Communication and Advocacy Responsible at Anchor for Life Support and Resilience

Background and Rationale

The Communication & Advocacy Responsible will be in charge of raising awareness and promoting the mission, vision, and objectives of ALSAR. ALSAR implements a range of programs related to environmental initiatives, education, livelihoods, and post-conflict peacekeeping. The specialist will play a key role in advocating for these programs, highlighting their importance, impact, and benefits for rural communities in Nigeria. The specialist will develop targeted communication materials and campaigns to ensure that ALSAR's work is clearly understood and embraced by the communities it serves. Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, press releases, and interviews, thereby maximizing positive media coverage and raising public awareness of ALSAR's programs and impact. Conduct research and gather data to support evidence-based advocacy efforts. ALSAR operates in diverse program areas, and effective communication and advocacy efforts require alignment and integration across these areas. The specialist will collaborate closely with program managers and teams to ensure that advocacy messages, communication materials, and strategies align with the objectives and activities of each program.

Overall Objectives of the Communication & Advocacy Responsible for ALSAR:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication and advocacy strategies to raise awareness and support for ALSAR's mission, vision, and programs.
• Advocate for ALSAR's initiatives, influencing policies, mobilizing resources, and fostering partnerships and sponsors to ensure the sustainability and expansion of programs.
• Engage and empower local communities by effectively communicating ALSAR's work, promoting community participation, and addressing their needs and concerns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to maximize positive media coverage and enhance ALSAR's visibility.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication and advocacy activities, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Participate in government agency forums, Donor and INGO cluster meetings, to foster visibility and ensure good representation of the organization image.
• Create plans on how to engage sponsors and donor agencies to the organizations mission.

Major tasks to be accomplished

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication and advocacy strategy aligned with ALSAR's mission and objectives.
• Create engaging and informative content for various platforms, including social media, website, newsletters, and press releases.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, media outlets, and community leaders.
• Identify and participate in relevant advocacy platforms, conferences, and events to promote ALSAR's work and influence policy discussions.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify emerging issues and trends related to ALSAR's programs and develop appropriate communication materials.
• Coordinate and facilitate media engagement, including organizing press conferences, interviews, and media visits to project sites.
• Collaborate with program teams to capture compelling stories, success stories, and impact stories for communication and fundraising purposes.
• Monitor media coverage and public perception of ALSAR, responding to inquiries and managing any reputational risks.
• Support the development and implementation of fundraising campaigns, including donor communication and proposal writing.
• Plan and organize awareness-raising events, workshops, and community engagements to increase visibility and understanding of ALSAR's programs.
• Collaborate with the Monitoring and Evaluation team to measure the impact of communication efforts on program outcomes.
• Support capacity building initiatives for ALSAR staff and partners on communication, advocacy, and media engagement.
• Ensure compliance with ALSAR's branding guidelines and maintain consistency in messaging across all communication channels.
• Use word processing systems to create presentations, prepare work plans, and organize proposal content.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, or a related field. A Master's degree is desirable.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in communication and advocacy, preferably in the non-profit or development sector, with a focus on social issues, environment, education, or peacebuilding.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing successful advocacy and communication campaigns, including media engagement, public relations, and digital communication.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, Kanuri, and Hausa. Ability to convey complex ideas and messages in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.
• Strong networking, relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in using social media platforms, digital tools, and multimedia for communication purposes.
• Knowledge of environmental issues, education, livelihood programs, and post-conflict peacekeeping is desirable.
• Must reside in or be willing to live in Borno state. 
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Note: Female candidates are encouraged to apply.