Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Application Deadline: August 10, 2025
Vacancy No.: 061
Job Summary
GIZ, in partnership with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the ECOWAS Commission, is seeking a qualified Advisor in Communication and Digital Governance to support a high-impact regional governance project in West Africa. This strategic initiative aims to strengthen institutional communication capacities, address the growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation, and modernize digital governance processes across ECOWAS institutions. As part of the Team Europe Approach, the project is co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Union (EU), and AECID, running from January 2024 to December 2026, with a total financial allocation of EUR 14.9 million. This opportunity is ideal for professionals experienced in digital policy, strategic communication, and regional governance initiatives.
The Advisor in Communication and Digital Governance will play a pivotal role in driving institutional development and enhancing digital engagement within ECOWAS. Responsibilities include providing expert guidance on digital governance strategies, strengthening online communication channels, and implementing public outreach campaigns that foster trust, transparency, and accountability. The role also involves supporting the formulation of policies on platform regulation, artificial intelligence, and digital rights, ensuring alignment with both regional and global standards. Candidates with a proven track record in managing digital governance projects, designing strategic communication frameworks, or advising international institutions will find this position particularly compelling.
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a major regional initiative that promotes resilient democratic discourse, effective digital policymaking, and enhanced citizen engagement in West Africa. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with ECOWAS officials, development partners, and civil society stakeholders to implement innovative communication strategies and strengthen governance mechanisms. Professionals seeking roles in digital governance, policy advisory, or international development will benefit from the exposure, experience, and impact associated with this advisory position, helping to shape the future of digital governance across the ECOWAS region.
Key Responsibilities
The Advisor will lead the development of regional and national strategies to combat disinformation, both online and offline. The role includes facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms for public awareness and fact-checking, building digital literacy among civil society and government actors, and providing technical input on critical areas such as data protection, platform governance, algorithmic transparency, and digital rights.
A major focus will be to support ECOWAS in aligning its frameworks with continental and global standards, such as the Global Digital Compact. The Advisor will engage with civil society, ICT regulators, and major tech platforms to improve regional coherence on digital governance. He or she will also be responsible for promoting local innovation ecosystems, especially those centered on AI and trustworthy information, to strengthen democratic resilience in West Africa.
In addition to policy development, the Advisor will contribute to capacity building within ECOWAS by designing training programs, developing institutional frameworks, and supporting communication workflows that incorporate emerging technologies such as generative AI. The role will also involve strategic advisory services, technical drafting, monitoring of global trends, and collaboration with development partners to foster inclusive, rights-based innovation across the region.
Main Tasks
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Provide technical advisory services to ECOWAS on digital governance, strategic communication, and disinformation response.
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Design inclusive and gender-responsive policy frameworks on platform accountability, AI ethics, and digital engagement.
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Strengthen internal policy coordination and digital resilience within ECOWAS departments.
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Develop and roll out capacity-building tools for ECOWAS staff and regional actors in areas such as AI literacy, digital threats, and fact-checking.
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Establish digital monitoring systems to track disinformation trends and support evidence-based public communication.
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Draft technical papers, policy briefs, talking points, and analytical reports on AI, misinformation, and digital innovation.
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Coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders including civil society, media, regulatory bodies, and tech platforms.
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Support knowledge management, learning, and reporting for the Strategic Communication and Digital Governance component of the project.
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Manage consultants and service providers, ensuring delivery aligns with GIZ quality standards and project goals.
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Document good practices, case studies, and success stories for internal and external learning.
Required Qualifications and Experience
GIZ, in partnership with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the ECOWAS Commission, is seeking a highly qualified Advisor in Communication and Digital Governance to support a transformative regional governance project in West Africa. This initiative is designed to strengthen communication capacities, combat misinformation and disinformation, and advance digital governance standards across ECOWAS institutions. The project is part of the Team Europe Approach, co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Union (EU), and AECID, running from January 2024 to December 2026 with a total budget of EUR 14.9 million. This opportunity is ideal for professionals with a strong background in digital policy, strategic communication, and regional governance.
The successful candidate must hold a Master’s degree (MSc or MBA) in digital policy, political science, law, innovation, media studies, or international relations and possess at least five years of professional experience in strategic communication, digital governance, or related fields. Candidates should also have a minimum of two years working directly with civil society organizations, media outlets, or regional institutions on disinformation response or digital policy initiatives. The role requires a proven track record in developing policy recommendations, facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues, and contributing to regional frameworks on platform regulation, AI governance, and public communication. Familiarity with ECOWAS and the broader West African policy and media landscape is highly desirable, along with experience promoting inclusive approaches that address gender and marginalized communities.
This advisory position offers a unique chance to influence digital governance, policy-making, and strategic communication across the West African region. The Advisor will collaborate closely with ECOWAS officials, development partners, and civil society stakeholders to implement innovative communication strategies, strengthen governance mechanisms, and enhance public trust in regional institutions. Professionals seeking high-impact roles in international development, digital policy, or strategic advisory positions will gain significant exposure, contribute to inclusive digital governance, and shape resilient public discourse across ECOWAS member states.
Skills and Competencies
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Deep knowledge of digital policy, AI, and information integrity
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Professional proficiency in at least two ECOWAS official languages (English, French, or Portuguese)
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Strong analytical, research, and communication skills
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Experience working with international organizations and donor-funded projects
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Cultural sensitivity and ability to operate in multilingual, diverse environments
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Strong commitment to gender equality, digital rights, and democratic values
How to Apply
GIZ, in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the ECOWAS Commission, is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Advisor in Communication and Digital Governance. This key position supports a strategic regional governance project in West Africa focused on enhancing communication capacities, combating misinformation, and modernizing digital governance across ECOWAS institutions. The project, part of the Team Europe Approach, is co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Union (EU), and AECID, running from January 2024 to December 2026 with a budget of EUR 14.9 million. This role presents an exceptional opportunity for professionals with expertise in digital policy, strategic communication, and governance to contribute to regional development and institutional strengthening.
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (MSc/MBA) in digital policy, political science, law, innovation, media studies, or international relations, along with a minimum of five years’ professional experience in digital governance, strategic communication, or related areas. Candidates should also have at least two years of experience collaborating with civil society, media, or regional bodies on disinformation management or digital policy projects. Key competencies include the ability to develop policy recommendations, facilitate stakeholder dialogues, and lead regional initiatives on platform regulation, AI governance, and inclusive digital communication. Familiarity with ECOWAS institutions and the West African policy and media landscape is highly desirable, with preference given to candidates experienced in promoting gender-sensitive and inclusive governance approaches.
Interested candidates should submit their applications online via the official GIZ application portal on or before August 10, 2025. Applications must clearly reflect relevant experience in digital governance, strategic communication, and regional policy development. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews and assessments to further evaluate their suitability for this high-impact advisory role. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape digital governance, drive policy innovation, and enhance public trust in ECOWAS institutions across West Africa, making it an ideal career step for experienced professionals seeking a meaningful international development role.