Rise to Inspire Africa Initiative (RIA) is a youth-led, impact-driven, and result-oriented non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalized communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Established in October 2020, RIA focuses on alleviating the suffering of victims of armed conflict and natural disasters, especially women and children.

Through advocacy, capacity building, and community-driven approaches, RIA fosters self-reliance, resilience, and sustainable development in conflict-affected regions, including internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, host communities, and returnee populations. RIA's thematic areas include child protection, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, education in emergencies, peacebuilding, and the software component of WaSH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).

Job Overview/Summary

The Media and Communications Assistant will collect content (success stories, case studies, impact studies, best practices etc.) and package them appropriately for internal and external dissemination, through appropriate channels. S/he will ensure appropriate coverage, documentation and representation of RIA’s project outcomes and impacts in Borno, Nigeria. 

Major Responsibilities.

1. Photography and Visual Content Creation

• Capture high-quality images at organizational events, field activities, and other relevant settings to visually tell our stories.
• Edit and enhance images using Adobe Photoshop and other relevant tools to meet high professional standards for print and digital media.
• Maintain an organized archive of photos for easy access and use in future projects and publications.
• Coordinate photo shoots for various communication campaigns, ensuring creative direction and consistent visual branding.

1. Graphic Design and Adobe Photoshop

• Design and produce visually appealing graphics, info graph, and visual reports that align with the organization’s branding guidelines using Adobe Photoshop and other graphic design software.
• Assist in the development of brochures, posters, banners, and other promotional materials.
• Work closely with the Communications Manager to ensure all visual content is consistent in style, tone, and quality.

1. Content Development and Management

• Assist in the creation of engaging written and visual content for the organization’s website, social media platforms, newsletters, and print materials.
• Research and write compelling stories, articles, blog posts, and case studies that highlight the organization’s impact and activities.
• Ensure content is well-structured, grammatically correct, and tailored to the target audience to maximize engagement.
• Manage and update the organization’s website and social media platforms, ensuring content is current, relevant, and impactful.

1. Communication for Impact

• Support the development and implementation of communication campaigns that highlight the organization’s work and success stories in a way that resonates with key stakeholders, beneficiaries, and donors.
• Contribute to the creation of powerful narratives that emphasize the organization’s mission, vision, and impact.
• Develop case studies and human-interest stories from the field to highlight the direct effects of the organization’s projects.
• Collaborate with program teams to document key outcomes and milestones and ensure these are communicated effectively to relevant audiences.

1. Event Coverage and Documentation

• Provide communication support for events, conferences, and workshops, including live photography, real-time social media updates, and post-event coverage.
• Prepare event reports, photo galleries, and other relevant documentation for both internal and external use.

Technical Skills:

• Photography: Proven experience in capturing high-quality images, preferably with a focus on social impact, humanitarian, or development sectors.
• Adobe Photoshop: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop for image editing, graphic design, and visual enhancements.
• Graphic Design: Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and other design tools is an added advantage.
• Content Development: Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce engaging, high-quality content for multiple audiences.
• Content Management: Experience managing content for websites and social media platforms, including familiarity with CMS (e.g., WordPress) and social media management tools. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential Criteria

• A degree (B.Sc. or Higher National Diploma in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Photography, Graphic Design, or a related field.
•  2-3 Years’ experience in content management, adobe photoshop, Advocacy and in a communication role, with a focus on visual storytelling, photography, and content creation.
• Evidence of excellent English verbal and written communication skills for a wide range of different audiences including donors, journalists and the ‘general public’.
• Excellent understanding of communication and information needs, media and campaigning activities, as well as donor and member requirements and standards. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion. Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy. 
• Prior work experience in communities across Nigeria.
• Desired Knowledge to know and learn policies, functions, structures and decision-making processes with regards to Media and Communications. 
• Local language skills.

• Note

  Due to the nature of this role, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful candidates will be contacted. Upon successful reference checks, selected candidates will be required to resume immediately.

• Standards of Professional Conduct:  The RIA Initiative and its workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the i-CHAIR values – Code of Conduct.  These are Integrity, Compassion, Humanity Accountability, Impact and Respect.  In accordance with these values, the RIA Initiative operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Gender-equality, Whistleblowing, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.
• Gender Equality: RIA Initiative is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
• RIA Initiative is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• RIA Initiative considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.
• RIA has zero tolerance to Sexual exploitation and abuse.