Job purpose
The Campaigns, External Communications and SBCC Specialist) is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of all communications-related programmes and activities for Malaria Consortium’s Nigeria (MCN) Country Office. In collaboration with relevant team members, the incumbent will develop and apply evidence based strategies to achieve the purpose of programme communication, knowledge management, advocacy, and external relations. A key aspect of this purpose is to ensure an appropriate level of visibility for Malaria Consortium among stakeholders and partners
Scope of work
The SCM is responsible for communication efforts of the organisation including public health communications (PHC), external communications(ER) and knowledge management (KM). The SCM support is embedded at the country and project levels, and it is evident in the outcome of strategic behaviour change communication, how knowledge generated by the organisation is documented and shared, and how the organisation is seen externally, by donors, partners and stakeholders.
Key working relationships
The SCM works internally in Nigeria with the Country Director, the Country Programme Manager, the Country Technical Coordinator, Project Managers, and senior technical and programme staff of projects. The SCM is particularly key to ensuring smooth productive relationship and technical support to the country technical team and communication lead person on MCN supported projects and programmes. At the regional and global level, the SCM works with the PHC cluster, and the ER teams of MCN respectively. Key external relationships include selected donors, partners, and networks as relevant, international and local NGOs.
Key accountabilities
Team oversight and Influence (20%)
- Oversee all PHC, advocacy and external communication efforts relevant to the Nigeria programme, including timely and responsive technical advice both remotely and by on-site visits to country and project teams, as required
- Participate as member of the MC/PHC cluster at the global level to ensure documentation and exchange of learning, results and experiences within the PHC community of practice
- In collaboration with MC/UK ER team, ensure effective positioning of the organisation, as a leader of thought in relation to MCN’s vision and mission, including sharing organisational knowledge and learning
- Act as an organizational resource point for programme communications and external relations for MCN
Strategic Design and Management (65%)
- Develop, review, and coordinate implementation an organizational communications strategies for Malaria Consortium’s Nigeria Country Office
- Contribute to the development of proposals through provision of technical leadership in the design of the communications components of new projects
- Participate as an active member of MCN’s country office team in meetings, internal seminars and other technical and administrative discussions
- Provide hands-on support the development and review of project specific communication strategies, ensuring that they incorporate best practices, and innovative approaches, based on evidence or priority gaps in evidence. Support project managers in implementing their communication strategies in a timely and efficient manner.
- Oversee the development, testing, and production of evidence based and audience-centred PHC products, tools and messages (in print and audio-visual formats)
- Contribute and/or support the development of information, materials and field stories to the country level, to share with MC/UK external communications teams for dissemination to internal and external audiences, at local, and international levels
- Support country and project teams to review and produce programme reports, capacity building / training materials, films and other documents, as required
- Provide quality assurance for in-country communication activities, production of tools and materials by external contractors/agencies/vendors. Provide technical oversight to communication leads in MCN project teams, including selection of communication specialist and officers
- Lead in ensuring compliance with branding and marketing demands of donors for materials production, and delivery of communications activities, cognizant and mindful of MC’s brand requirements
- Ensure project communication experiences are appropriately documented and disseminated. Support project managers to develop and implement project specific documentation and dissemination plans internally across MC and externally
- Maintain an up-to-date archive of all communications outputs generated by the team (including news releases, printed materials and photos), to make accessible and available as appropriate
- Ensure quality assurance and value for money for in-country communications activities; work with project managers to capitalize on synergies related to communication activities within and outside MC, including promotion of cross-project learning
- In collaboration with relevant country team members, ensure effective monitoring and evaluation processes are in place, in support of country office and projects communication efforts. Ensure all communication strategies and activities are effectively monitored and evaluated; and activities are adjusted or adapted according to findings
External engagement and partnerships (15%)
- Provide communication and related technical support to the FMOH / NMEP, other authorities, and partners in policy and strategy development, planning for implementation, reviews/ evaluations
- Act as the key media liaison and public relations person for MC, coordinating with the Country Director, Nigeria technical team or UK-based external communications and advocacy team of MC, as necessary and appropriate
- Contribute to identifying funding opportunities and providing technical inputs in the design process of new projects and writing proposals and reports to donor
Person specification
Qualifications and experience:
Essential
- Master degree and/or significant work experience with emphasis on public health strategic communication, public relations or media, in context of Nigeria/Africa, and with some marketing communication experience
- Substantial experience (minimum 7 years) in a managerial role in public health communications, external relations, marketing principles, or relevant discipline, in the development sector in Nigeria/Africa
- Experience communicating about malaria, or other communicable/tropical diseases
- Able to articulate advocacy, social mobilization and behaviour change interventions in strategic communication planning
- Strong skills in strategic planning and project management, adequate understanding of development issues, with experience in the health sector
- Adequate team management/leadership skills, with experience of building teams
- Excellent both verbal and written communication skills, with ability to adapt to meet the needs of different audiences
- Adequate experience of media engagement and management
- Sound knowledge of coordination of process for design, development and production of print and electronic materials and tools for PHC, ER and KM
- Strong skills and experience in applying appropriate research and evaluation methods for communication programmes
Desirable
- Familiarity with public health programmes, including disease control or malaria control programmes in Africa and Nigeria
- Familiarity with the process of production/editing of multi-media outputs, including films
- Experience of using effective marketing approaches for organisational positioning
- Good experience in developing and delivering training and capacity building, particularly in multi-cultural contexts
- Knowledge of donors, networks and other agencies involved in the NGO, preferably national/regional health, sector
- Familiarity of new media and new technologies for communications outreach
- Familiarity with working in the public and private sector for developing demand creation and marketing strategies, products, and tools
- Familiar with information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their application in behaviour change and communication
Work-based skills and competencies:
Essential
- Strong ability to work independently and take initiative, as well as to work effectively as part of a decentralized team
- Strong capacity to analyse and use empirical evidence and qualitative data
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English AND French, especially report writing and presentation skills
- Ability to represent MC externally, to high professional standards
- Strong writing /editing skills and general attention to detail
- Good experience in developing M&E systems for communications
- Ability to handle multi-tasking under high pressure situations with speed and accuracy
- Computer literate in using Microsoft Office programmes (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
- Willing to undertake reasonable additional duties and responsibilities as requested
Desirable
- Network driving and coordination skills
- Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation methods
- Familiarity with working in the public and private sector for developing demand creation and marketing strategies, products, and tools
- Familiar with information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their application in behaviour change and communication
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