Advocacy Manager, Nigeria Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) at Palladium Group

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Advocacy Manager, Nigeria Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE)

Requisition ID: req13163
Location: Abuja
Duration: 1 year, with the possibility of extension for additional 2.5 years

Project Overview and Role

SCALE is a USAID-funded 5-year project (Oct 08, 2020 – Oct 07, 2025), implemented by Palladium in collaboration with the local resource partners.
The objective of the SCALE project is to strengthen the financial, management, and advocacy capacity of local civil society organizations (CSOs) and Business Membership Organizations (BMOs) in Nigeria to create a more accountable, transparent, peaceful, and democratic Nigeria with more effective and efficient public service delivery.
SCALE supports civil society organizations (CSOs) and business membership organizations (BMOs) across all of USAID/Nigeria’s programmatic sectors with a basket of managerial, business strengthening, and advocacy capacity-building interventions aimed at advancing Nigerian CSO sustainability combined with targeted grants to advance mutually agreed upon priorities.
The project is designed to enhance local civil society organizations’ ability to be positive and responsible change agents in Nigeria.
The Advocacy Manager will work with the Advocacy and Engagement Advisor to enhance the advocacy and collaboration capacities of Nigeria CSOs/BMOs, designing and delivering comprehensive advocacy and technical capacity strengthening interventions.

Role and Responsibilities

Collaborate with the SCALE project technical team and partner CSOs/BMOs to identify priority advocacy issues.
Manage sub-awards to CSOs/BMOs for policy reform and engagement interventions across SCALE key sectors
Train and mentor SCALE project CSOs/BMOs on advocacy, Political Economy Analysis, conflict sensitivity, communication, and collaboration.
Assist CSOs/BMOs to develop advocacy strategies and action plans for influencing selected priority topics of national and regional importance.
Conduct analysis of the existing networks in specific clusters, including the clusters that advocate for gender equity, female empowerment, and youth engagement.
Based on the analysis, propose interventions to improve networking, coordination, and collaborative advocacy between CSO/BMO and Government.
Conduct assessments of capacity around citizen and civil society engagement with the government and based on the findings co-create an action plan with partners for improving citizen engagement with government.
Identify and develop collaborative relationships with key stakeholders in government, civil society, and the organized private sector.
Interact with internal and external resources and experts to bring new and “cutting edge” ideas into project’s approaches.
Facilitate participation of CSOs representing and led by youth, women, Persons with Disability (PWD), and other marginalized and vulnerable populations in the citizen engagement activities.
Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and other reports as requested.
Lead in the identification and documentation of stories of change and evidence of changes.
Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Degree in International Affairs, Public Administration, Policy, Social Sciences, Law, Development Studies or related field.
Relevant experience in advocacy, capacity development of local organizations, civil society engagement; and policy reform in Nigeria.
Strong technical expertise in program management, design and implementation of advocacy tools and plans.
Experience integrating gender, social inclusion, and conflict sensitivity in programming.
Proven organizational and administrative skills.
Proven ability for planning and carrying out training sessions.
Self-motivated and able to work under pressure and prioritize effectively.
Good team player and prepared to contribute to the overall success of SCALE goal and objectives.
Demonstrated strategic ability, diplomacy, written and oral communication, and negotiation skills.
Strong organizational skills and strategic thinking; attention to detail; flexible and able to work efficiently with multiple tasks.
Strong in written and spoken English.
Willingness to carry out extensive and frequent travels in Nigeria.