State Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM) Lead at Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR)

Role Summary

• The ACSM Lead will oversee the development and execution of evidence-based advocacy and communication strategies to promote awareness and acceptance of the SARMAAN MDA campaign in Kano State. This role requires close collaboration with government stakeholders, community and religious leaders, health workers, and media partners to ensure effective and culturally appropriate messaging that drives demand, trust, and participation in the MDA.

Technical Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive ACSM strategy to enhance community awareness, stakeholder engagement, and demand generation for the SARMAAN MDA campaign;
• Coordinate advocacy efforts with national and state-level stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society organizations, to foster ownership and sustainability of the MDA;
• Lead the design and dissemination of culturally appropriate IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials, mass media campaigns, and digital outreach initiatives to support MDA messaging;
• Organize community engagement activities, sensitization meetings, and stakeholder dialogues to strengthen trust and acceptance of the MDA;
• Conduct training and capacity-building sessions for field teams, community mobilizers, and other relevant stakeholders on effective communication and social mobilization techniques;
• Develop and oversee a media engagement plan, including press briefings, radio/TV broadcasts, and social media campaigns, to amplify key messages and counter misinformation;
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of ACSM interventions, using data-driven insights to refine strategies and ensure alignment with project objectives;
• Provide daily updates to the State program Lead on ACSM activities, highlighting successes, challenges, and areas requiring additional support;
• Collaborate with the logistics and program implementation teams to align ACSM efforts with the overall MDA campaign rollout;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the State Program Lead and/or Project Manager

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in public health, communications, social sciences, development studies, or a related field;
• At least 5 years of experience in public health advocacy, communications, or community engagement, with a focus on social and behaviour change communication (SBCC);
• Strong experience in designing and implementing ACSM strategies for large-scale public health programs, particularly in immunization, or MDA campaigns;
• Proven ability to engage and mobilize diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, media houses, community leaders, and donor organizations;
• Experience in developing and utilizing IEC materials, mass media, and digital communication strategies to drive public health awareness;
• Familiarity with the social and cultural dynamics of Kano State and demonstrated ability to design community engagement strategies tailored to local contexts;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data for decision-making and strategy refinement;
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating ACSM interventions to measure impact and improve outreach strategies;
• Excellent leadership, project management, and organizational skills.

Competencies required

• Proficient in English and Hausa languages;
• Strong advocacy skills to engage government, CSOs, and key stakeholders;
• Excellent oral and written communication for messaging and stakeholder engagement;
• Proficient in social and behavior change communication (SBCC) strategies;
• Ability to engage the media, manage public relations, and organize campaigns;
• Skilled in data analysis, impact assessment, and reporting;
• Adaptable in handling emerging challenges and adjusting strategies;
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with diverse stakeholders;
• Proactive in identifying communication gaps and mobilizing communities.