Information and Strategic Communication Expert at International Alert

International Alert is one of the world's leading peacebuilding  organisations, with over 30 years of experience supporting communities,  advising governments, organisations and companies on how to build  peace. Alert works with people in conflict-affected and threatened areas  to make a positive difference for peace; to improve the substance and  implementation of international policies relevant to peacebuilding; and to  strengthen the peacebuilding sector.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Information and Strategic Communication Expert

Location: Abuja (FCT) (with field missions to participating states)
Duration: 3 months with possible extension
Engagement Type: Consultancy
Reports to: National Team Lead and DDR Expert

Background

• The National DDR Policy Harmonisation and Exit Pathways Project seeks to address the fragmented and often uncoordinated disengagement, deradicalisation, and reintegration processes across Nigeria. 
• This is being done through the development of a national DDR policy and strategy aligned with international standards and local contexts. A critical component of the initiative is the design and implementation of a strategic communication framework to promote community acceptance, behavioural change, policy awareness, and reintegration outcomes.
• Strategic communication is vital to ensure accurate public understanding of DDR processes, foster reconciliation, reduce stigma against returnees, and encourage inclusive dialogue at community and policy levels. It also helps build trust between communities, government, and security actors, while enabling sustainable peace and reintegration.

Purpose of the Consultancy

• The Information and Strategic Communication Expert will be responsible for designing and supporting the implementation of an evidence-based Strategic Communication Strategy to accompany the national DDR process. 
• This will include policy-level messaging, behavioural change communication (BCC) for reintegration at the community level, and the use of culturally relevant platforms such as community theatre and radio. 
• The consultant will also contribute to building stakeholder communication capacity and documenting lessons learned.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communication Design:

• Develop a Strategic Communication Strategy for the DDR initiative, integrating policy advocacy, public awareness, and behavioural change objectives.
• Define core narratives, messaging frameworks, audience segmentation, communication channels, and visual identity consistent with DDR goals.
• Ensure alignment with international standards on DDR communications and national sensitivities around conflict, radicalisation, and rehabilitation.
• Tailor messages to reach diverse stakeholders including communities, security actors, media, women and youth groups, civil society, and policy leaders.

Community-Based Communication and Reintegration Messaging:

• Design and oversee community-level behavioural change campaigns that foster acceptance of returnees, promote non-violence, and support reconciliation.
• Integrate traditional media (radio, theatre, storytelling, townhall dialogue) and new media (social media, digital infographics, podcasts) to ensure reach and impact.
• Support the development of community theatre scripts and performances, focusing on reintegration, forgiveness, healing, gender-based stigma, and resilience.
• Collaborate with local theatre groups, artists, and community leaders to co-create messages that reflect local realities and cultural expressions.

Communication for Policy and Advocacy:

• Translate complex policy and strategy content into accessible communication materials for public and stakeholder audiences (e.g., policy briefs, fact sheets, infographics).
• Design high-impact knowledge products and campaigns to increase awareness of the DDR strategy and its benefits at federal and state levels.
• Support media engagement and manage relationships with journalists and public relations officers to ensure accurate representation of DDR processes.

Capacity Building and Technical Support:

• Facilitate training for government officials, civil society, and media personnel on conflict-sensitive communication and DDR messaging.
• Provide technical support to national and state-level actors to implement and adapt communication plans based on the strategy.
• Develop a communication toolkit that includes templates, talking points, guidelines, and formats for reuse by government and partners.

Monitoring and Adaptive Learning:

• Develop and apply a monitoring framework to assess communication outcomes, track behavioural change, and inform message refinement.
• Contribute to knowledge generation by documenting lessons, challenges, and innovations in DDR-related communications.
• Participate in project learning workshops, technical committee meetings, and community dialogues as needed.

Key Outputs and Deliverables

• Inception Report:  Work plan, methodology, stakeholder engagement strategy 
• Strategic Communication Strategy: Comprehensive document outlining approaches, messages, channels, tools, and implementation plan
• Community Messaging Toolkit: Customised tools for community-based BCC (scripts, posters, radio spots, theatre guides)
• Community Theatre Framework and Campaign Rollout: Developed and tested community theatre campaign in at least 3 states
• Media and Stakeholder Engagement Plan: Strategy for media relations, public awareness, and key stakeholder advocacy 
• Training Materials and Workshops: Training sessions for state/federal stakeholders on communication implementation
• Monitoring and Learning Report: Assessment of communication activities, feedback loop, adaptive recommendations 
• Final Report and Knowledge Products: Summary of strategy effectiveness, recommendations, and documented impact.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Advanced University Degree in Communication, Media Studies, Social/Behavioural Sciences, International Development, or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in strategic communications, behaviour change communication, or advocacy for peacebuilding, governance, or DDR-related initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading community-based communication campaigns, particularly in post-conflict or transitional settings.
• Proven use of community theatre, radio, storytelling, and other participatory methods for social change and peace promotion.
• Familiarity with DDR processes, conflict dynamics in Nigeria, and audience segmentation for fragile or conflict-affected populations.
• Excellent writing, facilitation, and visual communication skills.

Assets:

• Knowledge of gender-sensitive communication and countering stigma.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages (Hausa, Kanuri, Fulfulde) is an advantage.
• Experience working with government, civil society, media, and international donors.

Application Closing Date
10th May, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV highlighting relevant experience (maximum 4 pages), a technical proposal outlining approach to strategic communication in DDR (maximum 3 pages), an indication of daily rate, at least one sample of previous relevant work (e.g., campaign strategy, theatre script, media product) and contact details of at least two referees to: nigeria@international-alert.org using the position as the subject of the email.

Note: International Alert encourages applications from qualified individuals from conflict-affected areas, women, youth, and underrepresented groups.