Ethiopia: Project Officer–Regional Communication and Engagement Officer - Ethiopia

Summary: The officer is responsible to create attractive communication products and think out enabling communication structures to involve stakeholders, and target relevant audiences to facilitate better understanding and action. Assist in the improvement of protocols and guidelines, as part of the communication plan, to facilitate interaction among Network members and between Centre and Network.

Education Requirement: Advanced University Degree in Communication, Journalism or Public Relations;

Relevant Required Work Experience:

1. At least five years of relevant communication and outreach experience in the natural resource management and wildlife protection sector. Regional experience in the Horn is an advantage.


2. Possesses a network within the natural resource management and wildlife protection sector, related government authorities and civil society at the regional level;


3. Basic knowledge of natural resource conservation issues, what wildlife crime entails and who the key stakeholders are that aim to combat wildlife crime;

Specific tasks and responsibilities

• Design and implement the HoA-CCP and HoA-WLCP communication strategy and plan for 2016 and 2017;


• Lead the implementation of a programme internal knowledge sharing system, and the development of engagement techniques;


• Assist in the design, editing and distribution of communication products such as annual reviews, brochures, feature stories and press releases;


• Provide technical advice and support to the regional programme coordinators, particularly when it comes to public relations, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation;


• Provide input to all major programme documents, including strategies, annual narrative reports and technical documents, to ensure they are well written and clearly communicate key messages;


• Lead responsible to maintain and develop online outreach of the regional programmes. Develop a clear communication and advocacy strategy to promote a better understanding of key components and value of the HoA-CCP and HoA-WLCP for all stakeholders;


• Oversee the design and editorial content of the website and intranet, ensuring that content is relevant, to the point, regularly updated and easily accessible. Support Network members and partners to showcase their work on the website;


• Ensure full coherence with international partners in implementing the communication strategy, adapt it to prevailing circumstances and ensure that it is mainstreamed among stakeholders;


• Roll-out of the Network’s aim to “promote cooperation and knowledge exchange between organisations with environmental expertise including non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, research institutions and universities in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda” by means of closer (cross-boundary) cooperation between Network members and other stakeholders;


• Proactively link the initiatives of the Network members to each other, HoA-REC and its partners. To be able to do this, the officer needs to gain knowledge of members’ activities through relationship management;


• Identify opportunities to strengthen the capacity of Network members and partners through appropriate advocacy and communication training, access to information, supplies and equipment, and through knowledge sharing. Provide communication skills training to HoA-REC staff, Network members and partners;


• Identify opportunities to engage in climate change and wildlife crime related advocacy campaigns and link them to other international campaigns where possible;


• Draft press releases, statements, news summaries, ensure print and electronic (social) media coverage during events, and proactively identify media opportunities to maximize impact;


• Monitor international and regional media, and regularly update WLC and HoA-CCP staff on media coverage that is relevant to their work;


• Assist in the conduct of seminars, workshops and conferences;


• Build a contract list of journalists and overview of media outlets, and design a successful process of communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the media;


• Assist in resource mobilisation to expand the HoA-CCP and HoA-WLCP through an effective advocacy and communication strategy;

Skills Requirements:

• Possesses a commitment to strengthen the capacity and voice of local organisations on the ground, providing them with an enabling environment to express their views;


• Proven ability to organise, plan and prioritise work;


• Proven excellence in verbal and written communication with different audiences, with the strength to switch between different narratives;


• Proven skills in social media and website content management;


• Possessing a service providing attitude to Network members and being easily accessible to them;


• Committed to gender equality;


• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently and in a team;


• Excellent computer and software skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, html, basic photo, film and pdf editing);


• Excellent oral and written skills of English are required. Knowledge of French, Arabic and/or Swahili is a distinct advantage;

Nationals from Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda are encouraged to apply.