Senior Officer – Policy, Advocacy & Communications

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Officer – Policy, Advocacy & Communications will play a crucial role within the foundation's Nigeria Policy, Advocacy and Communications team. This position is primarily responsible for managing the execution of a comprehensive advocacy strategy aimed at achieving shared programmatic goals in Nigeria. The role requires close collaboration with Nigeria-based leadership, advocacy partners, and various program teams, as well as communications colleagues. The focus areas for the foundation's work in Nigeria include women's and children's health, nutrition, agricultural development, and financial services for the poor. The Senior Officer will report to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director for Policy, Advocacy and Communications based in Nigeria and will be instrumental in aligning advocacy efforts with the foundation's strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Officer will develop and implement a Nigeria advocacy strategy that utilizes foundation assets such as grants, leadership voice, and staff time to support the foundation's programmatic, policy, and financing goals. Responsibilities include analyzing and tracking key political, fiscal, and policy trends in Nigeria, managing a grant portfolio of advocacy investments, and maintaining relationships with government officials, donors, and civil society. The role also involves coordinating with Global Policy and Advocacy teams, advising the Nigeria Country Director on strategies to influence political and NGO relationships, and representing the foundation at various events and meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess exceptional knowledge and expertise in policy and advocacy relevant to Nigeria, particularly in global health and development issues. Experience in designing and managing advocacy strategies for health, agriculture, or financial services is essential. Familiarity with Nigerian policymakers and the civil society landscape is strongly preferred, along with experience in driving advocacy and communications efforts to raise awareness of global health issues. The ability to simplify complex information into clear messages and strategies is crucial, as is experience working in international organizations or multiple countries.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in public policy, international relations, public health, development, or a related field is required. Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressive senior-level experience leading advocacy initiatives in global health and development.

Experience:
The position requires a consistent track record of providing vision and influencing others positively while building collaborative relationships. Candidates should demonstrate outstanding project and team leadership skills, including the ability to manage budgets, develop consensus, and work both autonomously and collaboratively. Experience in handling grant portfolios and developing complex projects in support of policy initiatives is also necessary.

Languages:
While the job does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given the nature of the work and the need to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Additional languages relevant to the Nigerian context may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 30% of the time, subject to health and safety protocols. The foundation emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and workplace culture. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during the application process.