Information and Strategic Communication Expert at International Alert

International Alert was founded in 1986 to help people find peaceful solutions to conflict. At that time, the number of conflicts between countries was decreasing, but there was an alarming increase in the number of conflicts within countries. These conflicts were undermining development and leading to gross violations of human rights.

Experience: 10 years
Location: Abuja

Location: Abuja (with field missions to participating states)
Duration: Up to 3 months with possibility for extension
Engagement Type: Consultancy
Reports to: National Team Lead and DDR Expert

Background

The National DDR Policy Harmonisation and Exit Pathways Project seeks to address the fragmented and often uncoordinated disengagement, de radicalisation, and reintegration processes across Nigeria. This is being done through the development of a national DDR policy and strategy aligned with international standards and local contexts. A critical component of the initiative is the design and implementation of a strategic communication framework to promote community acceptance, behavioural change, policy awareness, and reintegration outcomes.

Strategic communication is vital to ensure accurate public understanding of DDR processes, foster reconciliation, reduce stigma against returnees, and encourage inclusive dialogue at community and policy levels. It also helps build trust between communities, government, and security actors, while enabling sustainable peace and reintegration.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The Information and Strategic Communication Expert will be responsible for designing and supporting the implementation of an evidence-based Strategic Communication Strategy to accompany the national DDR process. This will include policy-level messaging, behavioural change communication (BCC) for reintegration at the community level, and the use of culturally relevant platforms such as community theatre and radio. The consultant will also contribute to building stakeholder communication capacity and documenting lessons learned.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communication Design

• Develop a Strategic Communication Strategy for the DDR initiative, integrating policy advocacy, public awareness, and behavioural change objectives.
• Define core narratives, messaging frameworks, audience segmentation, communication channels, and visual identity consistent with DDR goals.
• Ensure alignment with international standards on DDR communications and national sensitivities around conflict, radicalisation, and rehabilitation.
• Tailor messages to reach diverse stakeholders including communities, security actors, media, women and youth groups, civil society, and policy leaders.

Community-Based Communication and Reintegration Messaging

• Design and oversee community-level behavioural change campaigns that foster acceptance of returnees, promote non-violence, and support reconciliation.
• Integrate traditional media (radio, theatre, storytelling, townhall dialogue) and new media (social media, digital infographics, podcasts) to ensure reach and impact.
• Support the development of community theatre scripts and performances, focusing on reintegration, forgiveness, healing, gender-based stigma, and resilience.
• Collaborate with local theatre groups, artists, and community leaders to co-create messages that reflect local realities and cultural expressions.

Monitoring and Adaptive Learning

• Develop and apply a monitoring framework to assess communication outcomes, track behavioural change, and inform message refinement.
• Contribute to knowledge generation by documenting lessons, challenges, and innovations in DDR-related communications.
• Participate in project learning workshops, technical committee meetings, and community dialogues as needed.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in Communication, Media Studies, Social/Behavioural Sciences, International Development, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in strategic communications, behaviour change communication, or advocacy for peacebuilding, governance, or DDR-related initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading community-based communication campaigns, particularly in post-conflict or transitional settings.
• Proven use of community theatre, radio, storytelling, and other participatory methods for social change and peace promotion.
• Familiarity with DDR processes, conflict dynamics in Nigeria, and audience segmentation for fragile or conflict-affected populations.
• Excellent writing, facilitation, and visual communication skills.

Assets

• Knowledge of gender-sensitive communication and countering stigma.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages (Hausa, Kanuri, Fulfulde) is an advantage.
• Experience working with government, civil society, media, and international donors.

International Alert encourages applications from qualified individuals from conflict-affected areas, women, youth, and underrepresented groups.

Method of Application

Interested candidates should submit:

• A CV highlighting relevant experience (max 4 pages)
• A technical proposal outlining approach to strategic communication in DDR (max 3 pages)
• An indication of daily rate
• At least one sample of previous relevant work (e.g., campaign strategy, theatre script, media product)
• Contact details of two referees

Submission Email: nigeria@international-alert.org
Deadline: 10 May 2025
Subject Line: Information and Strategic Communication Expert (Use this as the subject line for your application submission)

Key Outputs and Deliverables