Senior Strategic Communications Officer at International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)

Division: Program Management
Status: Local National Employee

Primary Function / Purpose

• Under the supervision of the IFES Nigeria Deputy Country Director/Head of Programs, the Senior Strategic Communications Officer will support IFES Nigeria strategic communications and reporting across all program areas.
• This will include processes and tools developed to enhance the project's strategic communications and voter outreach programming, as well as support to social media engagement and programmatic reporting. 

Job Responsibilities

• Assist Deputy Country Director and the program team in implementing IFES project activities.
• Develop and maintain IFES Nigeria communications platforms, website and social media outlets, ensuring effective engagement with the public and IFES partners.
• Develop content for IFES Nigeria communications platforms, website and social media outlets in coordination with IFES Nigeria program team.
• Coordinate drafting and editing of IFES Nigeria outreach materials - newsletters, bulletins, weekly, quarterly reports, ensuring synergies between IFES Nigeria programs and IFES global programming in line with IFES Nigeria project goals and objectives.
• Develop communications and media strategy and press contacts for IFES Nigeria.
• Manage and expand on IFES Nigeria contact list and database.
• Oversee communication and branding of the IFES Nigeria programs in line with IFES Global and Donor branding requirements.
• Support IFES Nigeria partners with training and development of an effective strategic communications framework. 
• Assist in conducting training of beneficiaries and facilitating events with stakeholders.
• Interface with IFES partners on specific areas of current programming and implementation
• Contribute to lessons learned sessions for outreach teams and other partners.
• Contribute to the design and preparation of training materials.
• Provide support to international and local consultants.
• Assist in the collection and analysis of data for monitoring and evaluation of activities.
• Manage proper tracking and documentation of political and election-related activities in the media and IFES Nigeria in the news.
• Provide input on the design and formulation of new program activities.

Position Requirements
Education: 

• Bachelor's Degree is required in Communications, Political Sciences, Public Information, International Relations or a related field. A Master’s Degree is strongly preferred.

Experience & Skills:

• Minimum of 6 years of relevant job experience working with media, journalism and/or strategic communications.
• Experience in project implementation, management and training is required.
• Good understanding of the Nigerian media and communications environment.
• Good strategic communication and analysis skills.
• The ability to remain organized while handling multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Excellent speaking and writing skills in English, including the ability to draft material in a variety of styles, for different audiences and within tight deadlines (established track record of writing and/or editing materials for publication).
• Social media and multimedia skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Willingness to adhere to all principles of confidentiality.
• Must value operating in a collaborative and cooperative environment.
• Ability to show initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness.
• Basic computer literacy
• Working-level proficiency in Word and Excel.

Language Skills: 

• Proficiency in the English language required.

Travel: 

• Travel may be required.

Physical Requirement/Work Environment: 

• Standard office work environment. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job.