Communication and Media Advisor at Helen Keller International

Helen Keller International (HKI), established in 1915, is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to saving the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia, as well as in the United States.

HKI implements integrated package of cost-effective interventions that are proven to improve maternal and child nutrition. HKI supports policies and programs on food fortification, vitamin A supplementation, infant and young child feeding, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, community-based management of acute malnutrition and prevention and treatment of neglected tropical diseases. At the core of HKI’s programs is advocacy and social behavior change communication to various stakeholders. HKI also undertakes cutting-edge research to influence policy decisions and inform program quality.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Communication and Media Advisor

Location: Abuja
Employment Type: Full-time

Background
Helen Keller is seeking a candidate for a project that implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for both its donor and partners. The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws on global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, the project strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity, and advance development.

The overall purpose of the project in Nigeria aims to provide technical support, implement innovative nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions, and generate evidence to enhance nutrition programming toward achieving the overall goal of improving nutrition indices for a healthy, productive, and resilient Nigeria. This activity will support the donor’s effort to strengthen the enabling environment for innovation, commitment, capacity strengthening, coordination, collaboration, and support for multi-sectoral nutrition policies and programs among government, donors, civil society, and private sector stakeholders in Nigeria.

Scope of the Position

• The Communication and Media Advisor will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies, activities, and campaigns.
• The successful candidate will play a key role in managing the organization's public image and maintaining effective media relations.

Job Responsibilities

• Support strategy planning and execution for communication plans and programs, major organizational campaigns and initiatives related to media relations, crisis communication, organizational communication, community relations, social media, and executive communication.
•  Develop and implement communication strategies to enhance the organization's visibility and reputation.
•  Create engaging content for various communication channels, including press releases, social media, website content, and marketing materials.
• Manage media relations, including building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets.
•  Monitor and analyse media coverage, preparing regular reports and providing recommendations for improving the organization's communication approach.
• Organize and manage public relations events, press conferences, and media briefings.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels.
• Provide communication support for internal initiatives, including employee engagement and organizational culture campaigns.
• Acquire and maintain a detailed knowledge of the company’s policies, principles, and strategies, and to keep up to date with relevant developments.
• Support and evaluate the results of communication campaigns with the team.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Master's Degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in communication, media relations, or public relations, preferably in similar industry or organization.
• Strong skills in the field of communications, media relations, social media, digital, news, and/or staff engagement communications activities.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the communications discipline along with critical thinking and strategic counseling skills.
• Demonstrates strong writing, editing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing communication campaigns and engaging with various media platforms.
• Proficiency in content management systems, social media platforms, and media monitoring tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies and campaigns.
• Strong understanding of media relations and public relations best practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple communication projects simultaneously
• Creativity and innovative thinking, with the ability to generate compelling and impactful content.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and media representatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proactive attitude with a strong sense of professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel regularly to the project states (Bauchi, Kebbi, Ebonyi, FCT, and Sokoto) as needed.

Application Closing Date
22nd December, 2023.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: nigeria.recruitment@hki.org using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.