Strategic Communication Consultant at MEBS Global Reach Nigeria

MEBS Global provides a variety of in-country support and local assistance as well as cargo transportation and logistics management services with a primary focus in emerging markets and conflict, post-conflict environments in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. MEBS Global maintains 12 offices in 11 countries including 2 offices in Nigeria.

MEBS Global has been awarded the Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) service provider contract for the Malaria Component of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) on behalf of the Government of Nigeria (GoN), building on previous efforts to enhance its visibility and involvement in warehousing and distribution operations. MEBS Global is expected to manage the warehousing and distribution of malaria commodities in the 13 Global Fund-supported states.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Strategic Communication Consultant

Location: Central Business District, Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Contract

Roles and Responsibilities

• The Strategic Communication Consultant shall play a central role in crafting narratives that highlight the impact of the Global Fund's investments through this 4PL contract that was awarded to MEBS Global including the Government of Nigeria (FMOH and the other requisite parastatals and agencies including but limited to Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs), National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), National Product Supply Chain Management Program (NPSCMP), National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCP), National AIDS Control Agency (NACA)), the respective state governments, USAID, Global Fund Principal Recipients (especially Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Management Science for Health (MSH) and Society for Family Health (SFH)), to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) service provider contract for the Malaria Component of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7). The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of strategic communication, public relations, and media management within the context of global health and development.
• As the communication lead, the Strategic Communication Consultant will play an essential role in translating the complex health and development work of the Global Fund and its partners through MEBS Global Reach into clear, compelling messages for a variety of audiences.
• The Strategic Communication Consultant shall also play a central role in drafting the end of project report whilst ensuring that s/he is abreast of aspects of the project from the transition, to start up and close out. The Strategic Communication Consultant shall report directly to Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships. S/he shall also work closely with the Project Director, the Deputy Project Director, the US and Nigeria Support Units for Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) service provider contract for the Malaria Component of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7). S/he will collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Suply Chain Operations, TQM, ERP/MIS/IT, Finance and Compliance/Audit) and contribute significantly to the project's success by ensuring the efficient and compliant procurement of essential health supplies for the targeted communities.

Specific Responsibilities
Strategic Communication Development:

• Lead the Design of Communication Strategies: Develop comprehensive, multi-faceted communication plans that align with the Global Fund’s goals in Nigeria. These strategies should promote transparency, programmatic achievements, and support the dissemination of key information related to health outcomes, program progress, and community impact.
• Tailored Messaging for Multiple Audiences: Craft messaging that speaks to diverse strategic partners, including policymakers, donors, health sector professionals, local communities, and the media. Tailor the communication to suit different audiences, ensuring that complex technical information is accessible and engaging to non-expert audiences.
• Adapting Global Narratives to Local Contexts: Ensure that the Global Fund’s global communications and messaging frameworks are localized to reflect Nigeria’s cultural, political, and social context.

Content Creation and Management:

• Development of High-Quality Communication Materials: Create and manage a variety of written and multimedia content, including press releases, feature stories, case studies, infographics, newsletters, and social media updates, all highlighting the key successes and milestones of the Global Fund’s programs.
• Editorial Oversight: Ensure all content meets the highest standards of clarity, accuracy, and engagement, with meticulous attention to detail. Oversee the development of visual content, including graphics, videos, and presentations, ensuring consistency with the Global Fund’s branding guidelines.
• Content Scheduling: Develop a structured content calendar that maps out communication activities, ensuring the timely release of materials that coincide with important milestones or events in the health sector, such as World AIDS Day, Malaria Day, or key project anniversaries.

Media Relations:

• Building Strong Media Partnerships: Proactively cultivate relationships with journalists, news editors, and media influencers in Nigeria, the African region, and globally to increase the visibility of the Global Fund’s work. Regularly pitch stories, program achievements, and human-interest angles that will resonate with both local and international media outlets.
• Handling Media Queries and Organizing Interviews: Serve as the point of contact for media inquiries, manage interview requests, and prepare spokespeople for interactions with the media. Develop and distribute press kits, media advisories, and talking points for key spokespeople from the Global Fund and its partners.
• Crisis and Issues Management: Provide timely responses and management of sensitive issues or crises, including drafting official statements and guiding internal teams on the best approach to managing media coverage during emergencies or unexpected challenges.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Strategic Collaboration with Strategic Partners: Build and maintain relationships with a wide range of strategic partners, including government ministries (such as the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the Ministry of Health), non-governmental organizations, donor agencies, and local health institutions. Use these relationships to foster collaborative communication efforts.
• Creating Stakeholder Communication Channels: Develop and manage communication channels (such as newsletters, reports, or special bulletins) specifically designed for strategic partners. Regularly update strategic partners on program developments, key results, and future plans.
• Hosting Stakeholder Events: Organize and facilitate engagement events, such as policy dialogues, workshops, and community forums, that bring together strategic partners to discuss program impact, share lessons learned, and reinforce partnerships.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):

• Tracking Communication Impact: Under the guidance and collaboration with MEAL Advisor, regularly assess the performance of communication strategies using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as media coverage, audience engagement, and stakeholder feedback. Develop detailed reports on the effectiveness of communication efforts.
• Adapting Strategies Based on Feedback: Use insights from M&E activities to continually refine and improve communication tactics. Adapt messaging or strategies based on media analysis, stakeholder sentiment, and social media metrics.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Produce comprehensive reports on the results of communication activities, including metrics on media reach, social media engagement, and feedback from strategic partners. These reports will be shared with MEBS Global Reach and the Global Fund.

Event Management and Public Outreach:

• Coordinating Large-Scale Events: Plan and execute public events such as press conferences, donor meetings, workshops, and public outreach campaigns that showcase the progress and impact of the Global Fund's health initiatives.
• Ensuring Strategic Messaging at Events: Develop event materials, including speeches, presentations, briefing documents, and handouts that clearly communicate program achievements and future plans.
• Managing Event Publicity: Engage local and international media to ensure strong coverage of events. Manage all communication before, during, and after the events, ensuring that the event's impact is amplified across various media platforms.

Digital Communication and Social Media Management:

• Developing a Robust Digital Strategy: Manage the digital communication strategy, ensuring strong visibility for the Global Fund’s programs through social media channels, websites, and email campaigns.
• Managing Social Media Platforms: Oversee daily management of the organization’s social media accounts, ensuring regular updates, engagement with followers, and dissemination of impactful content. Respond to comments and inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Leveraging Analytics to Inform Strategy: Use data and analytics to evaluate digital engagement and refine digital communication strategies for greater impact.

Capacity Building:

• Training and Mentorship: Provide training and mentorship to local teams and partners on communication best practices. Build the capacity of the Global Fund’s partners to communicate effectively about program outcomes and challenges.
• Development of Toolkits and Resources: Create communication toolkits, templates, and guidelines that partners and local teams can use to enhance their communication efforts.

Evaluation Method

• Annual performance appraisals
• Quarterly documented feedback and mentoring discussions
• Quarterly scorecard of work plan tasks and achievements
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic communication, preferably in the health or development sector, especially procurement, logistics, and supply chain management.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse strategic partners.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools, social media platforms, and content management systems.
• In-depth knowledge of the Nigerian media landscape and cultural context.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Interpersonal Competencies: ability to work with other team members, flexibility, decisiveness, and personal integrity
• Language:
• Fluency in English (speaking, reading, and writing).

Application Closing Date
2nd October, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter as a single PDF document, addressing the position requirements to: [email protected] using the job title as the subject of the mail.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, and we are an equal opportunity organization so women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.