Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-prfit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and a European office in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict - away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 600 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects from 50 offices in 35 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.  The organization is an exciting and rewarding place to work, with a dedicated and enthusiastic staff that is committed to its mission and values.  You will be joining a highly motivated staff with a good team spirit and there will be opportunities to grow in the role.

Summary of SFCG Nigeria

Since 2003, SFCG has worked through its multi-media division, Common Ground Productions, in Nigeria, from 2004 to 2008 producing and broadcasting a TV series targeting a youth audience. In 2010, SFCG began building its engagement in Nigeria, initiating a multi-year conflict transformation program, utilizing media and support to civil society in order to expand and deepen the impact of the Common Ground approach in Nigeria. SFCG has established a permanent presence in Abuja as an operational base for a number of initiatives comprising the country program.  SFCG works to support peaceful resolution of conflict in regions of Nigeria such as the Niger Delta, the North East and North Central.

POSITION : Communications Coordinator​

Summary of Position

The Communications Coordinator will work with SFCG's management and program teams for effective internal and external communications, including writing briefs and reports, writing contents for website and newsletters; documenting success stories and case studies; and promoting positive media coverage.

S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Country Director and in close coordination with the Media Manager and Program Managers. The position will be based in Abuja and will include frequent field travels.

Major duties and responsibilities

Support and assist the Country Director to develop and implement an effective communication strategy;
Develop and manage the SFCG Nigeria traditional and online Communication Strategy. This includes working with the Design, Monitoring & Evaluation and Learning Manager, Media Manager and Program Managers to develop both internal and external messages that support senior leadership, reinforce the attainment of the organization’s objectives, and are aligned with the organization’s global communication strategy; ensuring the clarity and consistency of communication materials, as well as collecting feedback on communications in order to determine best practices and areas for improvement;
Integrate key communications messages into program products, activities and processes;
Ensure donor compliance on communication, branding and marking all SFCG Nigeria projects;
Coordinate with program staff and generate and write contents on behalf of SFCG Nigeria for SFCG's global newsletters and websites, and publicity materials;
Produce a bi-monthly newsletter for internal and external communications, highlighting key activities, achievements and major upcoming events;
Promote SFCG's mission and results through internal and external communication tools including, newsletters, website, social media and public events.
Promote SFCG Nigeria's events and activities working closely with the program teams; and support the program teams to plan and implement publicity and promotional activities and events;
Increase SFCG Nigeria’s online presence by growing its audience and increasing engagement through social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
Maintain and update media files, organize press clippings and photo files, and organize and manage collateral and promotional material inventory;
Prepare presentations and speeches for public events and manage stakeholders’ database and invitations;
Develop and maintain relations with national and international media and coordinate with SFCG HQ in order to ensure maximum coverage of SFCG events and projects in Nigeria;
Develop media statements, fact sheets, press releases, press kits, etc. for SFCG events and activities;
Communicate with target groups, communities, partners and stakeholders to understand and address the program’s end-user information and communications needs; and
Proactively collect, document and write success stories and case studies; proposal and report briefs.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

 Qualifications

Essential:

Bachelor’s degree in communications and mass media, advertising, marketing or related field;
At least 3 years of professional experience in outreach, communications, advocacy, social marketing, advertising, media and public relations, and campaigning; 
Substantial experience of working with news organizations, print and/or broadcast;
Sound experience of working with creative services/advertising/event-management agencies to fulfill commissioning, procuring, contracting, developing and producing marketing/campaign/advertising materials and products; good working knowledge of media buying will be an asset;
Understanding of and experience in harnessing traditional and social media for awareness-raising and advocacy, social media savvy;
Strong command of English language, with excellent written and oral communication skills and interpersonal communication skills;
Excellent analytical skills and ability to produce high quality written materials for different audience;
Creative writing, editing, photography, presentation, public speaking and active listening skills;
Creative,  entrepreneurial and collaborative; ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace; and
Ability to prioritize, plan and organize workflow to tight timeframes, handle multiple tasks, and be flexible with changing priorities.