Founded in 1915, Helen Keller International is dedicated to saving the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. We combat the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision, health and nutrition. We currently have more than 180 programs in 21 African and Asian countries. Part of this work is focused on preventing blindness and vision loss for millions of vulnerable people through cataract surgery, vision correction, vitamin A supplementation, screening and treatment for diabetic retinopathy, and distribution of treatments and cures for neglected tropical diseases. We also work to reduce malnutrition by promoting solutions aimed at improving nutrition practices for millions of families. These include vitamin A supplementation, maternal and child nutrition education, fortification of staple foods with essential nutrients, globally recognized family-led agricultural programs, and community based management of acute malnutrition. Helen Keller International also reaches tens of thousands of under-served youth in the United States each year through ChildSight®. This unique program provides free vision screenings and prescription eyeglasses to students living in poverty in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio.
- Experience 7 years
- Location Abuja , Kebbi , Sokoto
Background
The USAID Advancing Nutrition implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners. The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.
The overall purpose of the project in Nigeria is to provide technical support to the Government of Nigeria, and other nutrition stakeholders and generate evidence to enhance nutrition programming toward achieving the overall goal of improving nutrition for a healthy, productive, and resilient Nigeria.
Helen Keller Nigeria seeks to employ suitable persons for the following positions:
Scope of the Position
The Knowledge Management and Communications Officer is responsible for developing and implementing the external communication and media strategies of the project, including through the website, social media, newsletters, press contacts and briefings.
Job Responsibilities:
- Work proactively with the project team to identify opportunities for capturing and sharing knowledge, and disseminating information about major progress and results; Oversee communication and branding of the project in country. Maintain and monitor brand integrity across internal and external communications
- Develop communication materials, including pictures, videos, publications, infographics, short documentaries, promotional materials etc. Accompany colleagues to the field to capture all relevant media (pictures, videos, short documentaries, success stories e.t.c) relating to activities when required
- Develop and implement communications strategies and work-plans, events and other initiatives in support of the project’s strategic goals
- Liaise with other project staff to edit, produce and disseminate strategic content for external audiences. Liaise with team members to document and disseminate stories of impact.
- Apply his/her knowledge as well as practical experience in knowledge management concepts and tools, including software applications and IT systems;
- Create collaborative tools to facilitate sharing of ideas that are of use to colleagues,
- beneficiaries and other partners and stakeholders
- Facilitate hiring local consultants to carry out planned communication activities;
- Ensure a regular link with M&E staff in knowledge generation and dissemination;
- Facilitate the development and field testing of appropriate messages, communication activities and materials;
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with journalists, and maintain a media database for the project
- Capture good practices for producing knowledge products and communications materials;
- Expected Deliverables
- Conduct capacity needs assessments at state and national levels
- Develop training plans and budgets
- Prepare training reports detailing training outcomes; records and data on trainings conducted
Education:
Bachelor degree in mass communication and journalism, library science or any other related subject.
Experience:
At least 7years of relevant experience in the field of communication and knowledge management in development projects.
Demonstrated experience in developing content that clearly communicates ideas and experiences for media, web, graphic designs, print production, and audio-visual productions.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Demonstrates technical knowledge pertaining to job requirements
- Knowledge of international development issues, nutrition and/or maternal and child health related issues, highly desirable
- Proven expertise in developing creative content and effective communications strategies, including social media branding activities
- Ability to analyze country context and development situation;
- Ability to think strategically about how to shape the same message for different audiences
- Advanced oral and written communication skills: ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear manner and synthesize large volumes of data and/or information into simple meaningful forms
- Prior experience working in the field of Nutrition will be an added advantage
- Able to work under pressure minimal supervision and able to meet up deadlines
- Must possess good interpersonal skills and a good team player
- Demonstrated excellent personal integrity and confidentiality
- Strong communication and IT skill (MS Office, Photoshop, web designing, and other communication-related software);
Competencies:
- Adaptable, creative, collaborative and able to think strategically.
- Purpose driven and outcome focused
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Physical Demands:
Ability to travel regularly to the project states (Bauchi, Kebbi and Sokoto) as needed
In the spirit of our founder and namesake, Helen Keller is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is fully valued.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.
Method of Application
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume as one document to: [email protected]. using the position title and location as the subject of the email.
Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
