Reporting and Communications Specialist AT Mercy Corps Abuja, NG

Job description

Please note that you will be asked to provide writing samples if selected further in the recruitment process for this position.

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now and for the future.

Mercy Corps Nigeria implements a variety of programs with the ultimate goal of building productive, secure and just communities. The organization’s programs are implemented in twelve states, mainly in North and North East Nigeria and Lagos. Our work covers the following sectors: economic development, livelihoods/food security, adolescent girls & boys empowerment, financial resilience, conflict management and humanitarian response. Common themes include community engagement, inclusive development, gender and working in partnership with local government, the private sector and civil society actors.

Conflict Management Portfolio Summary

Mercy Corps Nigeria conflict management portfolio currently includes three projects: (1) UKAID funded “North East Conflict Management and Stabilisation” (NE CMS) consortium program aimed at preventing participation in violent extremism through increased cohesion within and between communities, increased confidence in governance and security institutions in Borno State; and improved access to financial services; (2) USAID funded “Engaging Communities for Peace in Nigeria” (ECPN) aimed at reducing violence in the Middle Belt states by peacefully preventing and resolving farmer-pastoralist conflicts, and building the capacity of influential local CSOs with mandates in peacebuilding and conflict management/mitigation; and (3) GHR funded “Harmonious Association, Religious Participation and Engagement for Northern Nigeria” (TARE) aimed at reducing participation in violence in three Northern States of Nigeria through engagement of religious leaders and institutions in inter-faith mediation, peacebuilding initiatives and dialogue with State government.

General Position Summary

The Reporting and Communications Specialist will lead the implementation of Mercy Corps Nigeria’s Conflict Management Portfolio’s external communications strategy and report writing in coordination with the Director of Conflict Management Programs. This position will also build the capacity of field office teams to produce quality and timely communications resources (e.g., stories, photos, video) both proactively and on-demand, resulting in the strong and sustained branding of key activities. The Reporting and Communications Specialist will work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist to ensure program information is managed in a controlled and efficient manner and that lessons learned in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs are captured and shared.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Reporting

• Lead the development of reports for submission to donors and external partners.
• Assist in the writing of proposals and new funding opportunities in coordination with the Director of Conflict Management Programs.
• Support the Director of Conflict Management Programs in preparing and facilitating donor, partner, government and HQ visits of Mercy Corps Nigeria’s Conflict Management Portfolio.
• Support the Director of Conflict Management Programs and program managers respond to information requests from donors.
• Produce external reports on a scheduled and ad hoc basis as necessary and required by donors and supervisor.

External communication

• Lead the design and roll-out of an external communications strategy for Mercy Corps Nigeria’s Conflict Management Portfolio.
• Support the development, positioning, presentation and content of articles, stories, photos, messaging, fact sheets and multimedia for key public.
• Ensure all documents published and all communication disseminated follow donor branding and communications guidance.
• Develop branding and marking strategies for projects in line with donor requirements, and make sure they are implemented.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATION

• Support the preparation of communication documents, including news at the program- and portfolio-level, situational reports and operational updates.
• Contribute to Mercy Corps’ internal updates globally, as required.
• Assist in documenting internal meetings as requested by supervisor.

CAPACITY BUILDING

• Advise and collaborate closely with program managers in building the capacity and performance of field teams and partners in revenant areas of resource provision (stories, multimedia and visual resources).
• Advise and collaborate closely with the program managers and senior management in building the capacity and performance of field teams in relevant areas of communications.

Other

• Represent Mercy Corps in coordination meetings as assigned by the Director of Conflict Management Programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Accountability

Reports Directly to: Director of Conflict Management Programs

Works Directly with: M&E Advisor, Mercy Corps Conflict Management program team, partner organizations and other Mercy Corps staff.

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social science, journalism, communications, international development or other relevant field.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in coordinating and producing written and audiovisual content for donor engagement, public advocacy, media and community relations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English required, including report development, writing and editing.
• Experience in staff development and training.
• Excellent computer skills, including experience with Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, social media and trending communications platforms.
• Demonstrated ability as a collaborator.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.

Success Factors

A successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively with team members of varied work styles and cultures, follow procedures, and meet deadlines with flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving. S/he will have a proven ability to learn quickly, multi-task, prioritize, take initiative, and be accountable for results, understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details, problem solving, work within a complex and sensitive setting and to follow laws and security protocols. The most successful Mercy Corps team members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

This position will be based in Abuja with travel to program sites in the Middle Belt and North East. Security in Abuja is generally good, although there are times when security is an issue. Housing, health care, water, electricity and consumer goods are all reasonably accessible and there are good international and domestic travel options from Abuja Airport.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/short term assignment to a field posting. Staff are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps’ policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

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