WFP Nigeria is looking to hire a Communications Officer

[Jonathan R]

Positions: Communications Officer 
Unit: Communications, Advocacy and Marketing (CAM)
Location: Abuja FCT, Nigeria
Contract Type: International Consultant
Grade: Consultant
Duration: Six months (with the view to extend)
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food
assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from
conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
Nigeria’s northeast region has been in the grip of a conflict that has pushed 5.1 million people to
the brink of starvation. As the conflict continues, there is a growing fear among families and
communities that stability and their ability to meet their food and other needs will remain
elusive. Setting up its operation in the epicenter of the conflict in 2016, WFP has been reaching
these conflict-affected people with a mix of food, cash and nutrition assistance in order to save
their lives. Beyond saving lives, WFP endeavors to support life-changing activities, enabling
restoration of livelihoods and recovery from the devastating impact of conflict. With no signs of
the conflict soon abating, WFP will remain vigilant in ensuring that the current situation in
Nigeria is not relegated to a forgotten crisis.
We need you to help tell this incredible story. WFP Nigeria is looking for savvy media
professionals who can flip tired narratives and connect audiences with the experiences of people
in Nigeria and our goal to achieve SDG 2 Zero Hunger by 2030.
As a member of the Communications, Advocacy and Marketing Unit, you’ll create a range of
communication products that can make new audiences excited about WFP in Nigeria and show
our supporters how they’re making an impact. You’ll adapt global issues into accessible and
compelling content for domestic and international. And you’ll write confidently, with integrity,
and make Zero Hunger a part of every conversation.
If this sounds like you, please send your CV and recent examples of your work to:
Chi Lael – Chi.Lael@wfp.org
Head of Communications, Advocacy and Marketing
United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Nigeria

Position Title: Communications Officer
Unit: Communications, Advocacy and Marketing (CAM)
Location: Abuja FCT, Nigeria
Contract Type: International Consultant
Grade: Consultant
Duration: Six months (with the view to extend)
Background
For over a decade Nigeria has been in the grip of a conflict that has pushed 5.1 million people to the brink
of starvation. As the conflict continues, there is a growing fear among families and communities that stability and
their ability to meet their food and other needs will remain elusive. Setting up its operation in the epicenter of the
conflict in the Borno State capital of Maiduguri, WFP has been reaching these conflict-affected people with
a mix of food, cash and nutrition assistance in order to save their lives. Beyond saving lives, WFP endeavors to
support life-changing activities, enabling restoration of livelihoods and recovery from the devastating impact of
conflict. With no signs of the conflict soon abating, WFP will remain vigilant in ensuring that the current situation
in Nigeria is not relegated to a forgotten crisis.
Job brief
To develop, plan and implement communications activities that support the overall communications strategy and
WFP objectives. The Communications Officer will work as part of the CAM Unit to produce timely and engaging
content that aims to position WFP Nigeria as the leading humanitarian organization working towards Zero Hunger
in Nigeria. Implement the communications plan by supporting and delivering a range of communications
activities, providing research and analysis, and prioritising effectively.
Responsibilities
1. Implement the communication work plan designed to maintain and enhance the visibility and
reputation of WFP, as well as support fundraising activities, ensuring alignment with overall
communications and WFP strategies.
2. Support the CO in producing compelling written content including press releases and impact stories for
use across a range of integrated online platforms and media, to brand-build, raise awareness, as well as
demonstrate the impact of WFP’s work for fund-raising activities.
3. Support with the development of media messages, talking points and press releases as required.
4. Capture engaging content from the field, including stories and case studies, that can be disseminated
across all platforms.
5. Prepare communications products that effectively convey the desired message to targeted audiences.
6. Maintain and develop a contact list of journalists and media outlets and manage the regular flow of
news/information about WFP’s work to the media, ensuring reputational risks are identified and
T E R M S O F R E F E R E N C E
managed.
7. Track and analyse traditional and online media, to identify trends and/or issues, and propose
solutions and ideas to improve the effectiveness of communication strategy and activities.
8. Monitor and analyse traditional and social media to inform the development and/or evaluation of
communication activities and strategies;
9. Ensure that responses to direct or indirect requests for information about the work of WFP CO provide
understanding of its objectives, policies and activities;
10. Manage relations with the media – draft, edit texts for news releases, feature articles, briefing notes,
backgrounders, Questions & Answers (Q&A), arrange interviews; and provide content.
11. Generate and/or facilitate the production of donor specific visibility content including, text, photos,
videos and audio for use across a range of integrated online platforms, in order to support country
fundraising activities, ensuring consistency with corporate messages.
12. Liaise and interact with WFP staff and external counterparts to support aligned activities and a coherent
approach to communications within WFP.
Functional Capabilities
• Specialised Knowledge in Communications: Uses sound theoretical knowledge of communications
concepts to generate or facilitate the generation of effective communication materials across various
media. Applies this to define work plans aligned to identified areas of WFP’s communications strategy.
• Communication Strategy and Planning: Applies advanced understanding of WFP communications
strategy and best practice to effectively develop strategies to engage with media and other significant
external stakeholders within area of responsibility. Oversees implementation, providing
recommendations for improvement.
• Socio-political Contextual Understanding: Demonstrates deep understanding of the
multilateral/interagency environment and the dynamics in which WFP operates which influences approach
to working, policy development and decision making.
• Media and Influencer Relationship Management: Demonstrates ability to build and sustain effective
collaborative relationships with key media contacts and influencers in area of expertise to raise the profile
of WFP, build relationships and further organisational aims.
• Media and Communication Expertise: Facilitates open verbal or written communication with media and
influencers as required (i.e. through preparation of tailored written or visual materials presentations, and
official documentation) to convey tailored messages. Engages in mutually informative discussion with
media and influencers.
T E R M S O F R E F E R E N C E
Qualifications and Specialized Knowledge/experience required
• Advanced University degree or bachelor’s degree in journalism, international relations, public relations,
communications or other relevant field with additional years of related work experience and/or
trainings/courses.
• Demonstrable portfolio of work representing excellent written communications skills.
• Demonstrated experience in developing original stories, storytelling, understanding diverse audiences and
the most appropriate channels/approaches to reach them.
• Has experience gathering content, including facts, interviews and stories.
• Has experience in building and sustaining effective collaborative relationships with key media contacts
and influencers in area of expertise.
Language
Excellent written and oral English.