Job Vacancy At Solina Centre For International Development and Research

Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) is an independent development policy research and capacity building organization that offers a platform for policy dialogue and advocacy. The mission of the organization is to influence policies significantly using rigorous evidence and dialogue of experts in order to help shape development outcomes in Nigeria and Africa more broadly.


As an offshoot of Solina consulting group, SCIDaR approaches this important endeavor with
unique capabilities. These include background in operational research, experiential learning and innovation associated with experience in transformational projects in the health and education sectors, real world and real time insights from work being done by affiliates in Solina Group and other partners, and ability to attract high-caliber persons from government, private sector, development community and end users. These capabilities are being deployed in research and engagement in health systems development; agricultural productivity and value chains; education, skills and labor market; innovation and economic development; governance and security; and private sector’s role in provision of public goods

Job Title:  Communications Specialist 



Job Summary
The communications manager is responsible for initiating, planning, and managing the public relations activities of SCIDaR. He/She will be responsible for promoting and expanding the reach and impact of the Center’s activities and knowledge products. These include organization of events including conferences, seminars and workshops, and management of production and dissemination of educational and advocacy materials such as articles, videos, analysis, OpEds (columns), opinion pieces, and around the halls. The officer is responsible for planning the overall communications strategy and promotion of SCIDaR and its programs across media outlets including television, radio and print, as well as seminars and speaking opportunities, direct mail and online means such as websites, blogs, wikis, and social network portals (Facebook, twitter, etc.) The officer will report directly to the Executive Director and work with senior management in the course of duty

Key responsibilities
    In liaison with the Program Manager and Executive Director, carry out frequent media monitoring activities to pick out issues of interest on health policy and prepare timely and accurate responses for pitching to media outlets and sharing on SCIDaR communication platforms
    Take lead in the development and implementation of a social media strategy for SCIDaR aimed at influencing policy and increasing awareness on development issues in health, education, agriculture and economics
    Build the capacity of SCIDaR fellows, staff and consultants in developing media friendly information (from technical to non-technical content)
    Identify new and existing public relations initiatives opportunities to promote SCIDaR program activities
    Develop and maintain an active and updated media contact directory
    Source, draft and disseminate timely and regular content for various communication platforms which include: the website, social media platforms, newsletters and annual reports
    Take lead in planning and organizing special events to promote SCIDaR activities
Desired Skills and Experience
    Proven ability to work as part of a team
    Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills
    Ability to organize and implement training and facilitate group processes
    Ability to plan, manage and work in high-pressure situation under tight deadlines
    Energy, passion and commitment to social development
    Excellent written and oral communication skills
    Excellent knowledge of computer systems, web content management systems, desktop publishing and video/audio editing software
Keen interest in research-to-policy transition
    Ability to research, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information
    General ability to draft clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in non-technical written and oral form
    Specific skills in writing press releases and articles/stories for traditional and electronic media
    Excellent organization skills
    Masters degree in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations from a reputable university. Second class upper qualification and above
    Five years progressive work experience in the planning and management of communication, print and broadcast media or interactive digital media for development, at either the national or international level
    Fluency in and familiarity with public discourse (from both government and society viewpoints) on development issues
    Knowledge of current theories and practices in policy research, and the role of free and paid for media
Attention to detail
    Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with media representatives, government officials and other partners
How to Apply

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should click here to apply online.