Project: iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme
Programme Implementers: Zhill Systems Limited and North-East Humanitarian Innovation Hub (NEHIH)
Abuja (Project Management Office)/Remote, with periodic travel across the six North-East States (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe)
Reports To: Project Director
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, Full-Time
Contract Duration: Fixed-term for the duration of the project with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.
Programme Background
The iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme is a flagship initiative under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, designed to expand employment opportunities for young Nigerians by equipping them with globally competitive digital and BPO skills while connecting them to local and international employment opportunities.
Implemented by the Zhill Systems–NEHIH Consortium, the programme seeks to train, certify and facilitate employment pathways for 50,000 young people across the six North-East states through a market-driven approach that integrates technical training, career readiness, employer engagement and job placement.
Position Purpose
The Media & Communications Lead provides strategic leadership for the programme’s communications, media relations, branding and public engagement functions. The role is responsible for developing and implementing an integrated communications strategy that strengthens programme visibility, promotes stakeholder engagement, ensures compliance with donor branding requirements and enhances the Consortium’s public profile.
Working closely with programme leadership, government institutions, development partners, employers and the media, the Media & Communications Lead oversees strategic communications, media engagement, digital communications, knowledge management and visibility activities across all implementation states while providing leadership to the communications function.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Communications Strategy & Leadership
The Media & Communications Lead will develop and oversee the implementation of the programme’s Communications and Visibility Strategy, ensuring that all communication activities align with programme objectives, donor requirements and the Consortium’s strategic priorities. The role will provide technical leadership and guidance for communications activities across all implementation states.
Media Relations & Public Engagement
The incumbent will establish and maintain strategic relationships with national, regional and international media organisations, coordinate media engagements, oversee press briefings and interviews, prepare official statements and promote positive public awareness of programme achievements and impact.
Content Development, Branding & Digital Communications
The role will oversee the production of high-quality communication materials, including press releases, feature stories, newsletters, speeches, reports, publications and multimedia content. The Media & Communications Lead will ensure consistent messaging, manage digital communication platforms, oversee social media strategy, and ensure compliance with BOI, AfDB and iDICE branding and visibility guidelines.
Knowledge Management & Documentation
The Media & Communications Lead will oversee the documentation of programme activities, lessons learned, beneficiary success stories and knowledge products. The role will ensure that communication assets are properly archived and that programme achievements are effectively captured and disseminated to relevant stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement & Event Communications
The incumbent will lead communication activities for programme launches, stakeholder consultations, trainings, workshops, employer engagement sessions, career fairs and public events. The role will strengthen collaboration with government institutions, employers, development partners and beneficiaries through effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
Monitoring, Reporting & Visibility Compliance
The role will oversee communication performance by monitoring media coverage, digital engagement and communication indicators, preparing periodic communication reports, supporting donor reporting requirements and ensuring full compliance with donor visibility and communication standards.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, Communication Arts, Marketing Communications, English, Development Communication, International Relations, Social Sciences or a related discipline. A master’s degree is an advantage.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years’ progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, media relations, corporate communications or public affairs.
- Demonstrated experience leading communications for donor-funded, government or large-scale development programmes.
- Proven experience in strategic communications planning, media engagement, stakeholder management, branding and public relations.
- Experience supervising communications teams is highly desirable.
- Experience working in workforce development, digital economy, private sector development or fragile and conflict-affected settings is an added advantage.
Technical Competencies
The candidate should demonstrate advanced expertise in strategic communications, media relations, public relations, stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, digital communications, brand management, content strategy, speech writing, storytelling, knowledge management, social media management, event communications, photography and videography, website content management, communication analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Microsoft Office 365 and other digital communication tools.
Behavioural Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong leadership, strategic thinking, excellent communication, creativity, sound judgement, stakeholder management, planning and organisational skills, collaboration, adaptability, integrity, professionalism and results orientation.
Working Conditions
The position is based in Abuja with periodic travel across the six North-East states. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during programme implementation, stakeholder engagements and field activities.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit a current CV (maximum two pages), a current CV (maximum three pages), copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, and the contact details of three professional referees to bpo.northeast@humanitarianihub.org
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Zhill Systems–NEHIH Consortium is committed to promoting equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion or other protected characteristics. Women, persons with disabilities and qualified candidates from North-East Nigeria are strongly encouraged to apply.