Media and Communications Expert at Adam Smith International

Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies more stable, and governments more effective. Our clients are governments, international organisations, companies, and foundations. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that address the big challenges facing the world.

As a company with experience of delivering lasting results, including in fragile states and where there is conflict, we are prepared to manage a high level of risk to achieve our purpose. Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Media and Communications Expert

Location: Abuja (Periodic field visits across project locations)
Work Arrangement: Full-Time
Work type: On-site

Background

• The project, funded under the RISA programme, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem by scaling local Technology Delivery Systems (TDS), fostering participatory technology development (PTD), and enabling distributed manufacturing at a national scale. 
• This involves strengthening CONESAM’s brand identity, facilitating public-private partnerships, and enhancing digital fabrication and prototyping capabilities to drive research-to-commercialization (R2C) outcomes. 
• Given the critical role of strategic communication in stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and knowledge dissemination, the project requires a media and communications expert to support all communication efforts, ensuring visibility, branding, and outreach effectiveness.

Purpose of the Role

• The media and communications expert will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategic communication plan that supports the project’s objectives. 
• The role will focus on increasing awareness, fostering partnerships, advocating for policy changes, and disseminating project learnings across multiple platforms.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communication & Branding:

• Develop and implement a project-wide communication strategy aligned with RISA’s key thematic areas: Pathways to Scale, Networking & Partnerships, and Research Development & Impact.
• Ensure clarity, consistency, and visibility of the project’s branding across all communication materials and stakeholder engagements in line with donor requirements.
• Oversee the production of branding materials, including brochures, reports, infographics, and multimedia content.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:

• Develop tailored communication materials for diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, research institutions, private sector players, and international partners.
• Work closely with the project’s leadership to craft advocacy messages that influence policy discussions on Research-to-Commercialization (R2C) and Agricultural Mechanization.
• Support CONESAM in strengthening its identity and visibility as a national innovation platform.

Content Development & Knowledge Dissemination:

• Develop high-quality content, including press releases, newsletters, blog posts, social media updates, and case studies highlighting project impact.
• Ensure timely dissemination of knowledge products such as policy briefs, research findings, and case studies via various platforms.
• Support the organization and communication of project-related events, including the National Agricultural Mechanization Summit (NAMIS).

Media Relations & Digital Presence:

• Establish and maintain relationships with national and international media to enhance project visibility.
• Manage digital communication channels, including social media, websites, and email newsletters, to engage stakeholders and promote knowledge sharing.
• Monitor media coverage and public discourse on innovation and research commercialization, providing insights for strategic communication planning.

Monitoring & Evaluation of Communication Efforts:

• Track the impact of communication activities and generate reports detailing reach, engagement, and effectiveness.
• Collect stakeholder feedback to refine communication strategies and enhance messaging.
• Ensure compliance with donor branding and communication guidelines.

Requirements
Essential Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or advocacy, preferably in the development, research, or technology sectors.
• Strong knowledge of strategic communication, content creation, media relations, and digital marketing.
• Proven ability to develop and implement communication plans targeting diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with donor-funded projects and an understanding of their communication requirements.

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with Nigeria’s innovation and research landscape, particularly in agricultural mechanization.
• Experience in policy advocacy and government engagement.
• Proficiency in graphic design, video editing, or digital storytelling tools.

Deliverables
The Communications Specialist will be responsible for delivering the following within the project timeframe:

• Project Communication Strategy – A comprehensive communication plan outlining key messages, audiences, platforms, and implementation roadmap.
• Branding & Visibility Toolkit – A suite of materials ensuring consistent project branding and identity.
• Knowledge Products & Media Outputs – Regular production of articles, newsletters, blogs, policy briefs, and case studies.
• Digital & Social Media Strategy – Management of project’s online presence, including social media accounts and website content.
• Event Communication Support – Coordination of communication efforts for NAMIS and other key project events.
• Media Engagement Report – Documentation of media coverage and impact assessment.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

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

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter highlighting experience and suitability for the role.
• An updated CV with references.
• Link to previous publications and/or reports, policy brief, or research paper.

Note: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and competency-based assessment.