Communications Officer at Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA)

Project Background

• Grassroots Researchers Association (GRA), situated in 3 States in Northeastern Nigeria – in consortium with Dr. Denis Mukwege Foundation (The Hague, Netherlands) and Youth Initiative against Terrorism based (Yobe State, Nigeria) – has launched a twenty-four (24) month project funded by the European Union (EU), as represented by European Commission.
• The Project aims to support conflict-affected youth in Northeastern Nigeria to participate in a meaningful and structured way, at local and national levels, in conflict prevention, the protection of civilians, peace-building, mediation and conflict resolution efforts, actively promoting the rights of the most vulnerable in society, and therefore supporting the attainment of SDG 16 on promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies.

Job Summary

• The Communications Officer would support the design, development and implement effective systems of communications and visibility base on EU-financed external action that states requirement for implementing partners.
• S/he would support the communication planning criteria, branding strategies, visibility resources, online communications and visibility in the area of website management, social media and electronic newsletters, articles and related blogs.
• The officer must have an exceptional experience in information campaigns, press and media with clear understanding of photography, videography, news writing, impact and success stories.
• S/he must have a sound knowledge of copyright notice, visual identity rules, use of emblems and standard operational procedures that is widely accepted.

Key Responsibilities
Communication & Visibility:

• Develop a clear communication and visibility criteria in line with EU-requirement and GRA’s communication policies.
• Must use accurate and factual information’s on context -appropriate communication channels aligned with EU- overall objective in Nigeria.
• Implement efficient and logical communication flowchart on websites and social media accounts to promote information about the EU-financed project in all the states.
• Institute online communication and visibility with appropriately formatted content and visuals for publication on the relevant EU website and social media.
• Work with local coordination committee (LCC) and International Coordination Committee (ICC) to review, analyse and approve contents on Newsletters, leaflets, brochures and other printed materials.
• Keep abreast with the latest developments in communication branding on banners, commemorative plaques, vehicles, supplies and equipment’s.

Communication Strategies:

• Provide technical support and advice on public relations and communications at field offices;
• Assist in the coordination of initiatives that enhance communication with key stakeholders and facilitate the use of appropriate media to generate visibility for GRA’s brand among external audiences;
• Support the development of documentation and dissemination of experiences, lessons learnt, impact stories, best practices and case studies;
• Assist in taking and editing pictures, audio and video recordings for documentation purposes and for sharing with partners and key stakeholders;
• Assist in the production of newsletters, materials, publicity materials such as brochures, pamphlets, documentaries, annual reports and special publications etc. as directed by management;
• Assist in maintaining GRA’s official social media platform sites (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) and keep them current, relevant, updated and interactive, while ensuring implementation of emergent platforms;
• Assist in designing promotional publications, including graphic arts and photography for GRA;
• Develop press materials including press statements and releases, and information kits/fact sheets;
• Actively work with regional staff on content gathering based on data analysis and learning generated from projects;
• Support Program Manager and regional team in content review for regional/public outreach materials.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree (minimum), or a Master’s Degree (desirable), in Information Technology or relevant subject, preferably with specialisation in Communication.
• A minimum of 5 years of work experience with at least 3 years of experience in Information Technology.
• Experience in using modern communication tools, systems and technology.
• Demonstrable experience of designing Communication tools, media and engagement.
• Proficiency in photography and video editing software and tools.