International Alert was founded in 1986 to help people find peaceful solutions to conflict. At that time, the number of conflicts between countries was decreasing, but there was an alarming increase in the number of conflicts within countries. These conflicts were undermining development and leading to gross violations of human rights.
Experience3 – 5 years
Location Abuja
Location: Abuja (with periodic travel to selected states)
Duration: Up to 3 Months with possibility for extension
Engagement Type: Consultancy
Reports to: National Team Lead and DDR Expert
Background
As part of efforts to support sustainable peace and the reintegration of ex-combatants and individuals exiting armed and criminal groups in Nigeria, the National DDR Policy Harmonisation and Exit Pathways Project seeks to align existing DDR practices with international norms while contextualising them for Nigerian realities.
Strategic communication is a key component of this initiative. The communication approach seeks to increase public awareness, drive behavioural change at the community level, counter stigma, and promote the acceptance and reintegration of returnees. Community-led storytelling, theatre, and multimedia campaigns will be central to these efforts.
To ensure strong coordination and delivery, the project seeks to recruit an Associate Information and Strategic Communication Expert to support the Information and Strategic Communication Expert in designing, implementing, and monitoring strategic communication interventions at both policy and community levels.
Purpose of the Assignment
The Associate Expert will provide technical and operational support in the development and rollout of strategic communication interventions across the project. The consultant will work closely with the Lead Expert to develop content, facilitate community-based activities, and ensure continuous stakeholder engagement and learning from communication campaigns.
Key Responsibilities
Technical and Operational Support
- Assist in the implementation of the Strategic Communication Strategy, including coordinating field-level activities and stakeholder engagement.
- Support content development for various media platforms—radio, social media, posters, policy briefs, etc.—in line with project messaging frameworks.
- Draft and edit scripts, talking points, and visual materials to support campaigns and community engagement.
- Coordinate logistics and administration for communication-related workshops, trainings, theatre performances, and learning events.
Behavioural Change Communication and Community Engagement
- Support the organisation and facilitation of community theatre initiatives, town hall storytelling, and participatory dialogue sessions aimed at reconciliation and reintegration.
- Engage with local creatives, theatre groups, and influencers to produce locally relevant messaging and campaigns.
- Liaise with state-based partners, CSOs, youth and women’s groups to ensure inclusive representation in community-based messaging.
Monitoring, Learning and Documentation
- Assist in tracking communication activities and gathering feedback from community stakeholders and participants.
- Document field insights, good practices, and challenges for learning and adaptive programming.
- Support in maintaining a repository of communication materials and in preparing progress updates and knowledge products.
Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a liaison state-level partners, supporting timely communication and activity implementation.
- Assist in organising media briefings, press engagements, and public information events.
- Support media monitoring and information gathering on public perception and media coverage of DDR initiatives.
Key Outputs and Deliverables
| Deliverable | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Activity Reports | Summary of support provided, fieldwork conducted, and results achieved | |
| Community Campaign Activity Briefs | Reports detailing implementation of campaigns or events at the state/community level | |
| Draft Scripts and Communication Content | Radio scripts, social media content, community theatre drafts, policy communication materials | |
| Monitoring Data and Feedback Reports | Field observations, community feedback, and communication insights submitted to MEL team | |
| Documentation of Lessons Learned | Compilation of what worked, challenges and recommendations |
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Media Studies, Development Communication, Sociology, Theatre Arts, or related field. A Master’s degree is an advantage.
Experience
- Minimum of 3–5 years’ relevant work experience supporting strategic communication or community engagement projects, preferably in conflict-affected areas.
- Experience working on campaigns related to peacebuilding, deradicalisation, reintegration, or social cohesion.
- Proven ability to facilitate participatory processes and community events, including theatre or grassroots advocacy.
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent writing, editing, and visual communication skills.
- Fluency in English; working knowledge of Hausa or other local languages is an advantage.
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, and work in fragile settings.
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Spark), and social media platforms is desirable.
International Alert is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages qualified female candidates and individuals from conflict-affected areas to apply.
Method of Application
Interested candidates should submit:
- An updated CV (maximum 3 pages)
- A brief cover letter describing relevant experience and motivation (max 1 page)
- At least one sample of communication work or campaign-related material (written or visual)
- Proposed daily rate and availability
Submission Email: [email protected]
Deadline: 10 May 2025
Subject Line: Associate Information and Strategic Communication Expert (Use this subject line to apply for this role)
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