Application Close Date - January 31, 2025

Senior Media and Strategic Communications Officer

  • Full Time
  • Abuja
The Snr. Media and Strategic Communications Officer leads on a client-focused portfolio. This role will manage client’s media, advocacy, strategic communications, reputation management, and program and content creation efforts. This position holder is the liaison between CCSI and the client and has the responsibility to ensure quality and technical oversight of the portfolio. The position holder represents CCSI at meetings with the client and identifies points of synergy across other client-related policy, media, advocacy, and communications efforts. The successful candidate will develop and implement strategies and work plans in response to CCSI’s investment with the client.  S/he will promote the client’s voice and impact by coordinating advocacy efforts, protecting the client’s reputation, and leading the harvesting of compelling articles, features, and success stories of impact. This position holder must understand and connect the dots of implementing this portfolio with the clients over aching national communication strategy. This role also liaises with relevant government partners across executive, legislative, national and subnational levels to align with similar investments and maximize impact. This portfolio leadership position manages a team that supports the client.

Reports to:  Head of Media & Strategic Communication               

Responsibilities 

  1. Strategy Articulation and Media Advocacy:
  • Co-create and develop evidence-based communications strategies that address internal and external communications for the client
  • Develop and implement media advocacy strategies to influence policy decisions and shape public opinion.
  • Build and maintain relationships with media professionals, opinion leaders, and influencers.
  • Craft and disseminate press releases, opinion pieces, and other media materials.
  • Organize press conferences, media briefings, and interviews.
  • Monitor media coverage and analyze impact.
  • Support media events planning and implementation
  • Support the implementation of an annual media program that enhances relationship between the client and the media
  • Develop a PR plan for the client and its Principal Officers and manage the relationship with media, ED and SMT to implement.
  • Coordinate all capacity building efforts and liaise with relevant faculty at CCSI to plan and implement stellar capacity building workshops.
  1. Content Creation and Archiving:
  • Research and write engaging articles, features, and blog posts.
  • Develop and maintain a content calendar.
  • Craft compelling social media content.
  • Edit and proofread organizational publications including campaign/project/event reports.
  • Collaborate with program teams to develop success stories and case studies.
  • Ensure a secure and easily accessible archiving of all media products and materials
  • Support the development of stories of impact across client platforms.
  • Develop content for LinkedIn, and other digital platforms for clients as may be required
  • Manage the scheduling and implementation of the podcast and other media products for clients
  • Coordinate the celebration of relevant global and national days across the platforms and in person events as may be requested by the client.
  1. Reputation Management:
  • Develop and implement reputation management strategies.
  • Monitor and respond to online and offline media inquiries.
  • Manage crisis communications and issues management.
  • Conduct reputation audits and risk assessments.
  • Develop and maintain a crisis communication plan.
  1. Media Relations:
  • Build and maintain relationships with local and international media outlets.
  • Keep a current list or database of media across all platforms
  • Pitch stories and features to media outlets.
  • Secure media coverage for organizational events and activities.
  • Develop and maintain a media contact database.
  • Support the implementation of all annual media events such as the Annual Media Forum convened by the clients

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
  • Post Graduate Degree in Journalism or its equivalent is an added advantage
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in media relations, journalism, public relations, or communications, with at least 4 years in the NGO/development sector.
  • Strong understanding of the Nigerian and International media landscape and key journalists.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong crisis management and problem-solving skills.
  • Requisite media experience in development communication is a MUST with a good understanding of the role of the media in development communication
  • Significant experience in writing, documentation success stories and managing media events
  • Work experience leading a diverse, multidivergent, multicultural team
  • Demonstrated advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Skills to communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have proficient computer skills;  internet and email software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desired Skills:

  • Strong understanding and connections within the Nigerian and international media landscape and key journalists.
  • Proactive, confident and a goal-getter
  • A good understanding of the client’s mission and communications mandate
  • Ability to write clear, concise, and engaging content.
  • Strong research and interviewing skills.
  • Excellent writing styles.
  • Ability to work within extremely ambitious timelines, able to accommodate unconventional work hours as may be required from time to time
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines.
  • Fluency in English and at least one Nigerian language.

Additional Information:

  • The position is based in Abuja, Nigeria.
  • Travel within and outside Nigeria may be required.

 

 About CCSI

The Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) is a leading social and behavior change (SBC) organization with expertise in utilizing research evidence to implement effective strategies that address barriers preventing designated audiences from adopting recommended behaviors. Registered in 2001 as a non-governmental and not-for-profit organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria, CCSI continues to work towards being the center of excellence in strategic communications in Africa. Driven by values of integrity, passion, care, innovation, and excellence, CCSI focuses on the central role of strategic communication to impact behaviors, build brands, and provide technical leadership in health and social development.

CCSI is an inclusive organization and welcomes applications from under-represented and intersectional groups including persons with disabilities. We are seeking people from different backgrounds, cultures, age, experience and identities, to provide a wide range of experience, ideas, views and insights into the strategy, policies, culture and ambitions of CCSI

As an organization, we are committed to ensuring the safety of those involved in our work. Our first priority is protecting everyone who comes in direct or indirect contact with our organization. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation by any of our staff, representatives, or partners. We commit to ensuring that those who work with CCSI or on our behalf can work in an environment that is free from harm.

 

Application Review and Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the stated deadline. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure consideration.
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