Jobs at Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa)

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Development Communications Specialist will lead and implement an effective communication strategy at LITE-Africa and will be the point person for all internal and external communications. S/he will be responsible for sharing timely and regular information with stakeholders, communicating project results, and to obtain all necessary information during visits to communities/ conferences. S/he will report directly to the Senior Programs Manager and the Adviser of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships (BDSP) to transform data and reports into exciting and useful messages to disseminate to donors, beneficiaries, and supporters. We expect the person hired to commit to the position for at least 2 years.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and analyze on a regular basis the communication needs of the stakeholders (Staff, Donor Agencies, and Community Members) and develop appropriate materials to address and respond to such needs
• Work closely with the Adviser, BDSP to manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, annual report, e-newsletters, LITE-Africa’s website, and LITE-Africa’s Social Media outlets (Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, etc)
• Prepare regular and periodic press releases, statements on local, national and global issues in line with the mission and vision of the organisation
• Liaise with traditional and print/electronic media persons on promotion of the project activities
• Organize media events such as press conferences, talk show interviews, etc
• Coordinate the development and production of IEC materials with the various programme officers, management (for approval) and stakeholders to ensure quality and timely dissemination
• Assist Senior Programs Manager and Adviser, BDSP in researching background information for funding opportunities, latest best practices resources and training materials related to the organization’s thematic areas
• Promote positive culture and image of the organization for greater visibility and access to the target population
• Work with Adviser, BDSP to monitor and evaluate the implementation of LITE Africa’s communication strategy
• Work with Webmistress on website management by posting content and ensuring website is updated on a regular basis
• Work with Webmistress to develop a comprehensive contact and subscription lists; circulate online and hard copy newsletters to them periodically
• Track and respond to inquiries from the general public from our website and other medium as appropriate
• Any other duties given by the Senior Programmes Manager and Adviser, BDSP

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, Development Communication, Social work, Development studies, International Development and/ or another related field; a Masters degree will be an added advantage
• At least 2 years of professional experience working in development communication in an NGO or other relevant reputable institutions
• Sound knowledge in website development and management; experience on the use of Joomla web applications will be an added advantage
• Sound knowledge and experience of computer application including word, excel, publisher and Corel draw and graphics design
• Experience in development of newsletter, IEC materials and policy briefs
• Ability to interact with other stakeholders, coordinate, take other views into consideration and adapt to external constraints
• Excellent reporting skills and spoken English is essential
• Experience in communication and media relations, media campaigns and promotional materials development
• Experience in using a wide range of communication tools in print, electronic, social media as well as public relations
• Ability to travel widely including riverine communities
• Experience in working with grassroots communities, private sectors, NGOs and multilaterals and bilateral development agencies and government

Please forward your Cover Letter, CV, and salary requirements in ENGLISH to jobs@lite-africa.org by December 8, 2015. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO PUT THE NAME OF THIS POSITION AS THE SUBJECT OF YOUR EMAIL.

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About the Internship

Timing for the internship is flexible – we are open to having interns on a rolling basis throughout the year, although our maximum would be hosting two interns at any time. Minimum time for an internship would be 3 months, while longer commitments are welcome.

This is an unpaid internship; estimates of the costs associated with the internship (travel, food, misc) have been included below. LITE will assist with all logistical issues. Because of the challenging nature of this region, the successful intern will have demonstrated developing world experience. This opportunity is primarily intended for graduate students, although exceptions may be made for outstanding undergraduate students.

Interns will support the work of the organization in the following capacities:

• Provide support in the implementation of several ongoing projects.
• Assist in the proposal development process including producing sections of proposals.
• Produce research on topics of interest to the organization and produce relevant articles.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and collaborate in the development of best practices.
• Update the organization’s website and social media outlets.
• Collate and assemble materials for various communication purposes.
• Provide editorial support to staff.

For interns interested in research, there is also the potential for support and guidance related to academic research that interns want to conduct while living in the region. Interns are encouraged to engage in other projects that will enhance their internship; additionally other duties may be assigned by management from time to time.

Some of LITE-Africa’s Past and Current Projects

Promoting Effective Niger Delta Institutions through Improved Social Accountability (PENDISA)- LITE-Africa is implementing a Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement project (SACE) in Delta and Ondo States aimed at improving effectiveness of the Niger Delta Institutions in the area of good governance, transparency and accountability. This intervention will strengthen relationships between Niger Delta communities and institutions peculiar to the Niger Delta through the sharing of information from the Citizens Report Card (CRC) which become effective instruments for strengthening citizen voice for greater accountability in services delivery. Financed by USAID/PIND.

Strengthening Youth Engagement in Development (SYED) programme: LITE Africa implemented a Dawn in the Creeks Project (DITC) in Delta state which seeks to address the risk of destabilizing violence in the Niger Delta during the 2015 election period by promoting nonviolence approaches to community problem solving and changing the narratives of the Niger Delta. This was done by conducting a training on Conflict Transformation, Civic education and Advocacy for 120 community youths to enable them develop strategies of transforming violent conflict into opportunity for peaceful co-existence. A football for peace competition was hosted among project communities to promote confidence across perceived 11 social divisions. Financed by US Department of State Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations through Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN).

Shell (SPDC) and Chevron (CNL) GMOU Deployment and Community Engagement Implementation – Programs involve building capacities of local communities to negotiate with SPDC and CNL regarding their new community engagement strategy, known as Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMOU). Projects during 2012 include mentoring and technical support to 5 CBOs formed through the GMoU and tasked with receiving and channeling funding received from oil companies operating in their communities.

Oxfam Novib Livelihood and Governance Program (ONLAG) – A program funded by Oxfam Novib that aims at enhancing existing livelihoods and providing alternative livelihoods to local communities, as a means of reducing poverty and increasing household disposable income. It has a component that focuses on governance and gender issues. The project began as a 2-year pilot project in 10 communities of Delta and Bayelsa States. The project was expanded for an additional 3 years, and 10 new communities in 2011. In 2012, we will assist community residents advocate for increased participation of women in community governance structures, develop and disseminate a comprehensive citizen report card assessing issues of governance, public service delivery and development in the 20 communities. Finally, we will provide livelihood, leadership, literacy and business management training to participants. Financed by Oxfam Novib.

Tomorrow is a New Day- Search for Common Ground received funding from European Commission’s Instrument for Stability for the implementation of this program. NIDPRODEV was recruited as an implementing partner for project activities in Delta State. The program aims at supporting community-level conflict resolution, reconciliation and reintegration of ex-militants and promoting peace in six trend setting communities across the Niger Delta. It will also facilitate community access to information and dialogue through the establishment of community radio stations in six communities of Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States. During 2012, we will assist in trauma healing assessments, facilitate advocacy training for women and youth and design and carry out a series of solidarity activities. Financed by the European Union; Managed by Search for Common Ground.

Integrated Emergency Recovery Project – LITE Africa is implementing an Integrated Emergency Response Program (IERP) in Bomadi and Patani Local Government Areas in Delta-State in Nigeria funded by ECHO an European Union agency, through CAFOD and Catholic Relief Services. This is in response to devastating floods that hit the Niger Delta region of Nigeria in September 2012 causing extensive damage to livelihood means and assets. The objective of the programme is to enable the most vulnerable households affected by the flood recover their livelihoods in selected communities in Delta State. This programme hopes to achieve this through Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) intervention targeting 1200 Households, Agricultural Livelihood intervention targeting 800 Households and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). The most vulnerable Households are to be targeted throughn6 selected communities. LITE Africa is focused on UCT and Livelihoods interventions and target a total of 2000 Households.

Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights – This programme is to design and facilitate comprehensive training programme on the VPs, human rights issues, leadership development and Conflict Management for the General Security Force (GSF), Joint Task Force (JTF), and to other Security Services Provided on an annual basis to organizations in Nigeria.

Strengthening the Capacity of Security Forces on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights in the Niger Delta – A program funded by National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Strengthening the capacities of security forces on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights in the Niger Delta is an intervention that seeks to equip security personnel that operate in the Niger Delta region with a human rights framework to guide their work. These security officials include members of Joint Task Force (JTF) and Police who guide the oil pipelines across the communities and other security officials contracted by the oil companies.

A Call to Action: Engaging all Stakeholders on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights – A program funded by Australian Aid. This programme is aimed at persuading the Nigerian Federal Government to sign on to the VPs through a VP Call to Action and also to increase the awareness of the VPs in Nigeria through trainings, workshop and advocacy meetings.

Grant writing and fundraising – We will be researching availability for grants and other sources of funds for a variety of our programs during 2015-2016. This will involve contacting various grant making organizations and foundations and writing proposals to access opportunities to expand our activities.

Financial Information Associated with LITE-Africa Internship

Costs assumed by intern:

• Roundtrip travel from USA/Europe to Warri (typically $1400 - $1900)
• Hotel /transfers in Abuja or Lagos if needed ($75 - $125)
• Food in Warri ($50 - $150/week depending on preference of local vs. western type of food)
• Local transport unrelated to work (depends on situation)
• Nigerian visa (approx. $160)
• Vaccinations (depends on insurance and how many needed)
• Anti-malarial drugs (depends on insurance and how many needed)
• Laptop (suggest interns bring personal laptop if possible)

Costs assumed by LITE-Africa:

• All costs for business trips
• Lunches on workdays
• Local transport related to work
• Housing in Warri
• Management costs for training
• Management time to support research project

LITE-Africa Intern Application

Thank you for your interest in being an intern with Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment – LITE formerly NIDPRODEV. We appreciate your interest in spending time in the Niger Delta. Before completing these questions, please be sure to review the LITE-Africa Intern Information found above and the LITE website http://lite-africa.org/.

We recommend you view the trailer you’ll find on the Video Gallery page of the documentary Sweet Crude, which you can find at http://www.sweetcrudemovie.com/videoGallery.php. LITE was the Nigerian advisor for this documentary, and our Executive Director, Mr. Joel Bisina is the narrator.

The information sources noted above will give you a good background on the situation in which you will be operating if you are accepted as an intern.

Please answer the questions below in whatever length you feel appropriate.

1) What school do you attend, are you graduate or undergraduate, what are you studying, and when do you anticipate graduating?
2) How does your current academic program/coursework and past experiences prepare you for this opportunity?
3) Why are you interested in having an internship related to the Niger Delta?
4) What aspects of your research about the Niger Delta have been most impactful to you?
5) Are there particular projects from LITE-Africa’s project list that you are interested in being involved in?
6) Have you ever spent time in an overseas location where there was an ongoing history of conflict? How did you handle your personal security in that situation?
7) Do you plan to work on research or other projects while you are in Nigeria, other than those you will be working on with LITE? If so, please describe in detail, including the anticipated travel/logistics support you will need, and the amount of time you anticipate needing to devote to that work.
8) If accepted, what dates are you available to be in Nigeria?
9) Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

Please submit completed questionnaire and a resume to jobs@lite-africa.org or to the Finance and Administrative Manager, Mr. Tolu Oyero at tolu@lite-africa.org – There is no fixed deadline for applications – internship slots will be filled on a first come first served basis as qualified candidates are identified and are able to arrange funding to cover expenses.