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. Identifying and highlighting individual abuses of human rights was not enough; a different approach was desperately needed. It was out of this urgency that International Alert was born.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, deradicalisation, 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.
Communication for Policy and Advocacy
Translate complex policy and strategy content into accessible communication materials for public and stakeholder audiences (e.g., policy briefs, fact sheets, infographics).
Design high-impact knowledge products and campaigns to increase awareness of the DDR strategy and its benefits at federal and state levels.
Support media engagement and manage relationships with journalists and public relations officers to ensure accurate representation of DDR processes.
Capacity Building and Technical Support
Facilitate training for government officials, civil society, and media personnel on conflict-sensitive communication and DDR messaging.
Provide technical support to national and state-level actors to implement and adapt communication plans based on the strategy.
Develop a communication toolkit that includes templates, talking points, guidelines, and formats for reuse by government and partners.
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.
Key Outputs and Deliverables
Deliverable
Description
Inception Report
Work plan, methodology, stakeholder engagement strategy
Strategic Communication Strategy
Comprehensive document outlining approaches, messages, channels, tools, and implementation plan
Community Messaging Toolkit
Customised tools for community-based BCC (scripts, posters, radio spots, theatre guides)
Community Theatre Framework and Campaign Rollout
Developed and tested community theatre campaign in at least 3 states
Media and Stakeholder Engagement Plan
Strategy for media relations, public awareness, and key stakeholder advocacy
Training Materials and Workshops
Training sessions for state/federal stakeholders on communication implementation
Monitoring and Learning Report
Assessment of communication activities, feedback loop, adaptive recommendations
Final Report and Knowledge Products
Summary of strategy effectiveness, recommendations, and documented impact
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.
