Advocacy and Community Engagement Manager at Nigeria Health Watch

Job Description

• The Advocacy and Community Engagement Manager will play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria Health Watch's mission by leading the development and implementation of effective advocacy strategies across all projects. 
• S/he will lead the development/review and drive the implementation of a comprehensive Nigeria Health Watch advocacy and community engagement Strategy and Plan to enhance our work's quality, efficiency and impact at the subnational and grassroots level. 
• S/he will work closely with the New Business Development team to ensure that proposals adequately cover community mobilisation and engagement functions. 
• S/he will ensure stakeholder engagement and buy-in of stakeholders at all levels, including policymakers at national and subnational levels, communities and accountability structures (traditional, local community leaders, groups), etc., toward meeting the objectives of the projects Nigeria Health Watch implements. S/he will work towards the commitment, participation, ownership and support of stakeholders, including local authorities and community members, in program implementation.
• This position requires a dynamic and results-oriented individual with a strong understanding of the Nigerian public health landscape and a proven track record of success in advocacy and community engagement initiatives hinged on improving maternal health outcomes and Primary Health Care service delivery.

Scope of Services
Advocacy Strategy Lead & Development:

• Develop and implement comprehensive advocacy strategies aligned with Nigeria Health Watch's strategic priorities and project objectives.
• Conduct thorough situation analyses and stakeholder mapping to identify key stakeholders, power centres, and advocacy opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, civil society organisations (CSOs), community-based organisations (CBOs) and the media.
• Ensure evidence-based advocacy and the conduct and use of research evidence to inform policy advocacy strategies.
• Lead the development of high-quality advocacy materials, including policy briefs, presentations, media releases, and public service announcements.
• Represent Nigeria Health Watch at relevant policy dialogues, conferences, and other advocacy platforms.

Community Engagement:

• Oversee the development and implementation of effective community engagement strategies across all projects.
• Strengthen Nigeria Health Watch's engagement at the subnational level by building relationships with local communities CBOs and CSOs.
• Facilitate community mobilisation and awareness-raising campaigns on key public health issues.
• Support the development and implementation of community-based interventions to improve health outcomes.
• Develop and implement strategies for the use of community media to drive community engagement objectives.
• Work with relevant teams to generate evidence on community perceptions, knowledge, attitudes and practices on health policies and behaviours to inform community engagement activities.
• Ensure translation of data generated at the community level upward to adoption and use at state and national levels.

Capacity Building:

• Design and implement capacity-building approaches and strategies targeted at improving community-level involvement in health policies and practice implementation at the subnational level.
• Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to CSOs and CBOs on advocacy, community engagement, and other relevant skills.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and peer learning among CSOs and CBOs.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of community-level capacity-building initiatives.

Project Management:

• Ensure the implementation of advocacy and community engagement activities, using project management tools to track and report on progress.
• Contribute to the development of project proposals and work plans.
• Monitor project progress and ensure timely and effective delivery of project activities.
• Prepare regular progress reports and other relevant documentation.
• Contribute to the development and management of project budgets.

Research & Analysis:

• Conduct research and analysis on relevant public health issues and policy developments.
• Monitor and analyse the policy environment and identify emerging trends.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and other channels.

Editorial:

• Contribute to the publication of well-researched editorials that address key issues in the global health sector, reaffirming Nigeria Health Watch's position as a thought leader.
• Continuously stay updated on the most current and relevant health issues, ensuring that our editorials reflect forward-thinking knowledge and successfully contribute to public health discourse.
• Develop an editorial that informs and influences, positioning Nigeria Health Watch as a key source of health sector analysis and commentary that interrogates policy and public perception.

General:

• Network with people in the health and media sectors and see how we can use those contacts for the benefit of the organization.
• Undertake additional tasks as assigned or needed.

Essential Competence & Skills

• Master’s Degree in Public Health, Public Policy, International Development, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience leading/implementing advocacy work in Nigeria's public health development space.
• Proven experience developing and implementing successful advocacy campaigns, including policy and advocacy briefs, community mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, CSOs, and the media.
• Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis software.
• Experience working with and building the capacity of CSOs is highly desirable.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams, set priorities, and achieve results.
• Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including communicating complex information clearly and concisely.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to build and maintain trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Strong commitment to achieving results and exceeding expectations.