Associate 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: Associate Information and Strategic Communication Expert

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

Background

• As part of efforts to support sustainable peace and the reintegration of ex-combatants and individuals exiting armed and criminal groups in Nigeria, the National DDR Policy Harmonisation and Exit Pathways Project seeks to align existing DDR practices with international norms while contextualising them for Nigerian realities.
• Strategic communication is a key component of this initiative. The communication approach seeks to increase public awareness, drive behavioural change at the community level, counter stigma, and promote the acceptance and reintegration of returnees. Community-led storytelling, theatre, and multimedia campaigns will be central to these efforts.
• To ensure strong coordination and delivery, the project seeks to recruit an Associate Information and Strategic Communication Expert to support the Information and Strategic Communication Expert in designing, implementing, and monitoring strategic communication interventions at both policy and community levels.

Purpose of the Assignment

• The Associate Expert will provide technical and operational support in the development and rollout of strategic communication interventions across the project. 
• The consultant will work closely with the Lead Expert to develop content, facilitate community-based activities, and ensure continuous stakeholder engagement and learning from communication campaigns.

Key Responsibilities
Technical and Operational Support

• Assist in the implementation of the Strategic Communication Strategy, including coordinating field-level activities and stakeholder engagement.
• Support content development for various media platforms—radio, social media, posters, policy briefs, etc.—in line with project messaging frameworks.
• Draft and edit scripts, talking points, and visual materials to support campaigns and community engagement.
• Coordinate logistics and administration for communication-related workshops, trainings, theatre performances, and learning events.

Behavioural Change Communication and Community Engagement:

• Support the organisation and facilitation of community theatre initiatives, town hall storytelling, and participatory dialogue sessions aimed at reconciliation and reintegration.
• Engage with local creatives, theatre groups, and influencers to produce locally relevant messaging and campaigns.
• Liaise with state-based partners, CSOs, youth and women’s groups to ensure inclusive representation in community-based messaging.

Monitoring, Learning and Documentation:

• Assist in tracking communication activities and gathering feedback from community stakeholders and participants.
• Document field insights, good practices, and challenges for learning and adaptive programming.
• Support in maintaining a repository of communication materials and in preparing progress updates and knowledge products.

Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as a liaison state-level partners, supporting timely communication and activity implementation.
• Assist in organising media briefings, press engagements, and public information events.
• Support media monitoring and information gathering on public perception and media coverage of DDR initiatives.

Key Outputs and Deliverables

• Monthly Activity Reports: Summary of support provided, fieldwork conducted, and results achieved
• Community Campaign Activity Briefs: Reports detailing implementation of campaigns or events at the state/community level
• Draft Scripts and Communication Content: Radio scripts, social media content, community theatre drafts, policy communication materials
• Monitoring Data and Feedback Reports: Field observations, community feedback, and communication insights submitted to MEL team
• Documentation of Lessons Learned: Compilation of what worked, challenges and recommendations.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, Media Studies, Development Communication, Sociology, Theatre Arts, or related field. A Master’s degree is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3–5 years’ relevant work experience supporting strategic communication or community engagement projects, preferably in conflict-affected areas.
• Experience working on campaigns related to peacebuilding, deradicalisation, reintegration, or social cohesion.
• Proven ability to facilitate participatory processes and community events, including theatre or grassroots advocacy.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent writing, editing, and visual communication skills.
• Fluency in English; working knowledge of Hausa or other local languages is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, and work in fragile settings.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Spark), and social media platforms is desirable.

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 an updated CV (maximum 3 pages), a brief cover letter describing relevant experience and motivation (maximum 1 pages), at least one sample of communication work or campaign-related material (written or visual) and proposed daily rate and availability to: nigeria@international-alert.org using the position as the subject of the email.

Note: International Alert is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages qualified female candidates and individuals from conflict-affected areas to apply.