Communication and Advocacy Officer at Community Engagement & Social Development Initiative (CESDI)

Community Engagement & Social Development Initiative (CESDI) is a non-governmental organization committed to the sustainable livelihood of under privileged women, children and youth. CESDI is duly registered with the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) since 2014. The Organization is involved in community development, capacity building, economic empowerment, social counseling, social mobilization, raising awareness/ education on health and conflict resolution/peace building initiatives.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Communication and Advocacy Officer

Location: Damaturu, Yobe
Job type: Full-time (Onsite)
Contract Duration: 23 Months (Fixed Term)
Reports to: Project Manager
Funding Partner: Action Against Hunger (ACF) / CARE International

Position Summary

• The Communication and Advocacy Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing communications, visibility, and advocacy strategies for the RESILAC*2 project.
• The post-holder will amplify project impact, ensure compliance with donor visibility requirements, and support policy engagement with local and state stakeholders to advance the project's social cohesion and resilience objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a project Communication and Visibility Plan in line with ACF, CARE, AFD, and EU visibility requirements.
• Produce high-quality communication materials including press releases, newsletters, brochures, success stories, case studies, and social media content.
• Document project activities, good practices, and human interest stories through compelling narratives, photos, and multimedia content.
• Manage project social media platforms, website updates, and digital communication channels.
• Support the organization and documentation of project events including workshops, community activities, launches, and stakeholder meetings.
• Develop and manage an advocacy strategy targeting local government, state authorities, traditional leaders, and relevant policy audiences.
• Facilitate advocacy engagements with state ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to promote policy changes aligned with RESILAC*2 objectives.
• Support community sensitization campaigns and public awareness activities on project themes including MHPSS, WASH, livelihoods, and social cohesion.
• Liaise with media houses, journalists, and communication networks to enhance project visibility.
• Ensure all communications are sensitive to context, conflict-sensitive, gender-responsive, and adhere to protection principles (Do No Harm).
• Compile communication inputs for donor reports and consortium communication products.
• Maintain a photo/video and documentation library for project reference and reporting.
• Contribute to proposal development, concept notes, and learning products.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, advocacy, or media relations in the development or humanitarian sector.
• Demonstrated ability to produce engaging written and visual communication materials.
• Experience with donor visibility requirements (EU, AFD, or similar) is highly desirable.
• Experience in advocacy and policy engagement with government institutions in Nigeria.
• Knowledge of Northeast Nigeria's socio-political context is a strong advantage.
• Proficiency in graphic design tools (Adobe, Canva) and video editing is an added advantage.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills in English.
• Strong photography and/or videography skills.
• Proficiency in social media management and digital communication.
• Creative, proactive, and detail-oriented approach to work.
• Knowledge of Hausa language is a strong asset.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send a Cover Letter, detailed CV, and copies of relevant Certificates to: humanresourcesunit@cesdinitiative.org with "Communication and Advocacy Officer – RESILAC*2" as the subject of the email.

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from Yobe State are strongly encouraged.
• CESDI promotes zero tolerance of fraud, sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. All staff are required to adhere to our organizational Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies.