Wheww!!

It’s been eight years! Eight awesome years of being a CODEr. Eight years of working with awesome humans! Eight years of walking into the best work environment one can wish to be in. Eight years of climbing various ladders of success and channeling inner strength towards building a bubbling beautiful career! Eight years of challenges and triumphs. Eight years of progressive visible growth!

Eight years ago, my story began. On February 10, 2014, I received my offer letter to begin working as a volunteer. My career goal has always been simple: to make the most of opportunities given to me and to keep learning and growing incrementally. Luckily, this has happened through the course of my career;  as I moved from one project to the next, from one position (as a volunteer) to becoming the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and through the process, a recurring thought is that I have to keep going and keep working.

While it sounds like the ultimate success story, there’s also the background story. In eight years, so much happened and then so much didn’t…. (at least I know for a fact that I didn’t add weight) but more importantly, life-impacting projects were launched and completed, while some were shelved and didn’t see the light of day. I have met all kinds of people, visited different places, built wonderful bonds and friendships and as in the very nature of life, lost relationships… all part of which I consider a growth process.

It feels like a lifetime ago… a career span characterized by many highs and lows;  that it’s difficult to recall all the precious moments but I do remember some experiences. I remember the people I have worked with because they made the journey beautiful and at times easy and the people I still work with till this day, you know I could never have done it alone!

I’m grateful to all those I have met along this path. Those who have supported me in the last eight years, especially Hamzy who gave me the opportunity to shine. He made it happen!

My greatest learning is that grace and professionalism are the two key traits that everyone needs in a career. I have also learnt that passion overrides everything else. Oh yeah, this was what pushed me going. No level of perfection is ever enough and the strife is an on-going one. I don’t know what I will be doing in the coming years, but I’m happy where I am now and that’s all that matters.

There may be many more miles to go before I sleep but for now this is a great place to be, to rest, to take stock, to connect and reconnect, to generate ideas and let go of some.

The possibilities of this career path are endless and I’m open to exploring them while trusting the divine to let the rest usually fall into place.

By Pearl Utuk

Standing before a room full of people can make you suddenly realize what a bad idea having that beautiful cup of tea this morning was. Thoughts of your inadequacies and how Mr Y or Miss G will always be the best person for such a daunting task, would begin to torment you. Next thing you know, sweat is pouring out of glands you didn’t even know you had.

Stop. Breath in. Hold it in. Breath out slowly. (Seriously, do it!)

What are you really afraid of? 

Stammering? Your mind suddenly going blank? Fear of not being good enough? Fear that you do not really understand the subject matter? Fear of being ridiculed by your audience? Once you have been able to appropriately identify the source of your fears, you have solved your own problems by 50%. Congratulations. 

Let me share my story. 

In October 2021, I was asked to represent my organisation (CODE) at a congregation of health experts from around the world with focus on the African Continent- Global Emerging Pathogens Treatments Consortium (GET-Africa) Conference. You see, we had just concluded the first phase of COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP) in 7 African Countries. I was the Programme Officer for Nigeria where we had tracked the State of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) so it made sense that I should present the findings of the PHC campaign at the conference. 

But hey! I’m not talking about a bunch of development professionals or to children in underdeveloped communities where I could just be myself and enjoy humanity in its most basic form. I’m talking about top guns like the Nigerian Ministry of Health, WHO, a United Nations body (UNODA), NPHCDA, the Lagos State Governor, the marines and many other “adults”. The child in me began whimpering. I began hyperventilating and sweating despite the cold blast of the air conditioning. 

CODE had spent a lot of money bringing me to that conference and like it or not, I was going to deliver and so I became my own shrink. I spoke to myself in the mirror for at least a week, I practiced my presentation, I even inserted a joke in my opening. 

When I got to the hall, I made myself look into each of their faces. I saw them for the flawed humans they are. These magnificent and brilliant minds that have issues of their own. No, they do not have life all figured out. They take chances just like me and they hope with bated breaths that they made the right choice, just like me. They feel pain and joy, they laugh and cry (well, most of them do). And when they go home, they take off their magnificent regalia and put on shorts and slippers too. 

A beautiful realization hit me soon after. They were all waiting with expectation for my presentation! And so with my head held high and shoulders squared, I climbed the podium and began with “I am not a medical professional. I am an activist…” I spoke with the voice of one who had witnessed the poor and sick who have no choice but to utilize dysfunctional, substandard PHCs, hustling for COVID-19 vaccines that were being hoarded by personnel.

The ovation that followed that presentation still rings in my ear if I listen closely. 

Back to you. So when preparing for that daunting presentation, practice! Commit yourself to understanding the subject matter, know your audience, dress the part, read the tone of the room and adjust your presentation accordingly, and finally, remember to breathe. You’ve got this!

Job Position
Communication Intern

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Reports to: Communications Associate

Organizational Background

Connected Development [CODE] is a non-government organization [NGO] whose mission is to empower marginalized communities in Africa.

We strengthen local communities by creating platforms for dialogue, enabling informed debate, and building capacities of citizens on how to hold their government accountable through Follow The Money. CODE provides marginalized and vulnerable communities with resources to amplify their voices with independence and integrity while providing the communities with information that ushers social and economic progress.

To enhance effective democratic governance and accountability, CODE creates platforms [mobile and web technologies] that close the feedback loop between citizens and the government. With global expertise and reach, we focus on community outreach, influencing policies, practices, and knowledge mobilization.

CODE is calling for a Communication Intern who will join the team to carry out the following responsibilities:

– Assists in engaging and inspiring content across our range of programmes, interventions and campaigns.
– Assist in creating awareness and interest within our audiences and stakeholder groups, driving traffic to engage with digital content.
– Assist in writing compelling and engaging stories, scripts and content for social media, as well as for organisation milestones and special events.
– Support the team to shape CODE’s content and communications strategy.
– Create, update and manage all published contents (images, videos and text).
– Collaborate with other teams, including management, to ensure cohesive branding and public relations.

Requirements
– A year of proven experience in communications and media relations.
– Proficiency in Canva (Intermediate).
– Funnel Creation & Email Marketing (Intermediate).
– Audio & Video creation and editing with mobile phone (Basic).
– Copywriting Skills (Intermediate).
– Stellar written and spoken communication skills.
– Press engagement and relationship management.
– Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication, English and Literary Studies or related field.
– An ego-free attitude when it comes to taking constructive feedback and running with it.
– Ability to work methodically and meet deadlines.
– Positive, flexible, solution-oriented, and excited to work with a diverse team of professionals working toward a common goal

Method of Application:

Interested candidates should fill the form provided. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Click here to apply

DEADLINE: 11th February, 2022

Job title: Communications Associate
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Duration: 12 months
Reports to: Communications Manager
Department: Media and Communications

ABOUT CODE
Connected Development [CODE] is a non-governmental organisation that is building the largest social accountability movement and empowering marginalised communities across Africa. We strengthen local communities by creating platforms for dialogue, enabling informed debate, and building the capacities of citizens on how to hold their government accountable.

To further drive our messages and amplify the voices of grassroots communities, we are looking for competent hand to help expand our footprints and drive value through online and offline content. The role will support the communications team to shape CODE’s content and communications strategy.

Key Responsibilities

– Create engaging and inspiring content across our range of programmes, interventions and campaigns.
– Create awareness and interest within our audiences and stakeholder groups, driving traffic to engage with digital content.
– Design and produce communications and educational materials on media and communication for marketing CODE’s activities and campaigns.
– Interview sources, including stakeholders of projects, to gain an in-depth understanding of our campaigns and solutions.
– Work with Chapter Leads and persons in charge of Follow The Money Radio to develop scripts for weekly shows.
– Create content for corporate materials, in-house correspondence and technical documentation.
– Write compelling and engaging stories, scripts and content for social media, as well as for organisation milestones and special events.
– Write compelling and engaging stories, scripts and content for social media, as well as for organisation milestones and special events.
– Contribute articles to local and regional publications on a bi-monthly basis, on a variety of topics related to our sector, our work and current events.
– Work on script-writing for brief television and radio spots, supplying technical details and verifying that CODE’s values and systems are accurately represented.
– Create, update and manage all published contents (images, videos and text).
– Collaborate with other teams, including management, to ensure cohesive branding and public relations.

Qualifications and Experience:
– At least 3 years work experience as a content developer.
– Copywriting and Presentation Designs
– Basic eye for graphics design and short content for social media
– Excellent communication, writing and editing skills in English and Hausa
– Evidence of past work (including videos, scripts, blog posts, articles etc)
– Experience developing and managing social media campaigns across channels such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.
– Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure
– Ability and willingness to travel when necessary for projects

Method of Application:

Interested candidates should fill the form provided. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Click here to apply

DEADLINE: 11th February, 2022

Job title: Personal Photographer and Visual Content Creator
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Reports to: CoS and Executive Assistant
Department: Office of the CEO


ABOUT CODE
Connected Development [CODE] is a non-governmental organisation that is building the largest social accountability movement and empowering marginalised communities across Africa. We strengthen local communities by creating platforms for dialogue, enabling informed debate, and building the capacities of citizens on how to hold their government accountable.

ABOUT CEO
Hamzat Lawal (Hamzy!) is an activist leading grassroots campaigns across Africa informing decisions and policy making as it affects the lives of poor rural people. He has built a solid reputation both nationally and internationally. Recognised amongst 100 most influential people in Africa and bags many awards for this grassroots work. Hamzy founded CODE, Follow The Money and sits on many non-profit boards.

To further drive our messages and amplify the voices of grassroots communities, we are looking for competent hands to help expand our footprints and drive value through online and offline content. The role will support the communications team to shape CODE’s content and communications strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

– Responsible for capturing, editing, and producing studio-quality photos and videos of the CEO for internal and external purposes.
– Manage and oversee all technical aspects of CEO’s video recording and editing
– Follow CODEs brand guidelines and develop an overall video brand messaging strategy
– Create distinctive videos for the CEO
– Turn over tasks within the shortest possible time.
– Cut video sequences effectively to ensure the scenes are seamless and flow logically.
– Perform video editing including inserting music, sound effects, story-boarding etc.
– Utilize technical know-how in selecting, assembling, positioning and operating equipment.
– Ensure colour grading of the shoot is top notch.
– Edit raw footage content for producing film and video.
– Perform video and audio editing based on story sequence and continuity.
– Capture quality photographs and shoot videos.
– Ability to tell video stories with motion content and interview clips
– Responsible for managing Cameras, lightings and other equipment.
– Provide creative input (ideas, lighting techniques, camera movements, lenses filters etc.) to video production / shoots planning.
– Organize and assemble video segments to deliver a continuous and sequential story of specified length.
Resolve technical issues as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

– Proven experience as a Cinematographer / Video Editor – operating relevant equipment; cameras, lighting etc.
– Excellent working knowledge of software such as Photoshop, Adobe PRO, InDesign
– Content creating skills
– Sound knowledge of filming.
– A strong portfolio of illustrations or other graphics, video application
– A keen eye for aesthetics and details
– Outstanding communication skills (both written and verbal)
– An ego-free attitude when it comes to taking constructive feedback and running with it
– Ability to work methodically and meet deadlines
– Positive, flexible, solution-oriented, and excited to work with a diverse team of professionals working toward a common goal
– Mature, coachable, and happy doing high-level projects as well as mundane design tasks

Method of Application:

Kindly fill this form if you are interested. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Click here to apply

DEADLINE: 11th February, 2022

Job title: Executive Assistant to The CEO
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Reports to: CEO and His CoS
Department: Office of The CEO

ABOUT CODE
Connected Development [CODE] is a non-governmental organisation that is building the largest social accountability movement and empowering marginalised communities across Africa. We strengthen local communities by creating platforms for dialogue, enabling informed debate, and building the capacities of citizens on how to hold their government accountable using Follow The Money.

ABOUT CEO
Hamzat Lawal (Hamzy!) is an activist leading grassroots campaigns across Africa informing decisions and policy making as it affects the lives of poor rural people. He has built a solid reputation both nationally and internationally. Recognised amongst 100 most influential people in Africa and bags many awards for this grassroots work. Hamzy founded CODE, Follow The Money and sits on many non-profit boards.

Key Responsibilities
Administrative:
– Prepare minutes of meetings and represent the CEO or top management at meetings when necessary.
– Receive and responds to sensitive correspondence while also being a custodian of corporate documents and records.
– Manage Board processes, meetings and provide logistics support to the CEO’s office.
– Plan scheduled activities with executives, key personnel and outside business contacts.
– Provide timeous feedback and maintain professional communication with all stakeholders of the CODE.
– Prepare financial statements, reports, memos, invoices letters, and other documents.
– Conduct in-depth research and prepare documents for review and presentation by boards of directors, committees, and executives.
– Make travel arrangements for the CEO (locally & internationally).
– Perform office duties that include ordering supplies and managing a records database.
– Provide general administrative and virtual support.

Communications:
– Contribute immensely towards media, digital and communication as part of advocacy development and also develop concept notes.
– Conduct in-depth research and draft talking points on issues that interest the CEO.
-Design and produce communications and educational materials on media and communication for marketing CEO’s activities and campaigns for local and global audience.
– Contribute to brand values and manage CEO’s online reputation.
– Develops communications work plans for all CEO activities, campaigns and projects.
– Support CEO in research, media and communications-related capacity building and ensuring that this is integrated in his diverse interest.
– Create and proofread internal and external communication documentations before publishing on CEO’s platforms.
– Support CEO in disseminating communication materials to relevant stakeholders.
– Support and inform monthly newsletters showcasing CEO’s activities as it relates to CODE’s objectives, periodic press releases, media/news reactions, briefing notes, backgrounders, features, media talking points, question and answer documents.
– Draft and disseminate public relations materials that increase CEO’s visibility among online communities, donors, duty bearers and other stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience:
– High-skilled professional & very confidential with CEO’s tasks.
– Proven experience as an executive assistant or other relevant administrative support experience.
– In-depth understanding of the entire MS Office suite.
– Ability to organize daily workload by priorities.
– Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
– A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills.
– Professional level verbal and written communications skills.
– At least 2 Years work experience in Communications field.
– Strong writing and verbal communications.
– Ability to clearly communicate complex messages to a variety of audiences.
– Excellent communication, writing and editing skills in English.
– Evidence of past work (including videos, scripts, blog posts, articles etc).
– Experience developing and managing social media campaigns across channels such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.
– Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure.
– Ability and willingness to travel when necessary with short notice.
– Team spirit.
– Monitor CEO and user engagement and suggest content optimization.
– Degree in any field. An MSc degree would be an added advantage.

MODE OF APPLICATION:

If you think you are a fit, kindly fill this form. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Click here to apply

Resumption: Immediately

The Nigerian Police Force has acknowledged the receipt of a Freedom of Information request by a coalition of anti-corruption and social accountability civil society organisations to provide details of N1Billion allocated and disbursed for the supply and installation of police transit camp buildings and rapid response squad, including procurements from 2018 till date.

Follow The Money, SERAP, BudgIT and Enough is Enough (EIE) cosigned the letter following the investigation and publication by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), of an alleged misappropriation of N1 Billion allocated for sham police transit camps project in some states in the North. 

In the FoI letter dated 13th of December 2021, the CSOs noted that “having observed that the welfare of the police officers is seemingly grossly underfunded and has become an issue of national concern despite the huge allocations to the security parastatal, it has become expedient to request these details.”

The letter further reads in part; the Nigerian Police Force receives annual budgetary allocations by the Federal Government of Nigeria and state governments alike to support their operations and welfare which in turn has a significant effect on the state of security of the nation. 

“These police camps were intended to be a response to heightened insecurity including the violent invasion of herdsmen in Guma, Benue where over 70 people were killed and crops, farms and houses destroyed,” the FIJ report revealed.

The reputation of the Nigerian Police is sullied already, which makes it more urgent for the Inspector General to respond to our call for accountability by providing the details requested. This year alone, the National Assembly approved a N74 billion Police budget that captures infrastructure, training and retraining of personnel of the police. The security of our nation will continue to deteriorate significantly if the loopholes in our security architecture are not addressed,” Follow The Money Founder, Hamzat Lawal stated.

Despite years of funding, the services of the Nigerian Police Force continues to deteriorate as a result of greed, poor welfare and ill-equipped personnel which has resulted in an alarming increase in corruption within the force.

In line with the Freedom of Information Act, the CSOs have now requested that the Nigerian Police Force provide details of the N1billion allocation within 7 days of receiving the letter.

Job Description:

Communications Manager

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Reports to: Chief Executive

Organizational Background

Connected Development [CODE] is a non-governmental organisation that is building the largest social accountability movement and empowering marginalised communities across Africa. We strengthen local communities by creating platforms for dialogue, enabling informed debate, and building the capacities of citizens on how to hold their government accountable. To further drive our messages and amplify the voices of grassroots communities, we are looking for competent hands to help expand our footprints and drive value through online and offline content. The role will support the communications team to shape CODE’s content and communications strategy.

Requirements

• MBA or Advanced Degree in Communications, Marketing or related field.
• 5+ years corporate or development communications work experience
• Extensive list of media contacts.
• Knowledge of strong brand standards across all communications channels.

Skills

• Strong and confident leadership.
• Awareness and proficiency with communications technologies.
• Experience in stakeholder, PR and Media Management
• Experience with NGOs, CSOs
• Clear and concise communication with team members and senior management.
• An ability to work fluidly across multiple projects and tasks.
• A solid understanding of quality assurance as part of the visual identity process

Responsibilities

• Oversee CODE’s entire communications and advocacy activities.
• Assemble and oversee a diversely skilled communications team.
• Responsible for crisis management and preemptive planning while maintaining an awareness of possible risks and threats.
• Manage media relations; communications budget and ensure quality control of all information released.
• Determine communications strategies direction, public relations and act as spokesperson on behalf of the Organisation.
• Build, increase and manage relationships with government representatives, journalists, and stakeholders.
• Create content for corporate materials, in-house correspondence and technical documentation.
• Create and proofread internal and external communication documentations before publishing.
• Take lead in dissemination of communication materials to relevant stakeholders
• Oversee communications activities by Chapter Leads and persons in charge of Follow The Money Radio.
• Support other Departments in media and communications related capacity building and ensuring that this is integrated within programmes.
• Develop and oversee communications work plans for all campaigns and projects while promoting brand values
• Oversee content for monthly newsletters, periodical press releases, briefing notes, backgrounders, features, media talking points, question and answer documents

Method of Application:

Send your CV, a cover letter and 5 links of your best works to hr@connecteddevelopment.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

DEADLINE: Dec 31, 2021

Job Description:

Finance Manager

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Reports to: Finance Director

Organizational Background

Connected Development [CODE] is a non-government organization [NGO] whose mission is to empower marginalized communities in Africa.

Since 2012, we have strengthened local communities by creating platforms for dialogue, enabling informed debate, and building capacities of citizens on how to hold their government accountable through Follow The Money. CODE provides marginalized and vulnerable communities with resources to amplify their voices with independence and integrity while providing the communities with information that ushers social and economic progress.

Overview

We are looking for a crucial member of the Finance team with good communication skills, and who has a keen interest to gain experience and assist in bringing CODE’s vision to implementation.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Degree in Finance, Accounting or other related courses; ICAN or ACCA is a plus
• 5-7 years experience in accounting and/ or financial analysis
• Ability to synergize large data into Reports or actionable information
• Knowledge of financial reporting tools

Skills

• Strong demonstrated use of google docs, sheets etc.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with Management and high level partners or donors.
• Decision making, business management and analytical skills.
• Experience with NGOs, CSOs
• Honesty, hard work ethics, and reliability.
• An ability to work flexibly across multiple projects and tasks.
• Great attention to detail, highly organized.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the day-to-day financial operations within the company (payroll, invoicing, and other transactions)
• Prepare monthly and quarterly management reporting
• Participate in strategic data analysis, research, and modeling for Management
• Support project analysis, validation of plans, and ad-hoc requests
• Manage the CODE’s financial accounting, monitoring, and reporting systems
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies and regulatory requirements
• Co-leading and supervise daily transactions into the Accounting System
• Co-leading the preparation of all project budget proposals and overall Annual Budget
• Co-leading the preparation of monthly cash flow statement and Forecast and Variance Report
• Review and Supervise Cash Management
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Finance Director

Method of Application:

Send your CV and cover letter to hr@connecteddevelopment.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

DEADLINE: Dec 31, 2021

With its unique approach of training and empowering gender advocates, Nigeria’s leading civil society organization, Connected Development (CODE) is taking peculiar steps towards eradicating gender-based violence in northern Nigeria, focusing on Kano State. 

On November 9, the organization announced the launch of the second phase of its Galvanizing Mass Action Against Gender-Based Violence in Kano (GMAA-K) campaign, highlighting its target to develop a multi-year Kano State Action Plan to end all forms of gender-based violence as well as drive the adoption and integration of the Violence against person prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child’s Right Act.

The GMAA-K campaign which is supported by the Canadian High Commission is a direct response to the menace of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) that is common practice in many states across Nigeria. Currently, Nigeria has the third highest rates of SGBV in the world, with data showing that at least 30 percent of women and girls aged between 15 and 49 have experienced one or multiple forms of sexual abuse. 

These numbers are a representation of deep-rooted gender discrimination and a notorious culture of impunity – where access to justice and support remains a challenge for victims and perpetrators often walk free. The challenge is further heightened by a lack of laws and policies to protect the most vulnerable and punish convicted offenders. 

While speaking on the organization’s approach of extirpating SGBV, Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive of CODE revealed that during the course of the first phase of the project, the Kano State government opted to harmonize the VAPP Act provisions into the Penal Code Law.

“For the first quarter of this year, we worked towards the adoption of the Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Kano and recorded success as the government opted to harmonize/incorporate the VAPP Act provisions into the Penal Code Law, in order to reconcile provisions and have a single comprehensive law that addresses SGBV; the legal document is pending validation and enactment by the Kano state House of Assembly.”

He further stated that the new phase of the project will propel the validation exercise of the VAPP and Penal Code Law and equally work towards enhancing women’s rights. 

On his part, the Acting Canadian High Commissioner, Kevin Tokaron, submitted that SGBV is a crisis in Nigeria that must be condemned, stating that this campaign is both timely and necessary. 

“It’s a crisis in Nigeria that we must condemn and work together to eliminate. For the past few years, we’ve seen a number of states in Nigeria pass and start to implement the VAPP Act which has given us hope but not all states have achieved this important milestone and much more work is needed, which is where our partnership with CODE comes into play. With Canada’s support, CODE will continue to galvanize mass action against SGBV in Kano State by ensuring the passage of the VAPP and Child’s Rights Act.”

Speaking on the health implication of SGBV and emphasizing the need for education, Dr Halimah Nuhu Sanda, who was also present at the press conference held at CODE’s office, said that SGBV must also be viewed as a public health issue because many victims are left traumatized after being abused and not enough support is provided for them. 

“SGBV is often regarded as a human rights violation which is correct but it should also be viewed as a mental health issue because victims are often left traumatized after sexual violence and it affects their mental state. When no mental health support is provided to victims, we harbour a mentally oppressed society, she concluded.”