Media and Communications Expert at Adam Smith International

Background

• The project, funded under the RISA programme, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem by scaling local Technology Delivery Systems (TDS), fostering participatory technology development (PTD), and enabling distributed manufacturing at a national scale. 
• This involves strengthening CONESAM’s brand identity, facilitating public-private partnerships, and enhancing digital fabrication and prototyping capabilities to drive research-to-commercialization (R2C) outcomes. 
• Given the critical role of strategic communication in stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and knowledge dissemination, the project requires a media and communications expert to support all communication efforts, ensuring visibility, branding, and outreach effectiveness.

Purpose of the Role

• The media and communications expert will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategic communication plan that supports the project’s objectives. 
• The role will focus on increasing awareness, fostering partnerships, advocating for policy changes, and disseminating project learnings across multiple platforms.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communication & Branding:

• Develop and implement a project-wide communication strategy aligned with RISA’s key thematic areas: Pathways to Scale, Networking & Partnerships, and Research Development & Impact.
• Ensure clarity, consistency, and visibility of the project’s branding across all communication materials and stakeholder engagements in line with donor requirements.
• Oversee the production of branding materials, including brochures, reports, infographics, and multimedia content.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:

• Develop tailored communication materials for diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, research institutions, private sector players, and international partners.
• Work closely with the project’s leadership to craft advocacy messages that influence policy discussions on Research-to-Commercialization (R2C) and Agricultural Mechanization.
• Support CONESAM in strengthening its identity and visibility as a national innovation platform.

Content Development & Knowledge Dissemination:

• Develop high-quality content, including press releases, newsletters, blog posts, social media updates, and case studies highlighting project impact.
• Ensure timely dissemination of knowledge products such as policy briefs, research findings, and case studies via various platforms.
• Support the organization and communication of project-related events, including the National Agricultural Mechanization Summit (NAMIS).

Media Relations & Digital Presence:

• Establish and maintain relationships with national and international media to enhance project visibility.
• Manage digital communication channels, including social media, websites, and email newsletters, to engage stakeholders and promote knowledge sharing.
• Monitor media coverage and public discourse on innovation and research commercialization, providing insights for strategic communication planning.

Monitoring & Evaluation of Communication Efforts:

• Track the impact of communication activities and generate reports detailing reach, engagement, and effectiveness.
• Collect stakeholder feedback to refine communication strategies and enhance messaging.
• Ensure compliance with donor branding and communication guidelines.

Requirements
Essential Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or advocacy, preferably in the development, research, or technology sectors.
• Strong knowledge of strategic communication, content creation, media relations, and digital marketing.
• Proven ability to develop and implement communication plans targeting diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with donor-funded projects and an understanding of their communication requirements.

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with Nigeria’s innovation and research landscape, particularly in agricultural mechanization.
• Experience in policy advocacy and government engagement.
• Proficiency in graphic design, video editing, or digital storytelling tools.

Deliverables
The Communications Specialist will be responsible for delivering the following within the project timeframe:

• Project Communication Strategy – A comprehensive communication plan outlining key messages, audiences, platforms, and implementation roadmap.
• Branding & Visibility Toolkit – A suite of materials ensuring consistent project branding and identity.
• Knowledge Products & Media Outputs – Regular production of articles, newsletters, blogs, policy briefs, and case studies.
• Digital & Social Media Strategy – Management of project’s online presence, including social media accounts and website content.
• Event Communication Support – Coordination of communication efforts for NAMIS and other key project events.
• Media Engagement Report – Documentation of media coverage and impact assessment.