Communications Specialist Job at State Partnership for Accountability Responsiveness and Capability (SPARC)

The State Partnership for Accountability Responsiveness and Capability (SPARC) is the main governance programme funded by the UK government's Department for International Development assisting the Nigerian Government to build-on governance reforms already under way in ten states (Anambra, Enugu, Jigawa,
Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Niger, Yobe and Zamfara) and at Federal level. The programme started in September 2008 and will run for until mid 2015. Further information on SPARC can be found at www.sparc-nigeria.com.

We are now looking for a Communications Specialist to join the SPARC Team, based at the SPARC Abuja office. The Communication Specialist will report to the Senior Knowledge Management Adviser and be required to visit other states where the programme works.


Job Title: Communications Specialist
Specifically, the Communications Specialist will be required to do the following tasks.

Manage relationships
Liaise with editors and reporters for placing advertorials in the media.
Liaise with designers for final layout of SPARC leaflets and booklets.
Liaise with printers, prepare print specifications and ensure only quality products are accepted.
Contribute to the production of SPARe's publicity material, documentation, video and audio and ensure quality assurance standards are adhered to.

Collect and share governance information
Collect information about the Nigerian governance sector relevant to SPARC - from the media (newspapers, radio and television) and direct from other agencies involved in this sector.
Circulate this information to Senior Management and State Offices.
Maintain an archive ofthe above news stories.
Maintain a distribution list for all SPARC's knowledge products.

Quality assurance
Assist the Knowledge Management Team to ensure submission of reports is in accordance with Programme formats and templates.

Analyse, editing and writing
Draft text for leaflets, policy briefs and fact sheets in a concise manner and plain English.
Draft key messages for the programme communications products and service.

Collecting information and networking
Represent the Programme by attendance at key events.
Make useful contacts and explore networking opportunities for the benefit of the programme.
Contribute to development of new communication tools for use across the programme.

Maintain online media
Contribute to keeping the programme website and social media channels updated.
Advise and support State Offices with planning of any communications activities.
Ensure that photos of key activities are taken and uploaded in the photo library.

Requirements
The Communication Specialist must have a Masters degree in a relevant subject and at least six years experience in communications initiaitives. S/he will have excellent writing, editing and proof reading skills in EngliSh. S/he will have proven ability to analyse and identify key information, have an eye for detail, understand a range of audiences, be able to write stories - in plain English from more technical material and have excellent presentational skills.

The ideal candidate will be keen to learn and innovate and must be computer literate and familiar with the most popular types of social media.

How to Apply
If you believe you have both the skills and experience required to enhance our current offering please email/send your CV along with a brief outline of key points for our consideration to [email protected]  by close of business on Friday 9th August 2013
quoting ref: Application for Communications Specialist.

Interview will be held first week of September, 2013.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.