Advocacy and Engagement Officer at Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN PROJECT)

The Advocacy and Engagement Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing advocacy strategies and strengthening community and stakeholder engagement across all EYN Projects programs. The role ensures that the voices, needs, and priorities of affected populations are effectively represented in program design, policy dialogue, and decision-making processes.
He/she will work closely with program teams, communications, protection, and management to promote inclusive participation, accountability, and visibility of EYN Projects’ work.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Advocacy and engagement Officer’s primary responsibilities include the following:

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement advocacy and engagement strategies aligned with organizational priorities and humanitarian principles;
• Identify key advocacy issues from field programs and community feedback, and support evidence-based messaging;
• Engage with community leaders, civil society organizations, government stakeholders, and partners to strengthen collaboration and influence positive change;
• Organize and facilitate community meetings, dialogue sessions, and stakeholder forums to promote participation and inclusion;
• Support program teams in integrating community engagement and accountability approaches throughout the project cycle;
• Develop advocacy materials including briefs, reports, case studies, and success stories;
• Represent EYN Projects in coordination meetings, working groups, and advocacy platforms;
• Monitor and analyze policy developments and humanitarian trends relevant to program areas;
• Strengthen feedback mechanisms between communities and the organization to ensure two-way communication;
• Promote inclusion of gender, protection, and disability considerations in advocacy and engagement activities;
• Collaborate with communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and visibility;
• Support capacity building of staff and community structures on advocacy and engagement approaches;
• Ensure documentation, reporting, and learning on advocacy initiatives;
• Maintain ethical standards, confidentiality, and do-no-harm principles in all engagement activities.

CORE BEHAVIOURS

• Applying humanitarian principles: Ensure advocacy efforts align with accountability, neutrality, and community-centered approaches;
• Achieving results effectively: Deliver impactful advocacy outcomes and meaningful engagement processes;
• Collaborative relationships: Build strong partnerships and trust with communities and stakeholders;
• Operating safely and securely: Identify and mitigate risks in advocacy and engagement activities;
• Working under pressure: Demonstrate flexibility, integrity, and professionalism;
• Leadership: Show initiative, creativity, and the ability to influence and inspire change.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Political Science, Communications, International Relations, or related field;
• At least 3–5 years of relevant experience in advocacy, community engagement, or communications in humanitarian or development contexts;
• Proven experience working with communities, stakeholders, and coordination platforms;
• Experience in policy engagement, campaigning, or influencing is an added advantage;
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles, protection, and accountability frameworks;
• Experience in conflict or emergency settings is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to develop clear advocacy messages and materials;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Experience in stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies;
• Good report writing and presentation skills;
• Ability to work independently and within a team;
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse communities;
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of Hausa and/or Kanuri is an advantage.