National Communication and Advocacy Officer at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Job Summary

The Advocacy & Communications Officer is responsible for coordinating communication of various project activities in JRS Nigeria. Under the supervision of the Head of Programmes, the Advocacy & Communications Officer will lead effective information management and JRS Nigeria advocacy and communication activities across the project locations. The incumbent will produce media and communication products for JRS Nigeria and in line with donor guidelines for the purpose of documenting impact in communities to increase the organization’s visibility and fundraising opportunities. The Advocacy & Communications Officer will provide information management support across the sectors to enable JRS Nigeria to accompany, serve and advocate for the rights of displaced persons in the country.  The position will provide technical support to project staff to generate impact stories of JRS Nigeria humanitarian and development interventions in the communities.  The role will support development and implementation of internal and external communications strategy, write and disseminate publicity material, coordinate promotional events, write and distribute content to promote organization's activities.

Key Responsibilities of the Position

• The primary function of the Advocacy & Communications Officer will be to support JRS Nigeria’s humanitarian response by coordinating advocacy actions and policy and media related communications within the organization, designing and implementing the advocacy and communication strategy under the guidance of the Head of Programmes, and producing content for advocacy, media and external relations purposes.
• The suitable candidate should have strong leadership, analysis and communication skills, be able to represent JRS Nigeria effectively and drive its advocacy objectives among relevant stakeholders.
• S/he will have strong understanding of operating context, humanitarian standards and principles and be passionate of the JRS Nigeria’s vision and mission.
• The Advocacy & Communications Officer will also represent JRS Nigeria and contribute to inter-agency advocacy and communication activities and capacity building, in line with JRS Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability and humanitarian principles, including provision of information about JRS Nigeria’s advocacy activities to all stakeholders as advised by the Head of Programmes.
• S/he will report to the Head of Programmes and will work closely with and be supported by the program team in Abuja, the Project Directors and from JRS regional and international offices.
• Based on JRS Nigeria strategy and JRS Nigeria International Strategy, develop advocacy and communications materials that protect the rights of the people we serve, focusing on women and girls and bringing positive change to their lives.
• With the support of the Head of Programmes and regional and international offices develop communication strategy, reflecting evolution and realities of the local context.
• Provide JRS Nigeria with information products in support of the advocacy and communication activities.
• Ensure representation of JRS Nigeria at policy/advocacy forums, including coordinating with other INGOs on the development of advocacy messages/materials aimed at producing a more effective response to key issues faced in Nigeria, including food security/nutrition, protection/GBV, humanitarian access, access to education, peace-building, and humanitarian architecture and response in-country.
• Participate in the development of project proposals to ensure that potential advocacy issues are identified and included in program design and implementation approaches.
• Gather information and develop policy positions and briefing papers for public and internal use, strengthening evidence-based advocacy and contributing to organizational learning.
• Analysis of filed information and using them to inform key stakeholders on evolving humanitarian situation in North-East Nigeria.
• Using data and information generated to develop key messages, positions and talking points to guide discussions on the humanitarian situation affecting the people in Nigeria.
• With support of the program team, design and develop an annual report of JRS Nigeria activities and program around the country.
• Coordinate efforts to increase JRS Nigeria visibility and online presence through a website, pamphlets, Facebook, Twitter and other relevant social media.
• Prepare and disseminate press releases, updates, photos features or human-interest stories – primarily for distribution externally (e.g., the media or other agencies, for CI members’ communications). This activity will include visits to JRS Nigeria’s field offices to conduct interviews, gather observations and take photographs and record videos.
• Serve as focal point on all media matters and respond to, prioritize and co-ordinate media requests and support the Head of Programmes in all internal and external communications activities. This will include development of articles, columns, and materials for use with stakeholders.
• Contributing to program quality efforts, by the capacity of local staff on advocacy and communications through sustained communication and sharing of JRS Nigeria policies and standards and integrating advocacy objectives within the operational and programmatic objectives.
• Travel frequently to field projects to pro-actively and re-actively obtain and pitch resources. Gather and prepare communication materials for input into the document management software and online photos and video databases (photos, video footage, stories, quotes, programme updates, reports, interviews).
• Write, edit, and distribute content, including publications, press releases, website content, annual reports, speeches, and other marketing material that communicates the organization's activities and services.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with journalists and maintain a media database.
• Seek opportunities to enhance the reputation of JRS humanitarian field activities, and coordinate publicity events as required.
• Experience writing press releases, articles for the website and content for social media 
• Professional experience in the production and edition of audiovisual content (photo and video).
• Maintain records of media coverage and collate analytics and metrics.

Required Profile

Qualification

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant discipline including Mass Communications, International Relations, Media & Journalism. A master’s degree in any related field will be an added advantage.
• 3-5 years’ experience in a similar role working in a humanitarian or development sector.

Experience and Skills

• Adhere to JRS values and abide by the code of conduct and other policies.
• Knowledge of desktop publishing software (InDesign/Photoshop).
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Experience of and commitment to working with marginalized communities and groups
• Excellent knowledge and fluency in English
• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with the PSEA and Child safeguarding policies.
• Experience with virtual learning environments and/or the aptitude to learn to use a new LMS.
• Ability to work proficiently with Microsoft Office

Qualities

• Adhere to JRS values and abide by the code of conduct and other policies.
• Commitment to JRS mission, vision and values; ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’ role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity.
• High integrity, honesty, and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information.
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value.
• Respect for the role played by faith in the lives of communities and individuals served, and for the faith-based identity of JRS.
• Ability and experience to work in a multi-cultural environment, with strong cultural and inter-religious sensitivity and understanding.
• Sensitivity to circumstances, situations, and people.