Communications and Advocacy Officer (Field Visit) at COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale

Purpose of the role

• Under the direction and direct supervision of the Area Coordinator/Project Manager NW, the Communications and Advocacy Officer assists in the development and implementation of communications and advocacy initiatives to raise COOPI's position and recognition among partners, the media, and the general public.
• He or she will be in charge of providing planning and communication support to ensure the efficient and effective execution of project operations. S/he will establish a robust communication tool and offer relevant information to all stakeholders while carrying out her/his obligations. S/he will advocate for and promote COOPI's activities in Sokoto in particular and Nigeria in general, and will collaborate closely with the project team and program cluster, government officials, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities
Supports the development and implementation of project communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as business development with a focus on the following outcomes:

• Implementation of the Project Publications Policy; inputs, content development, coordination of the production and distribution of press releases, publications, articles, and sharing of project expertise and successes.
• Provision of inputs and information for the development of a project communication strategy based on the corporate communications strategy
• Aid in raising awareness of COOPI's mandate and aims through information dissemination and the organization of public events
• In collaboration with the supervisor, plan and prepare marketing and awareness-raising materials such as briefing papers and press releases.
• Provide publicity, advocacy, knowledge-sharing events, and promotional opportunities. Provision of event logistics support.
• Development and creation of marketing and awareness-raising materials, including briefing papers and press releases, in collaboration with supervisor.
• Publicity, advocacy, knowledge-sharing events, and promotional opportunities are all organized. Provision of event logistics support.
• Examine reference materials, identify reference materials for retention. Upkeep of an information database and a photo collection.
• Organization and execution of collaborative UN communication initiatives (World Toilet Day, World Food Day, etc.)
• Liaise with media outlets to ensure that relevant information and messages reach the public, including the preparation of press releases.
• Prepare promotional material on the project, including pamphlets, videos, etc.
• Prepare communication reports for the Project Management Team
• Perform other duties as required.

Ensures the facilitation of knowledge building and management with a focus on the following outcomes:

• Support to colleagues in identification, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned.
• Staff training on effective communication and advocacy will be organized. Lead the knowledge dissemination process at all levels, producing documents that capture the proper stakeholders and knowledge-based products.
• Create internal and external networks or communities of practice that include important professionals from government, non-government organizations, think tanks, private corporations, international development organizations, and the UN agencies
• Map key competencies available in different government agencies and development organizations.
• Provide support to organization of workshops, seminars, training and delivery of outputs (products).
• Coordinates with various government and non-governmental agencies regarding update the project information

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from reputed university in Mass Communications & Journalism, Media Studies, Communications Strategy, Development Communication or relevant discipline.

Experience:

• At least 2-3 years of relevant experience at the national level in providing communication packages to promote the activities of organization, preferably a development organization.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and graphic designing.
• Experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

• Spoken and written fluency in English and Hausa.

Functional Competencies:
Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda:

• Identifies relevant information for advocacy for a variety of audiences
• Makes research of contacts in the media, government, private sector, donors, other agencies, civil society in other stakeholders for COOPI’s advocacy efforts
• Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
• Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things
• Documents innovative strategies and new approaches

Job Knowledge / Technical Expertise:

• Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

Creating Visibility for COOPI:

• Disseminate information and materials on COOPI’s development/humanitarian activities
• Maintains networks and knowledge assets for use in visibility and image activities
• Identifies relevant information for advocacy for COOPI

Client Orientation:

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients
• Responds to client needs promptly

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative-taking
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Creating synergies through self-control
• Managing conflict
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others.
• Informed and transparent decision making
• Required Skills and Experience.