Programme/Communications Officer [PCO]

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR PCO

Nigeria: Programme/Communications Officer [PCO]
Job Category: NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION [MID-LEVEL]
Requisition Number: ABJ-PCO-15102024

A. DESCRIPTION

1. About this Opportunity:

The Programme/Communications Officer [PCO] will manage and execute JASAN Foundation’s sponsorship, mentorship and advocacy strategies and campaigning work. This role is crucial in maintaining interactions with individuals and organisations operating within the different stakeholder bodies for the vision of JASAN Foundation, government, civil society, the private sector, and the media. The PCO will activate, develop and execute all JASAN Foundation’s projects as well as engage with relevant stakeholders and media organisations. The PCO will work with support from the JASAN Foundation “Advisory Director, Development & Strategy [ADDS]” and reports to the President of the Foundation.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience of high-level relationship management, with an excellent knowledge of the legal industry in Nigeria. They will be a flexible and enthusiastic leader and great teammate with exceptional interpersonal and management skills and excellent media instincts. In-depth knowledge of international development, legal practice and the judiciary is essential.

B. THE POSITION

1. Position Summary:
   The Program and Communications Officer [PCO] will be responsible for managing and implementing programmes while leading fundraising initiatives and maintaining the organisation’s relationship with the public and the media. This role requires strong project management skills, a passion for community development, and a proven fundraising track record. Additionally, the PCO will handle communications by writing and disseminating publicity materials, managing media and public correspondence as well as platforms, organising events to promote the organisation’s brand, and advising management on internal and external communications strategies. The role also involves researching the organisation’s audience to identify the best channels for increased engagement and collaborating with other teams and committees of the Foundation, including operations, administration, marketing and product development teams.
   
   
2. Key Responsibilities:
   a. Oversee planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes and projects.
   b. Develop programme initiatives and project outlines; this includes staff development, project management, implementation and daily management of activities.
   c. Working with management to create and plan public relations strategies and campaigns to enhance brand image and voice.
   d. Writing publicity content such as press releases, newsletters, speeches, website copy and leaflets.
   e. Creating and maintaining a robust relationship with the media to promote the Foundation’s image
   f. Develop schedules, workplan and budgets; implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
   g. Prepare detailed report on outcomes and impact; track progress and performance against objectives.
   h. Coordinating promotional events and attending news conferences, press launches and exhibitions.
   i. Monitoring and responding to feedback from the media and the public about the Foundation on traditional and digital channels.
   j. Build and maintain strategic partnerships and relationships that interact with other ancillary and relevant organisations; analyse general information and select materials in support of partnership building initiatives.
   k. Collaborate with community members, partners and stakeholders; organise and facilitate meetings and events.
   l. Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies; identify and pursue funding opportunities.
   m. Write, edit, review and submit grant proposals; maintain a calendar of grant opportunities and deadlines.
   n. Plan and coordinate fundraising events and campaigns; manage event budgets and logistics.
   o. Analyse work plans against project deliverables; work with partners to refine proposals, monitoring and evaluation plans, and project budgets.
   p. Generate programme reports; keep the organisation informed about programme development and ongoing activities by supplying scheduled reports [weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, and annually.
   q. Communicate programme reports and all organisation activities to the relevant vendors for newsletters, website and all social media contents.
   r. Ensuring that all promotional, media and marketing content aligns with the Foundation’s brand identity and message.
3. Strategic Responsibilities:
   a. Programming, Campaigning and Mobilising
   i. Coordinate the Foundation’s strategic agenda and develop key performance indicators for specific thematic areas, programmes, projects and goals.
   ii. In partnership with relevant stakeholders locally and globally, ensure sustained growth of JASAN Foundation’s activities, supporters, and funding.
   iii. Exhibit a strong understanding of project management; implementing projects collaboratively with other organisations to develop and deliver national and global campaigns.
   iv. Lead and coordinate resources effectively for cohesive and effective projects and programmes.
   b. Communication and Brand Management
   i. Work closely with communications, campaigns and marketing teams, vendors and organisations to maximise JASAN Foundation’s vision, mission, values, programmes, projects, brand, and campaign assets.
   ii. Seek, ensure and execute both conventional and digital media coverage for JASAN Foundation, locally and internationally.
   iii. Develop JASAN Foundation’s brand, and increase the quality and quantity JASAN Foundation’s support locally and internationally.

C. QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

1. First University Degree in a relevant field. E.g., Law [LL. B, BL.], Business Administration, and English.
2. Minimum of 5 years’ experience in programme management, strategic communications, fundraising and team leadership, preferably in the non-profit sector.
3. Strong project management skills.
4. Proficiency in fundraising and donors’ management [including without limitation researching grant proposals and funding opportunities].
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills & abilities for crafting effective publicity materials, press releases, and correspondence.
6. Media Relations: Experience managing media inquiries, building relationships with journalists, and handling press coverage.
7. Collaboration: – Strong interpersonal skill and the ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders; a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration – including experience working with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, product development, and other departments.
8. Community Engagement: Passion for community development, organisation’s mission, and the ability to work and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
9. Event Planning: Experience organising events to promote the organisation’s brand and mission.
10. Creativity: Innovative thinking for developing unique communication and programmatic initiatives and strategies.
11. Digital Tools Proficiency: Familiarity with digital tools for project management, fundraising, content creation, and media monitoring.
12. Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail for maintaining consistency in messaging and ensuring programme quality.
13. Data Analysis: Ability to measure the success of communication efforts and programme impact through data collection and analysis.
14. Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with donors, partners, media, and community members.
15. Adaptability: Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities and project needs
16. Audience Research and Analysis: Skills in researching and analysing target audiences to determine effective engagement channels.
17. Understand organisational goals and objectives as well as creating and implementing programmes that adhere to these targets.
18. Ability to apply project management knowledge regarding development, staffing, budgeting and scheduling.
19. A global outlook with a clear understanding of the varied mechanisms of Nigerian, African, and Western legal and political landscapes, dynamics and strategies.
20. Outstanding analytical, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills.
21. Ability to manage competing priorities in a constantly evolving environment.
22. Ability to apply good judgment consistently and make good and responsible decisions.
23. Experience managing people and directing team performance for maximum success. Skilled listener and problem solver when guiding performance, growth and professional development of staff.
24. Strong financial management skills, to include budget creation, monitoring and maintenance and a demonstrated understanding of the link and collaboration needed for strategic management of local, regional, and global organisation-wide budgets.
25. Most importantly, a deep commitment to JASAN Foundation’s vision, mission, and values.

D. LANGUAGE SKILLS

Fluency in English required. Proficiency in other Nigerian languages highly preferred.

E. TRAVEL

Travel may be up to 30%.

F. WORK ENVIRONMENT

Remote work environment at the time of hire. In-office work options available and standard office
work environment in the future when appropriate to facilitate.

G. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Are you qualified and ready to join a world class organisation? Please submit a resume and cover letter to email address below.

JASAN Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Due to the number of inquiries that JASAN Foundation receives, we thank all candidates for their interest yet only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.