APPLY! Mobilising for Development (M4D)’s Communications Advisor

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.

For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved – and is committed to continuing to improve – economies, societies and most importantly, people’s lives.

Palladium is a child-safe organisation, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.

Mobilising for Development (M4D) is a pioneer governance program aiming to support improved equitable access to quality basic services and accountability at the local level. Working with communities, marginalised groups, policy makers and service providers across nine (9) local government areas (LGAs) in Kano, Kaduna, and Jigawa states, M4D aims to impact service delivery in relation to education, health, water and sanitation and livelihoods in order to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and broader Nigerian development aspirations beyond 2015.

• Lead the delivery of M4D’s revised approach to communications during its final year of implementation, as agreed in a communications action plan, which will have a particularly strong focus on lessons learning and sharing, with a view to promoting sustainability, scale up and spread of M4D initiatives, and sharing knowledge on what works and what doesn’t in local government reform
• Lead on planning for Output 5 activities, working in collaboration with technical leads and state teams, and providing advice to them on achieving required communications related results. This may include commissioning and management of short term experts to assist with production and /or dissemination of communications products.
• Support learning events and advocacy activities by coordinating media and communications elements (all in collaboration with respective technical leads or state teams)This should include: Preparation of informational materials (e.g. press releases, programme summaries, country fact sheets, media kits) and the necessary logistics arrangements.
• Oversee planning, development and dissemination of relevant communications materials to identified target audiences and through agreed channels, arranging translation into local language(s) as necessary. This might include, but is not limited to, policy briefs, newsletters, approach papers and success stories, fact sheets, brochures and other programme communications materials
• Coordinate, supervise and quality assure all commissioned productions such as audiovisual materials (videos and audio recordings), print materials etc. Work with other staff to ensure that sign-off on all research materials, public policy and advocacy products is obtained at appropriate levels, legally checked when necessary and in compliance with branding guidelines of DFID and M4D and in line with the programme strategy and communications objectives..
• Contribute to quarterly and annual reports by writing pieces for communications and Output 5 sections
• Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation Adviser to ensure results data for Output 5 is collated and reported on appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Manage social media campaigns and day-to-day activities: online advocacy, writing editorial, community-outreach efforts, promotions, etc.
• Work cooperatively with key team members, clients and vendors
• Provide Capacity building for the programme team based on needs to improve or build their communications skills

Media Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with media reporters and management
• Develop story ideas and strategies to promote organisational activities
• Conduct media capacity building as required to facilitate the achievement of M4D’s objectives
• Write and pitch press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, blogs, magazine articles and respond to all media requests
• Prepare talking points, presentations and other written pieces and provide media training as needed to maximize response to media inquiries and opportunities
• Assist with event and production planning and execution, including supporting staff in identifying various approaches that may increase media interest and secure media attention as relevant
• Develop close collaboration with private sector partners and the mass media through various events and activities to generate and maintain public interest in innovation by: organising visits to project sites, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage, and utilising both web-based and traditional media platforms, as appropriate.
• Track, document and report on media coverage obtained
• Develop and maintain a database of Media reporters and producers
• Advise the programme and technical leads on the effective use of media communication tools, including but not limited to press briefings, press conferences and media interviews for planned objectives

Web and Social Media Management

• Create, develop and manage content for M4D’s web presence and social media platforms. Maintain a consistent look and feel throughout all web properties. Copy-edit and proofread all web content.
• Assure web-based information is archived for future needs and reference
• Track and report on all site metrics
• Keep Website and Social Media Pages alive and vibrant
• Manage website “Contact Us” enquiries
• Publicise M4D’s work in social media spaces, engage in dialogues and answer questions where appropriate

Knowledge Management

• In collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor maintain a database of all programme materials in whatever medium
• Develop familiarity with programme material to be able to mine it as necessary for appropriate purposes
• Under guidance from the Technical Director and Strategic Communications Consultant, prepare material for use with specific targeted audiences in line with the programme’s final year workplan and strategy for communicating its lessons
• Work with the communications and lessons learning consultant to extract programme knowledge in the forms of ‘stories’ or other lessons learning products that can be developed and disseminated in the final year of the programme to promote sustainability, scale up and spread of programme ideas and learnings

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations; or equivalent professional work experience in the communication area, combined with a university degree in a related field. Advance degree in communications will be an added advantage
• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience and a track record of working in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media (two of which should be at a management level) in the development sector
• S/he should demonstrate delivery of high-quality communications, knowledge-exchange and networking services, including the production of newsletters, websites, events and materials
• Wide range of knowledge on Communication Management Practices in communication research, planning, and strategy
• Understanding and experience of how to engage and work with various media platforms (social media, television, print, etc.)
• Familiarity with content management systems, image software (video and still), online communications and main social media tools (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.)
• Excellent verbal communications, copy-writing and editing skills (Two writing samples required with application, preferably on a relevant topic)
• Ability to work independently with good attention to detail
• Project management skills including task prioritization, budget monitoring, and results driven
• Experience working on Governance projects especially at the local level is an added advantage
• Demonstrated research, planning, communication and writing skills
• Fluency in English is required and Hausa is essential
• Passion, Creativity, Integrity and Energy
• Ability to communicate complex data analysis and other information in simple language. Highly organized with the ability to handle multiple projects and priorities and to be responsive to long- and short-lead opportunities to a diverse range of audiences

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Communication
• Working with People
• Drive for Results

Desirable:

• Strong media contacts
• Experience managing design and print processes
• Experience producing webpages and HTML e-newsletters
• Experience in social media outreach and campaigns
• Experience in securing earned media to advance advocacy objectives