Social and Behavioral Communication Specialist at Policy Innovation Centre (PIC)

The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) is the first national institutionalised behavioural initiative in Africa supporting government and stakeholders to make behaviourally informed decisions and generate evidence for impact driven interventions in critical thematic areas (Governance, Health, Gender & Social Inclusion, Education, Digital & Financial Inclusion). The PIC is positioned to support the delivery of better policies and innovative solutions for high impact interventions across Africa. The PIC is an initiative of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), a leading think tank in Africa redefining evidence based policy advocacy.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Social and Behavioral Communication Specialist

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Overview

• The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) seeks to hire a Social and Behavioural Communication Specialist who will work within the Behavioural Innovation Lab of PIC and play a critical role in developing and implementing strategies that influence behaviours and social norms to improve programmatic outcomes.
• The specialist will utilize behavioural insights to design, manage, and assess communication campaigns, programs, and initiatives that address specific behavioural and social change objectives.
• This role involves a blend of strategic planning, research, community engagement, and creative communication design.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement evidence-based communication strategies to influence individual and community behaviour, tailoring approaches to specific populations, contexts, and behaviours in alignment with program objectives.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative formative research to understand target audiences' perceptions, behaviours, and needs, and analyse the data to inform communication strategies and campaigns.
• Lead the development of culturally relevant and engaging communication materials, including print, digital, social media, and multimedia content, to effectively reach diverse audiences.
• Plan, execute, and monitor communication campaigns to ensure they achieve desired outcomes, tracking effectiveness and making necessary adjustments to maximize impact.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community groups, to align communication efforts with broader social and behavioural objectives.
• Provide training and technical support to internal teams, partners, and local community groups on communication approaches, methodologies, and tools for social and behavioural change.
• Apply behavioural science principles and frameworks to design communication strategies, ensuring messages are crafted to drive the intended behavioural changes.
• Develop and utilize indicators and tools to evaluate the impact of communication initiatives, using findings to refine strategies and improve future interventions.
• Represent the organization at public forums, conferences, and media engagements, advocating for behaviour change and promoting initiatives to key stakeholders.

Qualifications / Job Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in Communication, Social Sciences, Public Health, Behavioural Science, or a related field is required. A master's degree is an advantage.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in social and behavioural communication in any field. Experience in designing and managing large-scale communication campaigns is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of behaviour change theories and communication models (e.g., Social Cognitive Theory, Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour, Theoretical Domains Framework, COMB Model etc.).
• Proficiency in research methods (qualitative and quantitative), including survey design, focus groups, and data analysis.
• Expertise in content creation, including writing, graphic design, video production, and social media management.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methods to assess campaign effectiveness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for various audiences.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work in diverse, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Fluency in any two local Nigerian languages is an added advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

Application Closing Date
10th February, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Please send your CV on no more than 2 A4 pages (minimum font size 10) and an accompanying covering letter of no more than 2 pages (minimum font size 10) answering the following questions:
  • What is your motivation for wanting to join the PIC?
  • What are the top three key attributes you would bring to the PIC?
• Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
• PIC may be unable to notify every applicant of the result of their application.If you have therefore not been contacted within 8 weeks of the closing date, then you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful. However, we may retain your data and contact you for future openings that match your skills and competencies.
• Equal employment opportunity statement: PIC is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, colour, religion, gender, disability, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.