Mammals and their habitat face immense threat from anthropogenic pressures especially habitat destruction and bushmeat hunting. However, there is an overwhelming conservation focus on “charismatic megafauna” and this translates to limited protections for small and medium-sized mammals including bats, rodents, pangolins etc. At SMACON, we work to protect these smaller species in West Africa through research, education, and community projects. We believe in using science to guide our conservation efforts, helping local people, and influencing government policies to ensure long-term conservation. 

Job title: Communications Officer 
Job Location: Calabar, Nigeria  
Organisation: Small Mammal Conservation Organisation (SMACON)
Contract: Full-Time
Salary: ₦300,000

Job Purpose and description

As part of our efforts to raise awareness and mobilize support for conservation initiatives, SMACON seeks to expand its communication capacity. We are looking for a dynamic and creative Communications Officer to join our team and contribute to the growth of our mission. This is a full-time on-site role for a Communications Officer at Small Mammal Conservation Organization (SMACON). The Communications Officer will be responsible for developing and monitoring internal and external communication strategies, campaigns, managing media relations, and writing tasks on a day-to-day basis.

Responsibilities

Writing and Reporting

• Write and manage organizational reports, including grant reports, quarterly reports, and the annual report.
• Write press releases for media outlets

Design and Visual Content Creation 

• Design and produce communication materials such as banners, flyers, and brochures.
• Edit and take high-quality photographs for organizational use.
• Assist in producing creative assets for campaigns

Digital Media and Website Management

• Update and manage SMACON’s website to ensure it is engaging and up-to-date, to reflect up-to-date statistics, organizational milestones, and strategic messaging.

• Working with the Chief of Partnerships and Engagement Officer (CPEO) to design and implement programs and campaigns to boost interaction on SMACON’s social media platforms.
• Develop, post, and monitor content on SMACON’s social media channels. ● Prepare a detailed monthly media activity report.

Event Support and Internal Communication

• Coordinate with the CPEO to maintain effective internal and external communication.
• Support communication strategies that foster engagement with partners, donors, and the public.
• Develop communication materials for upcoming events and outreach initiatives.
• Design crisis response plan for field and office operations and organization crisis scenarios

Eligibility

Knowledge (Education and Related Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Communications, Journalism, Graphic Design, or related fields.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in communications, preferably in a non-profit or conservation-focused organization.
• Proficiency in using content management systems (CMS), social media tools, and graphic design software.
• Experience writing professional reports, press releases, newsletters, and social media content.
• Knowledge of digital marketing trends and strategies.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong graphic design and visual content creation abilities.
• Media Relations skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with photography and photo editing tools.
• Attention to detail and ability to proofread content.

Application Details

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please fill this form https://forms.gle/BE78g4yxehHmBjgA6 on or before 11 April, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.