Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action – helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Communication & Learning Officer

Requisition Number: SENIO002505
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Position Status: Full-time, Regular
Job Category: Media & Communications

Program / Department Summary

• We are implementing the Addressing Diverse and Acute Primary Threats (ADAPT II) to Human Security and Transitioning Households to Recovery from Vulnerability (THRIVE) in Northeastern Nigeria.
• The goal is to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of displaced, returnee and host households in Borno State which aligns with BHA’s overarching mission statement to “save lives, alleviate human suffering, and reduce the physical, social, and economic impact of rapid and slow-onset disasters”.
• ADAPT II & THRIVE will respond to critical humanitarian needs across Borno state, focusing on the Food Security, Nutrition, Shelter, WASH, MCPA, Protection, ERMS and Agriculture sectors.
• The ADPT II program will cover all of Borno State depending on the humanitarian context while THRIVE will be implemented in Jere LGA. Under ADAPT II, sector by sector focus will be geographically specific where appropriate, with MPCA, Shelter and Settlements, and WASH interventions focus on newly displaced or returnee caseloads across Borno state – with an expected focus on Banki, Monguno, Damasak, Ngala, Bama, Damboa, Dikwa LGAs.

General Position Summary

• The Senior Communication & Learning Officer will support the development of a communication strategy for the ADAPT II & THRIVE program including developing SBC/IEC materials, factsheets, articles, videos and other messaging required for various interventions implemented on the program. Throughout the lifecycle of the program, s/he will be responsible for:
  • Cross-cutting programmatic information management within the framework of the program.
  • Ensuring that information is shared and used for continuous improvement of ongoing interventions.
  • S/he will have responsibility for leading the development of high-quality reports and success stories for dissemination and documentation.

Essential Job Functions
Strategy and Vision:

• Work closely with the Country Office Communication & Learning Team in the development of a communications and visibility plan for the program, and efficient documentation and implementation of relevant activities in adherence to Mercy Corps global standards and USAID BHA donor
• Contribute to country team-building efforts and communications support for deep field
• Work with the Communication & Learning Specialist to develop and organize activities to secure resources for programs and convince stakeholders to provide

Communication and Capacity Building:

• Support ADAPT II & THRIVE visibility, communications & learning initiatives, ensuring that program communications activities meet donor communications and visibility guidelines.
• Travel to field locations to collect images, success stories, and other communications content to highlight programs successes, staff well-being, or any other topic as the need arises.
• Help teams plan and conduct effective dissemination of project materials to different stakeholders.
• Establish a close working relationship with relevant media practitioners in Borno and neighbouring states and maintain a database of key contacts.
• Help identity team members’ capacity-building needs and the implementation of communications capacity-building and learning activities.
• Facilitate sessions in communications capacity-building trainings for program team members and partner staff.
• Support the planning and coordinating of communications trainings, workshops and other events, as the need arises.
• Maintain standards and best practices for all communications and learning processes, updating the program shared drive, including contributions to the online Communications and Learning library under the direction of the Communications and Learning Specialist.
• Develop and share content on Mercy Corps Global internal platforms (Workplace pages, The Hub and The Globe) and frequent updates to the country office communications for dissemination to Mercy Corps Nigeria external communications platforms.
• Actively participate in meetings and processes to promote effective communication practices for the program and in support of the country portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with donor and Mercy Corps regulations, including security procedures and policies.

Organizational Learning:

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient, and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries:

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• N/A

Accountability:

• Reports Directly To: Program Director
• Works Directly With: Programs Staff, Country, Regional & HQ Communications Staff, HR, Operations, Finance (all offices).

Knowledge and Experience

• Postgraduate Degree in Communication, International Development, Gender, or any related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of Communication work experience in international development required; ideal candidate will have both theoretical and practical background in communications.
• Knowledge of program development, implementation, and reporting.
• Experience in facilitation and building team capacity to deliver high-quality results.
• Vast experience in producing films, documentaries, drama skits and other appropriate communications and learning materials.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including experience with any communication and visual presentation software.
• Knowledge of Photography, Videography and Infographics is desired.
• Experience interfacing with media, corporations and key stakeholders is highly desired.
• Fluency in written and verbal English is required.
• Fluency in Hausa or Kanuri is desired.

Success Factors:

• The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.
• Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC’s policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

• Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges.
• We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
• We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

• Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
• We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all.
• We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics:

• Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity.
• We are committed to the core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary-General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members.
• As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times.
• Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct eLearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis

Application Closing Date
30th June, 2022.