Job Opportunities at Helen Keller International

Scope of the position         

The Country Operations Officer reports to HR/Operations Manager and s/he is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of Helen Keller operations in Nigeria. The role entails aligning operations to support project objectives and meet client expectations while adhering to local laws and regulations, Helen Keller policies, and donor requirements.

General Responsibilities:

•  Develop and implement operations management systems in line with regulations, policies, and procedures, including office management, fleet management, logistics, and subcontractor administration.
• Manage operations functions, aligning staffing and resources to provide timely and high-quality support services to all Helen Keller projects.
• Ensure timely, and compliant administrative support for all in-country projects, while maintaining internal controls and contract regulations.
• Participate in team meetings and coordinate internal and external reviews or audits, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution of operational issues.
• Collaborate with the Operations Support Team) and communicate effectively with Helen Keller HQ and relevant stakeholders.

Operations:

• Establish and maintain strong internal control systems, promoting adherence to the Helen Keller Code of Conduct and Zero Tolerance policy.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and monitor risk mitigation activities.
• Implement segregation of duties in operations activities.
• Ensure full compliance with local laws, contract requirements, and Helen Keller policies.

Facility Management:

• Ensure a safe and efficient working environment for staff.
•  Manage general office services and information systems.
• Oversee property and asset management.

Fleet Management:

• Oversee vehicle insurance, inspections, and maintenance.
• Train drivers and monitor their performance.
• Monitor vehicle usage, fuel consumption, and adherence to policies.

Logistics:

• Coordinate and oversee travel payments and logistics.
• Manage lodging, transportation, and per diem payments.
• Establish and enforce local per diem policies and standards.

Qualification, Competencies and Knowledge:

• Master's degree in business administration, financial management, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in managing operations for health or development programs in developing countries.
• At least 3 years of operations management experience, preferably in Nigeria.
• Comprehensive knowledge of US Government funded programs and regulations.
• Proven analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong attention to detail and effective prioritization skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with cross-cultural competence.
• Familiarity with USG and other donor requirements.
• Fluency in English and the dominant language of Nigeria.

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Background

Helen Keller is seeking a candidate for a project that implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for both its donor and partners. The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws on global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, the project strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity, and advance development.

The overall purpose of the project in Nigeria aims to provide technical support, implement innovative nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions, and generate evidence to enhance nutrition programming toward achieving the overall goal of improving nutrition indices for a healthy, productive, and resilient Nigeria. This activity will support the donor’s effort to strengthen the enabling environment for innovation, commitment, capacity strengthening, coordination, collaboration, and support for multi-sectoral nutrition policies and programs among government, donors, civil society, and private sector stakeholders in Nigeria.

Scope of the Position

 The Communication and Media Advisor will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies, activities, and campaigns. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing the organization's public image and maintaining effective media relations.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Support strategy planning and execution for communication plans and programs, major organizational campaigns and initiatives related to media relations, crisis communication, organizational communication, community relations, social media, and executive communication.
•   Develop and implement communication strategies to enhance the organization's visibility and reputation.
•   Create engaging content for various communication channels, including press releases, social media, website content, and marketing materials.
•  Manage media relations, including building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets.
•  Monitor and analyse media coverage, preparing regular reports and providing recommendations for improving the organization's communication approach.
•  Organize and manage public relations events, press conferences, and media briefings.
•   Coordinate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels.
• Provide communication support for internal initiatives, including employee engagement and organizational culture campaigns.
• Acquire and maintain a detailed knowledge of the company’s policies, principles, and strategies, and to keep up to date with relevant developments.
• Support and evaluate the results of communication campaigns with the team.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•  Strong skills in the field of communications, media relations, social media, digital, news, and/or staff engagement communications activities.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the communications discipline along with critical thinking and strategic counseling skills.
•   Demonstrates strong writing, editing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
•  Master’s degree in communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
• Minimum of 8- years of experience in communication, media relations, or public relations, preferably in similar industry or organization.
•  Demonstrated expertise in managing communication campaigns and engaging with various media platforms.
• Proficiency in content management systems, social media platforms, and media monitoring tools.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a keen eye for detail.
•  Proven experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies and campaigns.
•  Strong understanding of media relations and public relations best practices.
•  Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple communication projects simultaneously
• Creativity and innovative thinking, with the ability to generate compelling and impactful content.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and media representatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proactive attitude with a strong sense of professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel regularly to the project states (Bauchi, Kebbi, Ebonyi, FCT, and Sokoto) as needed.