Communications and Advocacy Officer at Youth Network on Community and Sustainable Development

As the leading advocacy group of all youth bodies working to end all forms of harmful traditional practices in Nigeria, the Youth Network for Community and Sustainable Development is a movement catalyzing social change by engaging young people and amplifying their voices to speak for Human Rights, through targeted advocacy to key players, capacity building and development, communications and media engagements, partnerships and program implementation. We also work on other sexual and reproductive health and rights issues, Governance and Environment.

The Communications and Advocacy officer is expected to develop, organize and execute a wide range of activities to influence policy according to the scope of our programmes, and specific results-oriented projects. S/he will build the policy capacity of our offices and advice on project implementation. S/he will carry out policy analysis and the writing of position statements of our organization.

Together with leading technical staff, s/he will play an active role in networking, lobbying, and representing the organization in a wide range of policy issues at events, conventions, and media opportunities. S/he will be able to integrate communication tools and channels in her/his work.

The Officer will provide editorial and production assistance and supports the general operations and workflow of YNCSD Communications and Advocacy Department. H/her efforts actively contribute to communications and advocacy projects and products that continually raise YNCSD public profile, visibility, and innovation in global health aligned with YNCSD mission and strategic plan.

The Officer must possess versatile communications skills set and assist in a range of tasks including writing, formatting, copyediting, proofreading, social media, and designing and producing routine products and deliverables (e.g. technical reports, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, invitations, and flyers). S/he also coordinates support for more complex products, including providing detailed specifications and managing review processes and timelines. S/he supports the department’s management of organizational conference participation and technical publishing through assisting in the dissemination of materials and managing tracking and production calendars and logistics for conferences and other events.

The Officer will play a key role in the department’s workflow by managing requests for support submitted from staff throughout the organization via an online form (e.g., for graphic design, technical publication editing and formatting, handouts and materials for events, business cards, presentation assistance, translation services). As part of this role, the Officer coordinates outsourcing of translation, printing, and other communications-related services, including contacting external consultants/firms, reviewing proposals/estimated costs, liaising with project managers and vendors, and reviewing final products to assure consistency with YNCSD standards and guidelines, working with printing firms, and coordinating invoicing and payment. S/he is well-versed in YNCSD administrative and procurement processes.

Main responsibilities

• Facilitate and guide our institutional advocacy strategy;
• Facilitate the development of joint advocacy strategies with partners, associated networks, partners, and other offices of our organization;
• Develop strategic partnerships with key actors to achieve our policy goals;
• Act as a spokesperson liaison to media, governments, and other actors;
• Take the lead in organizing media outreach; arranges all media contacts, press briefings, and interviews; provide talking points and other materials as needed for senior staff; respond to media inquiries quickly and effectively.
• Coordinate production of a diverse range of information products including audio/visual communications, when needed to achieve specific policy goals;
• Support and advise the other offices to carry out lobby and advocacy properly;
• Ensure timely development of position papers, policy briefings, presentations, and other advocacy materials and communication media;
• Identify key opportunities in the short and long-term in which we can influence policy processes;
• Advice technical staff and the management for meaningful engagement with key actors and institutions;
• Support opportunities for fundraising regarding policy interventions;
• Support and coordinate the relevant regional policy processes and activities of regional offices, especially concerning global/international policy processes and fora related to wetlands and other societal issues.

 Profile of the candidate

The Communications and Advocacy officer should have experience in formulating and implementing organizational policy strategies. S/he must demonstrate a commitment to the cause either through previous job experiences or any other activities related to our mission. S/he should have a solid track record in representing organizations, S/he is proactive, creative, outspoken, optimistic, with an interest in Sexual Reproductive justice and sustainable development, and a passion for making a difference, with a preference for achieving outcomes in collaboration with others. S/he has a results-oriented approach and proposes ways to innovate and continuously improve our communications products, practices, channels, and messaging.

Essential skills and experience

• Master level qualification in relevant field (e.g. communications, humanities, environment);
• At least 4 years of working experience in policy analysis, lobby, and advocacy in an international context, working with national, regional, and global dimensions;
• Demonstrable experience and achievements working in and advocating for multi-stakeholder platforms and processes;
• Track record in policy analysis, writing and editing articles, website content, reports and press releases;
• Experience working in Non-Governmental Organisations (National or International).
• Ability to quickly understand and absorb new topics, issues, and disciplines and distill relevant advocacy strategies from them;
• Experience in stakeholder mapping and strategizing according to policy objectives of different projects;
• Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences;
• Excellent communication and project management skills; team player and facilitator;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English 
• Solid knowledge of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Gender Based Violence, and must-be Pro-Choice. 

Equal Opportunities

YNCSD is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, and members of underrepresented groups.

The position holder is required to carry out the duties by the YNCSD Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.

Method of Application

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