Communications Officer at Africa Farming Innovations (AFI)

Africa Farming Innovations (AFI) is a ground breaking initiative bringing together the Oyo State Government, local Farmers’ Cooperatives, the Local Solutions International (LSI) a US 501 (3) (c) nonprofit, tax-exempt organisation, and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), an intergovernmental organisation based in Vienna Austria. AFI aims to promote innovative and sustainable agricultural practices that empower rural communities, especially the youth. At AFI, we focus on integrating cutting-edge solutions to address key challenges in agriculture, climate resilience, and youth unemployment in Nigeria.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Communications Officer

Location: Ibadan, Oyo
Employment Type: Full-time
Vacancy No: NGSW/2025/YERP/003
Type of Contract: Service Contract - Open to Nigerian Nationals only
Duration: One year, with possibility of renewal - subject to funding availability

Functional Responsibilities

• Develop and execute communication strategies, plans, and campaigns to effectively convey the organization's messages, values, and priorities to internal and external audiences.
• Write, edit, and produce a variety of communication materials, including press releases, articles, newsletters, reports, speeches, presentations, and website content, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency in messaging.
• Manage communication channels and platforms, including websites, social media, email newsletters, and multimedia channels, to engage stakeholders and amplify key messages.
• Monitor media coverage and public perception of the organization, tracking mentions, trends, and sentiment, and providing regular reports and analysis to inform communication efforts.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, bloggers, and influencers, pitching stories, arranging interviews, and coordinating media coverage to increase visibility and positive publicity.
• Coordinate internal communication initiatives, including staff briefings, to inform, engage, and motivate employees and foster a culture of transparency and engagement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, to align communication efforts with organizational goals and priorities.
• Respond to inquiries, requests, and feedback from stakeholders, including employees, partners, and the public, providing timely and accurate information and managing issues or crises as needed.
• Develop and maintain communication materials and resources, such as branding guidelines, messaging frameworks, and communication templates, to ensure consistency and alignment across all communication channels.
• Plan and execute events, conferences, and public relations activities to showcase the organization's achievements, initiatives, and thought leadership in relevant industry sectors or communities.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify communication trends, audience preferences, and best practices, incorporating insights and feedback into communication strategies and tactics.
• Coordinate with external agencies, consultants, and vendors, such as graphic designers, photographers, and printers, to support communication projects and initiatives.
• Train and support staff, volunteers, or spokespeople in effective communication techniques, media relations, and crisis communication protocols, ensuring readiness and confidence in representing the organization.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication initiatives and campaigns, using metrics and analytics to measure reach, engagement, and impact, and making data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and communication tools and platforms, continuously learning and adapting strategies to optimize communication effectiveness and efficiency.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field; master's degree or professional certification is a plus.
• 8 years proven experience in corporate communications, public relations, media relations, or related roles, with a track record of success in developing and implementing communication strategies and campaigns.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages tailored to different audiences and communication channels.
• Strong storytelling ability, with the creativity and imagination to translate complex concepts and information into engaging narratives and content.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media, content management systems, email marketing software, and analytics tools.
• Knowledge of media relations practices, including pitching, press release writing, and media monitoring, with a network of media contacts and relationships.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze situations, anticipate challenges, and develop effective communication strategies and solutions.
• Collaboration and teamwork abilities, with experience working cross-functionally and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Adaptability and flexibility in responding to changing priorities, crises, and opportunities, with a calm and professional demeanor under pressure.

Required Skills:

• Strategic communication
• Writing and editing
• Media relations
• Digital communication
• Storytelling
• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Project management
• Analytical skills
• Adaptability.

Salary
N350,000 monthly.

Application Closing Date
21st March, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Application documents to AFI Cooperative via: HRM@aficoop.org using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Application Documents
The application documents should include:

• Letter of interest clearly stating suitability for the position;
• Detailed curriculum vitae based on the criteria stated above.
• Degree Certificates.

Note

• Failure to submit supporting documents as specified in the advertisement will result in an incomplete application. Applicants who submit incomplete applications will NOT be considered.
• Due to the high volume of applications, only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.
• Do not send more thank one application.