Communications Officer at Yobe Peace and Community Development Initiative (YOPCODI)

Job Summary:

The Communications Officer will work closely with the YOPCODI’s Management, Board and support both the Implementation of its Project. He/She will create content and to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging, and a strong brand identity for the projects. He/She will use effective communications channels to reach the project stakeholders, including the participants, government, media, and the donors. Key tasks would include developing stories, designing communications materials, multimedia and reports as required, as well as ensuring YOPCODI’s compliance with donor branding and marking requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Write, design and manage the production of creative and compelling communication materials – stories, photos, video, factsheets, banners, posters etc. - for various audiences, including the community and state governments, local Church, partners, media and others as needed;
• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with YOPCODI program quality principles and standards, donors’ requirements, and legal practices;
• Support the dissemination of relevant information among personnel, partners, and project participants or other relevant actors related to the project;
• Support project team to learn from and demonstrate the impact of project work including contributing to learning processes for all the project sector areas;
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities;
• Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on best practices;
• Provide communications support for events, including banners, handouts, talking points, photos, liaising with media, etc., and convene local media whenever a project event takes place;
• Support the creation of processes, manuals and trainings for project staff and partners on issues related to communications, learning and impact documentation;
• Communicate findings of research studies and learning reviews through reports, case studies, impact stories, presentations, and other materials with the project key stakeholders (partners, peer organizations, media, etc);
• And any other tasks assigned by the HR Unit and your Line Manager in line with the core values, missions, visions, and objectives of the organization-YOPCODI.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum HND/Degree in communications, graphics design, branding, Journalism, or related studies;
• Minimum 3years marketing and communication experience, ideally for an NGO or another organization in development and relief programming;
• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills is required;
• Individual must possess the ability to influence without direct authority;
• Ability and desire to work well with diverse employees, partners, media and vendors in a cooperative and friendly manner;
• Must possess ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment;
• Demonstrated track record of successfully disseminating information to a variety of target audiences;
• Highly proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills is required;
• Experience in using various design software such as Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (photoshop, lightroom and InDesign) is strongly desired.

Skills Highly Required:

• Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff;
• Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English, fluent in host community language as appropriate;
• Basic knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures with project design;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office suite software, excel, PowerPoint;
• Ability to problem solving and recommend corrective action as needed;
• Strong organizational and attention to detail needed to adhere to project deadlines;
• Effective communications in information shared by ensuring attention is paid to the specific components (i.e., formatting) of the communication, successful delivery and accountability for specific components (i.e., keeping timelines updated);
• Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment;
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members;
•  Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities;
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.