Head, Corporate Communications at Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR)

JOB TITLE: Head, Corporate Communications

JOB LOCATION: Abuja (FCT)

JOB DETAILS:

• SCIDaR is seeking to engage a suitable and qualified candidate with exceptional writing skills as a Communications Associate to support the documentation of project implementation and impact stories across assigned projects.
• The Communications Associate will spearhead all communication efforts for the assigned projects which includes creating and implementing a communication plan to effectively promote the project’s innovations and activities.
• They will be responsible for developing targeted content such as quarterly newsletters, case studies, and position papers for external audiences.
• Additionally, they will contribute to planning and programming related to the project’s external communications strategy.
• The Communications Associate will primarily be based in Abuja, Nigeria but must be willing to embark on project-related travel to other states in Nigeria as required.

Description and Objective

• The Head, Corporate Communications will lead SCIDaR’s Corporate Communications team to develop and implement robust and impactful communication and advocacy strategies and initiatives across the organisation and its programs.

Job Responsibilties
Technical Responsibilities
Strategic communication leadership:

• Develop and execute comprehensive corporate communication strategies aligned with SCIDaR’s goals, vision and objectives;
• Develop and implement an advocacy plan that enhances SCIDaR’s partnership and promotes the profile of SCIDaR’s social impact work among domestic and international thought leaders, potential donors, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee the creation of compelling and engaging content for various communication channels, including press releases, social media, and company publications;
• Providing expert-level advise and communications services to SCIDaR’s management team to facilitate effective communications and engagement with staff, and external stakeholders.

Programmatic communication management:

• Support the development of communication materials to engage with the beneficiaries, specifically;
• Development and design of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials related to SCIDaR projects;
• Social media content creation targeting the beneficiaries and stakeholders;
• Support the identification and development of human-interest stories for SCIDaR;
• Support the project leads in drafting articles and disseminating to media;
• Support the principals on communication planning, including social media post creation.
• Support capacity building of implementing partners on communications, specifically the following:
• Support the corporate communications team and management on the development of IEC materials for projects;
• Support designated staff on the use of media and social media software, applications and communications tools to engage with beneficiaries and various stakeholders.

Internal communication management:

• Develop and implement an internal communication strategy using a tailored framework to achieve SCIDaR’s internal communication goals;
• Develop and execute internal communication plans to enhance employee understanding and engagement of company objectives;
• Facilitate effective communication and synergy between different employee groups within the organization.

Media relations:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and other relevant industry stakeholders;
• Act as spokesperson and liaison between the SCIDaR and the media, when required.

Advocacy and brand management:

• Identify and propose communication and advocacy information opportunities, activities, approaches, platforms and partners to enhance the company’s public image;
• Develop and implement an advocacy strategy and media campaign to drive engagement;
• Identify and develop new communication partnerships and alliances to enhance visibility; 
• Identify the appropriate events to participate in; support messaging for speaking engagements, public events, and awards applications, including drafting talking points, remarks, and event messaging;
• Use innovative approaches to marketing communications to ensure effective reach to target audiences;
• Develop a framework to measure and promote brand performance, image and positioning in the sector;
• Performance of other tasks as may be assigned.

Institutional Leadership Responsibilities

• As an institutional leader and a part of SCIDaR’s Management Team, the Head, Corporate Communications will be required to contribute substantially to organizational strategy and management in ways including, but not limited to:
  • Support executive management as needed with institutional representation; planning and budgeting; people development, and general leadership and oversight for the organization especially concerning matters related to corporate communications and brand management;
  • Support the technical development of proposals as required or assigned;
  • Participate as required in the comprehensive in-house professional development program that includes new staff onboarding and orientation; in-class training sessions; staff mentoring program etc.

Also, as a department head, he/she will be required to provide effective leadership for the department in ways including, but not limited to:

• Working with senior management to achieve a fit-for-purpose but efficient department, including a revised organogram and staffing/capability requirements;
• Identification of strategic priorities for each function in the department, and development of costed annual departmental implementation plans;
• Having custody of departmental policies, processes and tools, including periodic updates and revisions as necessary to meet institutional needs.
• These include SCIDaR’s brand manual; and other relevant policies and guidelines etc.;  
• Management and supervision of departmental staff, supporting recruitment and retention efforts, assignment of job functions and KPIs, learning and capacity building, and performance management exercises. 

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field, such as in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism etc.;
• Proven experience in corporate communications leadership, especially in the public health sector;
• Proven track record in managing public and private engagements, corporate brand management, reputation management and fostering effective interpersonal relationships;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in developing media and advocacy campaigns;
• A sound understanding of public and private engagement, corporate brand management and advocacy.

Core requirements:

• Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of SCIDaR;
• Sensitivity to diverse audiences and demonstrated sound judgement about messaging;
• Ability to elaborate and implement communications and publications strategies;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in developing media and advocacy campaigns;
• Demonstrated excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism;
• Demonstrated strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and thought leadership abilities;
• Results-oriented performer experienced in developing and tracking self with clear KPIs;
• Exceptional research, writing, editing, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply for the ongoing Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) job opening, visit the job APPLICATION PORTAL to submit your application!

Note: Women are encouraged to apply.