Communication and Partnership Effectiveness Technical Specialist

Job Title: Communication and Partnership Effectiveness Technical Specialist
Project Name: Field Support Service Project - Nigeria
Job type: Consultancy
Location of Position: Abuja, Nigeria
Reporting to: Project Manager
Remuneration: Based on experience and market rates
Indicative LOE/Timeframe: 60 days
Citizenship: Nigerian
Language Requirements: English
Application Deadline: 4 June 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Application Instructions:

1. A cover letter is mandatory to be considered. Cover letters should effectively align your skills and experiences with the specific job responsibilities outlined in the position's description, demonstrating your aptitude and enthusiasm for the role, your daily rate and current availability.
2. Click the "Apply now" link to upload your cover letter and CV (Curriculum Vitae).
3. Only successful candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Alinea is an international development consultancy providing technical and management expertise that helps people improve their lives. We work with governments, investors, companies, and communities to create lasting change. In 40 years, Alinea has successfully delivered more than 1000 projects worldwide. alineainternational.com

Alinea International does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment and hiring process. All offers of employment or job opportunities with Alinea International that include any form of a request for payment of fees or collect information on bank accounts are fraudulent. Any requests for such payment or information should be refused and reported to your local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action and to Alinea International.

At Alinea International we value diversity, equity, inclusivity, accessibility and belonging in everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer opposed to all forms of discrimination. We actively seek and encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds recognizing that an inclusive workforce enriches our organization and achieves smarter, more innovative results.

Protection
Alinea is committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Due to the nature of our work, all candidates will be subject to due diligence checks and extensive background checks where appropriate.

Project Description
The Field Support Services Project (FSSP) in Nigeria is a Global Affairs Canada (GAC)-funded bilateral initiative that provides administrative, technical, logistical, and financial support to Canada's development assistance efforts in the country. Its goal is to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of Canada's programming.

GAC's cooperation in Nigeria is guided by Canada's Africa Strategy and continues to apply a strong gender-equality lens with Canada's long standing commitments, while focusing on private sector engagement, technical education and vocational skills development, critical minerals, health (including SRHR), and environment and renewable energy.

Through the Nigeria Bilateral Development Program, Canada's efforts focus on reducing poverty, increasing sustainable economic development and climate adaptation, empowering youth and women through meaningful employment and political inclusion; supporting the resilience of populations affected by conflict and insecurity; and promoting inclusive social development through a stronger health system and improved access to quality health services.

The FSSP and the communication and partnership effectiveness technical specialist will play a key role in supporting Canada's bilateral program in Nigeria.

About the work
The Field Support Services Project (FSSP) in Nigeria is a Global Affairs Canada (GAC)-funded bilateral initiative that provides administrative, technical, logistical, and financial management support to Canada's development assistance efforts in the country. Its goal is to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of Canada's programming.

GAC's cooperation in Nigeria is guided by Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy and Africa Strategy, focusing on gender equality, economic development, peace and security, and sustainability.

To support this work, the Specialist will be embedded within key stakeholders to:

• Conduct a needs assessment of implementing partners and developing a one-year plan to enhance communication and information sharing. This plan will be implemented, monitored, and adapted as needed, ensuring alignment with aid effectiveness principles and responsiveness to partner needs.
• Support the development and operationalization of a digital platform to facilitate improved communication among partners and with the Government of Nigeria regarding Canada's development activities. These efforts are designed to foster stronger collaboration, increase transparency, and enhance the overall impact of Canada's development investments in Nigeria.

The Role
The FSSP will engage a local communication partnership and effectiveness technical specialist on a part-time/as needed basis to support GAC in advancing communication, partnership effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement within its development programs in Nigeria.

Key Objective
The work supports Canada's development assistance in Nigeria by strengthening communication and coordination among implementing partners. It involves assessing partner needs, developing and adapting a one-year plan to enhance information sharing, and promoting effective, efficient programming aligned with aid effectiveness principles. A key component is supporting the design and implementation of a digital platform to improve communication between partners and with the Government of Nigeria.

Key Responsibilities

1. Conduct a program analysis on the partners' needs for information and preferences in communication with other stakeholders and provide an analysis of the needs and recommendation on best approaches to bridge the gaps.
2. Proactively advise and recommend ways to enhance collaboration and communication between implementing partners, including activities. The advisor will also recommend setting and managing an effective, accessible and functional digital platform to exchange information and share best practices.
3. Provide the support needed to develop a functional and dynamic digital exchange platform and support to partners to input. The advisor will provide short training and on-demand support for the use of the platform if needed.
4. Provide advice on other products and approaches to be taken to enhance Canada projects visibility with state and private sector actors, collaboration and complementarity amongst implementing partners, based on information gathered.
5. Provide support in the development of learning/exchange activities for partners that respond to adult learning principles as well as for the coordination, organisation and follow up of Partners Forum activities.
6.  Any other tasks linked to communication and collaboration between development partners.

Required Qualifications:
Education
Minimum Undergraduate degree (Master's degree or equivalent would be an asset) in Communication, Marketing or other related fields. Candidates with combined degrees will have an added advantage.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of cumulative experience as senior advisor or officer in knowledge or partnership management for a portfolio of projects or a program (encompassing multiple projects).
• Development or maintenance of at least one collaborative platform with multiple stakeholders.
• Development and implementation of at least one communication strategy, with a digital component for an NGO, private sector, or international organization.

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience in providing advice and implementing strategies to use in reaching different audience groups across different channels.
• Experience in managing knowledge and information from different sources in an effective manner.
• Implement standards, tools and templates provided by FSSP  to effectively manage partnership and project development within the GAC Operational Hub to enhance/maintain  effectiveness as a provider of project services for sustainable results.
• Experience in conducting training and collaborative activities.
• Experience in an international development institution (public, NGO or private) is preferred. Ability to function effectively in multidisciplinary teams is essential.
• Strong mobilization, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills.
• Strong communication skills (writing and oral) to provide pertinent, focused and adapted advice and recommendations
• Commitment to teamwork and ability to build constructive and effective relationships.

Competencies

• Superior listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge and skills in digital collaboration tools, including slack and other possible options.
• Ability to deliver quality training and activities for stakeholders on a variety of topics.
• Good facilitation skills and ability to generate ideas from, and build consensus among, a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Client-oriented; and
• Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and a professional commitment to promote perspectives on a culture of social cohesion and social inclusion.