Senior Associate, Communications at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. In particular, we aim to make healthier food choices more desirable, more available, and more affordable. GAIN’s mission is to advance nutrition outcomes by improving consumption of nutritious and safe food for all people, especially the most vulnerable to malnutrition.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Associate, Communications

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration: 24 Months
Travel required: 35%
Grade: 4

Overall Purpose

• In this role, the Senior Associate, Communications will take the lead in developing, planning, and implementing effective communications and advocacy strategies to be implemented for GAIN Nigeria as required.
• Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Policy & Advocacy, and in close collaboration with the GAIN global communications team though Communications Manager - Country Programmes, the postholder will strive to foster better understanding and support to GAIN’s operational work as well as make sure that GAIN’s information, advice, and guidance effectively reaches key audiences to increase uptake of nutritious and safe diets.
• The successful candidate will be a key resource, contributing to the achievement of project objectives and supporting the GAIN Nigeria Team by driving external and internal communications, and supporting learning across projects.

Tasks and Responsibilities
Communication Strategy and Action Planning:

• Develop, plan, and implement the execution of GAIN Nigeria communication strategy and the activities organised across online and offline channels in alignment with GAIN’s priorities, corporate communications, and country needs.

Content Generation and Media Engagement:

• Work closely with GAIN’s project teams and travel regularly to the field to deliver compelling content and imagery for both local and global audiences, showcasing GAIN’s work in Nigeria and impact in addressing malnutrition.
• Develop and regularly update a database of communication and advocacy resources that can be utilized by GAIN Nigeria outreach to various audiences.
• Deliver regular thought leadership content i.e. interviews, podcasts, opinion pieces and related content.
• Collaborate closely with global communications in ensuring branding guidelines are accurately utilized and reflected in the development of GAIN Nigeria assets.
• Identify key opportunities to profile country leadership in relevant convening settings i.e., as speakers in events or webinars or networks of local organisations.
• Develop media plans to coordinate outreach to public and media and messaging to be consistent in with GAIN Nigeria brand.
• Manage media relations and deliver media briefing kits including press releases or live streaming press conferences and after event transcript files for high level selected milestones.
• Improve better understanding of the country media landscape to reach targeted audiences with tailored information.
• Monitor media coverage in-country, undertaking perception studies, and managing reputational threats as they occur.

Digital Communications:

• Strengthen and position the digital communication at country level through targeted digital engagement and positioning.
• Ensure that the GAIN Nigeria’s digital media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) are well maintained, updated, and aligned to GAIN corporate digital communications.
• Liaise with GAIN global communications to ensure GAIN Nigeria website page is regularly updated.
• Populate and deliver quality audio-visual services and when needed, commission external vendors to ensure we have availability of quality multimedia tools such as photos, infographics, and videos.
• Keep up with digital changes and identifying areas for improvements using pictures, infographics, tell better stories, and creating a fast but lasting impact.
• Develop some innovative digital initiatives showing impact of GAIN’s work, identify relevant platforms for storytelling and engaging with relevant communities.

Coordination and Capacity Building:

• Build internal communications capacity by providing timely and effective information on key developments and initiatives to GAIN Nigeria staff and promote stronger staff engagement.
• Support and/or deliver communications training for in-country teams for high impact communications delivery.
• Lead in end-to-end event management and coordination of key high-level events.
• Provide guidance, tools and content to GAIN Nigeria teams to reinforce coherence in messaging and brand.
• Systematically employ monitoring and metric tools for measuring impact, gauging gaps and assisting fine tuning of our public communications strategy.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Key Organisational Relationships

• Head of Policy & Advocacy
• Nigeria Country Programme Teams

Job Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism or International Relations and Development or relevant qualification / experience.
• A Master's Degree is an added advantage.

Experience:

• Proven experience in in communication, interactive digital media, print and broadcast media.
• Strong experience in working with the development or private sector in terms of media promotion.
• Proven ability of developing and managing a communications strategy and coordinating internal and external communications.
• Proven ability to write, produce a wide range of communication content including and reports, fact sheet, news, article, features, case study etc.
• Proven experience working on social media, graphics design, photography, videography, PowerPoint, Microsoft word and excel and interactive digital media.
• Expertise and experience of working in communication and working with Government, UN, development partners, media, and research agencies a plus

Competencies:

• A dynamic individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills in multicultural environments.
• Highly adept in translating complex and technical information tailored to different audiences.
• Ability to synthesise complex content into simple terms.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-tasking, and work well independently under pressure to meet deliverables and deadlines.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, cross-functional team with a flexible and adaptable approach.
• Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment, expert problem solving, and creativity.
• Dialogue, negotiation, and advocacy skills are up to the mark.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and solution-oriented with a commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Understanding of the food system including overall understanding the importance of nutrition.
• Understanding of government policies related to key advocacy issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to coach, inspire and influence. Strong team player.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and matrix management structure is critical.
• Passion for creative storytelling and new ideas with examples to showcase these.
• Demonstrating an understanding of and commitment to GAIN's Core Values, vision, mission in the approach to work and relationships.

About Our Offer

• The starting gross salary on offer for this role is from NGN9,558,516 - N10,907,460 Per Annum, depending on experience.
• GAIN has a fair and competitive salary structure that allows for annual progression subject to good performance. In addition, GAIN offers a total of 37 days holiday per year (including annual leave, public holidays and additional office closure days), an attractive pension scheme and competitive insurance cover including health, travel and life assurance. We are committed to the health of our staff, especially in these challenging times, and have developed a programme of wellbeing that includes flexible and hybrid working, additional leave allowances, wellbeing days, mindfulness coaching and access to independent and confidential counselling.
• GAIN also has a strong commitment to professional development. We will support you to grow in your career through both formal and informal training, and are committed to providing opportunities through internal recruitment, secondments, and promotion. All of this is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Application Closing Date
6th June, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Click here for more information (PDF)

Our Working Culture and Environment

• We provide a flexible working environment that includes a combination of home and office working opportunities through our global hybrid working policy.
• his encourages our staff to have a healthy work-life balance and increases staff motivation, enriches employee wellbeing, and improves performance and productivity.
• All of our positions are based in one or more of GAIN’s designated offices as stated on our job advertisements. Successful candidates will be based in one of GAIN’s country offices and must have the existing right to live and work within a reasonably commutable distance of the relevant city / cities in which the role is advertised. Please note, that GAIN does not sponsor working visas and relocations. 
• GAIN reserves the right to withdraw an offer of employment for candidates who are considered to ineligible under the above conditions during or after the recruitment process.
• Applicants must have the right to work and be currently based in the advertised country location, to be eligible to apply for this position.
• Early applications are encouraged. GAIN reserves the right to close this advert early should we receive suitable candidates ahead of the closing date.
• The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition is committed to equality of opportunity and creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued.  We are keen to reflect the diversity of our society at every level within our organisation and therefore welcome applications from talented and committed people from all backgrounds, representing the diverse societies we operate in.