Communication Intern at Mercy Corps

Location: Adamawa, Yola

Duration Of Internship: 12 Months

Intern responsibilities

Intern will remain responsible for all costs associated with:

Accommodation

Living expenses

About Mercy Corps:

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disasters, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action- helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in Nigeria since 2012, focusing its interventions on adolescent girls, empowerment, economic development and conflict mitigation. With the insurgency spilling over from the Northeast of Nigeria and causing displacement of millions of individuals, mercy corps started its humanitarian response in 2014 to address the rising humanitarian needs. With funding from institutional donors, foundations and private corporations, Mercy Corps continues to provide assistance to meet the basic needs of vulnerable populations in the areas of food security, shelter, water and sanitation. With the recognition of the protracted crisis in Northeast Nigeria. Mercy Corps strategy and expansion plans aim to address the root causes of the crisis and seek to build long-term resilience of communities with integrated programs focusing on the recovery of markets and livelihoods, social cohesion and social protection and youth empowerment with emphasis on adolescent girls and boys. With multiple funding streams from large institutional donors and foundations. Mercy Corps programs in Northeast Nigeria continue to scale up and serve communities by transitioning them from humanitarian aid to early recovery programs.

Mercy Corps is looking for a Communication Intern to support the Small Town WASH Activity across 9 Small Towns in 3 States namely Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. The intern will be directly under the supervision of the Chief of Party CoP and working closely with all MEL, programs and support (finance and operations) teams.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the internship period, the intern should have acquired the following skills and knowledge.

• Improved writing, presentation and verbal communications skills.
• Improved knowledge on communications’ best practices for documentation and record-keeping.
• Gain knowledge on developing creative communications materials, taking great photos and making short videos.
• Learn how to work with a diversified team of people and gain knowledge on a variety of humanitarian and development programs.

INTERN’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the development of project brochures, introductory videos, advocacy briefs and increased visibility on trusted media and familiar social media platforms
• Lead on sharing the Project content on Mercy Corps Global internal platforms (workplace pages, The Hub and the Globe) and frequent updates to the country office for dissemination to Mercy Corps Nigeria Internal Platforms.
• Support the development of high-quality project learning briefs, success stories for dissemination.
• Work closely with MCN’s communications Specialist to identify priorities and quick wins around external engagement for the project activity.
• Updating project documents to the program shared drive.
• Support country office visibility and communication initiatives, ensuring that project communication activities meet donor communication and visibility guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations, including security procedures and policies.
• Perform any other function assigned by the supervisor.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• A degree in communication, international development, gender or any related field with experience in communication, would be an advantage.
• Minimum of 1-year experience in volunteering or full-time role
• Experience in the development of program brochures, introductory videos, advocacy briefs.
• Knowledge of program development, implementation and reporting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good computer skills, including experience with communication software.
• Experience in producing films, documentaries, drama skits and other appropriate communication materials.
• Good interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Strong contextual knowledge of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe is required.
• Fluency in written and verbal English is required.
• Fluency in Hausa is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The intern will be expected to work 40 hours a week
• This internship engagement could include travel to field locations to collect images, success stories and other communication content.
• The internship engagement aims at creating learning opportunities and is NOT a guarantee for securing a full time working relationship with Mercy corps.

Mercy Corps interns represent the agency both during and outside of work hours and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have a sustained global impact. 

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

In your statement, you are encouraged to discuss any relevant experience and demonstrate your interest. Your application will be reviewed by the Mercy Corps team and shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for interviews.

Method of Application:

Applicants are encouraged to start their application process by clicking HERE

Female candidates who are qualified are strongly encouraged to apply.