is up to date, accurate and relevant
• Regularly review the effectiveness of EFInA’s website, using feedback and analytical tools, and make recommendations for improving the website
• Provide effective communications support for all EFInA events, through managing communications collateral, providing editorial input to presentation materials, providing logistical support as needed, and ensuring appropriate dissemination of information through appropriate avenues including newspapers, EFInA website, and other channels
• Prepare and regularly update an EFInA presentation pack for dissemination at external workshops and conferences

Public Relations/Media Relations

• Liaise with any PR agencies that EFInA engages to ensure the successful implementation of PR activities
• Arrange press conferences and media briefings
• Arrange workshops to engage key journalists on financial inclusion topics
• Monitor EFInA’s media presence, and prepare quarterly reports on the effectiveness of EFInA’s PR and media campaigns for sign off by the Head of Knowledge and Evidence

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain EFInA’s database of industry contacts, associations, partners and global experts on financial inclusion, ensuring that the database is current and accurate
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with media, communications vendors (such as PR agencies and design firms), and communications counterparts in EFInA’s partner organisations

Additional Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for improving internal communications within EFInA; implement solutions upon approval from the Head of Knowledge and Evidence
• Implement processes and tools for improving the quality of EFInA’s communications
• Submit regular reports of communications activities, including press citations, to the Head of Knowledge and Evidence
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Knowledge and Evidence

Job Competencies and Capabilities
Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, social sciences, or related field from a reputable institution
• Minimum of five years’ experience in communication and information management, journalism/publishing, editorial, marketing and/or PR, preferably in a corporate environment
• Impeccable mastery of the English language (reading and summarising, creative writing, formulation, interpretation)
• Good knowledge of media tools and basic research concepts
• Proven ability to skilfully develop and manage relationships with a diverse audience
• Demonstrable experience dealing with the media (newspapers, radio and TV)

Desired

• Experience and good working relationships with Nigerian communications agencies and media
• Master’s degree or relevant professional certification
• Prior experience in the Nigerian financial sector and/or financial inclusion
• Skills
• Proven ability to produce concise, well-structured, and very high quality written materials
• Proficiency in the use of graphics and/or publishing software
• Very strong verbal and written communications skills
• Very strong interpersonal and organisational skills
• Strong proofreading skills, with very high level of attention to detail
• Good presentation skills
• Works well independently and as part of a team
• Ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Good project management, time-management and planning skills
• Works well under pressure and able to prioritise competing tasks
• Advanced level competency in the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word and PowerPoint

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to the financial inclusion agenda
• Creative, innovative and very organised
• Driven and a self-starter
• Committed to delivering high quality results, with cost-effective use of resources
• Can-do approach
• Enterprising attitude that is quick to search out alternative solutions to needs or problems
• Positive, flexible, supportive attitude towards work
• Integrity and high personal ethical standards
• Exhibits a helpful behaviour beyond strict job requirements
• Multi-tasks effectively
• Confident
• Resilient

Remuneration: Competitive

Application Closing Date
31st May, 2014

Method of Application
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to: efina@creativemetier.com by 31st May 2014, ensuring that you state which role you are applying for and where you saw this advertisement.

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