• Job Title: Communications Officer 
  • Place of work: Abuja, Nigeria
  • Pay Band: Grade D
  • Contract type: Fixed term, 2years (renewable)
  • Reports to: Head, Advocacy, Policy and Communications
  • Manages: None
  • Travel: Potential travel to be determined as work demands

Team description

WaterAid Nigeria has recently completed its 2023-2028 country programme strategy which sets a 5-year building block toward delivering a more influencing led programme and reflects a progression from previous country programme strategies, outlines key shifts in focus required to catalyse change and achieve maximum impact for our work in Nigeria.

This position will have a critical responsibility for supporting the delivery of strategic and high-quality communications programming. It will promote and strengthen WaterAid Nigeria’s profile through the media and other opportunities. The role will improve overall country programme communication quality by shaping copy into concise, engaging and highly effective material for a range of audiences. The role will be an authority on our brand and communications in general.

Accountabilities

Communications & Media

  • Engage with regular and social media to actively promote WaterAid’s image and visibility.

  • Edit and produce WaterAid content in a variety of formats including print and digital.

  • Provide on-demand support to colleagues with layout of simple documents and publications as may be required.

  • Source articles and coordinate the edit and layout of the country programme’s regular newsletter publication, collating and reviewing content from staff and partners and from all our work for sharing with wider audiences.

  • Provide editorial service to other WaterAid departments, overseeing copy editing, design and print.

  • Develop and facilitate content to contribute to build communications skills and capacity in other teams across the country programme.

  • Help to coordinate communications activity and content across the country programme, developing Terms of References for engagement of outsourced communications consultants and managing them to deliver quality work in line with consultancy requirements.

  • Directly responsible for maintaining WaterAid’s case study and photo library; work with information technology colleagues to evolve improved approaches for managing photo and digital communications materials.

  • Act as in –house brand specialist ensuring all WaterAid branding requirements are complied with by all staff.

  • Work with colleagues throughout the organisation to plan, write, and support media work around WaterAid Nigeria’s service delivery and advocacy work, campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and key organisational moments.

  • Work with communication & media colleagues globally to develop and execute work including the provision of communication and media materials.

  • Build and maintain excellent relationships with relevant journalists, broadcasters and commentators in the local, national and international media and widen interest in WaterAid’s work.

  • Write copy as required for print and web outlets, in-house use or use by third parties on behalf of WaterAid.

  • Work with individuals and departments throughout the organisation to design and deliver internal communication campaigns to engage staff in external initiatives and key organisational moments by coming up with creative concepts and developing strategies, identifying relevant tools and channels, executing the campaign, and promoting it.

  • Monitor and evaluate communications and media coverage and make recommendations on future activity.

Social Media

  • Maintain and update accounts across all major social media platforms day-to-day (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google+, Pinterest), to enhance brand awareness and develop deeper engagement with existing and potential supporters.

  • Flag any inaccurate or potentially damaging comments on social media for the attention of the Head of Advocacy, Policy and Communications and contribute to measures to counter impact of such inaccurate or potentially damaging content.

  • Innovate ideas and approaches for delivering social media and digital content for promoting WaterAid Nigeria’s programmes, influencing & campaigns and fundraising focus.

  • Undertake editorial/media production activities as directed by the Head of Advocacy, Policy and Communications.

  • Manage WaterAid Nigeria’s websites and other online platforms. Ensure the website is easily accessible and contains up-to-date and relevant information about its contributions and services to the sector and communities.

Essential Criteria

  • Degree in relevant discipline, preferably a master’s degree or higher in communications.

  • Three to four years of experience working in a communications and media role, including the production of a variety of content and materials, for different media

  • Experience with developing and implementing communication strategies at project and organisational levels.

  • Basic knowledge and understanding of development issues, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene(WASH) issues in particular.

  • Excellent command of the English language, verbal, written communication, and editorial skills; with the ability to write tailored, effective content for specific audiences.

  • Accuracy and keen attention to detail, in order to produce high-quality communications.

  • Understanding of how media & social media can be used as an influencing tool –whether to encourage fundraising and engagement or influence decision-makers.

  • Experience in liaising with journalists.

  • Knowledge and experience in using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, or other design software used to produce and layout publications and other communication materials would be useful.

  • Proven ability to think creatively and so generate a wide range of communications materials & media coverage.

  • Knowledge of a range of measuring and analytics tools, and the ability to apply metrics to media & social media activity.

  • Ability to forge effective collaborative working relationships within the team and with colleagues from across the organisation.

  • Excellent organisation and time management skills. Able to prioritise workload and work well under pressure.

  • Computer literate, good IT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team setting. 

  • Ability to deliver work on time and to a high standard. 

  • Show Initiative and be creative — willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. 

  • Commitment to WaterAid’s values and a working style that reflects these.

Desirable

  • A communications or media-related degree.

  • Previous experience of working for an NGO.

  • Experience working in a communications and/or media role for an international organisation.

  • Experience in helping to influence decision-makers through media work.

  • An interest in international development.

  • Experience in managing content on an intranet.

Apply

If you are interested in the position and have the right skills and attributes, complete the application form by clicking this LINK

Closing date for this application is 2 January, 2024

Only candidates shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.

Since we started in 1981, we’ve remained resolutely focused on tackling these three essentials that transform people’s lives.

Without all three, people can’t live dignified, healthy lives. With all three, they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty, and change their lives for good. Children grow up healthy and strong, women and men get to earn a living, whole communities start to thrive. It sounds normal and it should be.

WaterAid is fully committed to protecting those with whom it comes into contact. WaterAid is committed to ensuring that wherever we work in the world there is no tolerance for the abuse of power, privilege or trust. WaterAid reinforces a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of inappropriate behaviour, abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind. The safeguarding of our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf, is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff and volunteers are required to share in this commitment through our Global Code of Conduct. We will conduct the most appropriate pre-employment references and checks to ensure high standards are maintained.

For more information about safeguarding at WaterAid, please visit our safeguarding webpage at: https://www.wateraid.org/uk/safeguarding-at-wateraid

We’re committed to changing normal forever—are you?

WaterAid is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

We particularly encourage applications from women who are underrepresented at this level in the organisation.

WaterAid is committed to ensuring that wherever we work in the world there is no tolerance for the abuse of power, privilege or trust. WaterAid reinforces a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of inappropriate behaviour, abuse, harassment, or exploitation of any kind. The safeguarding of our beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf, is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff and volunteers are required to share in this commitment through our Global Code of Conduct.