Job Summary

Title: Communications Manager (EMP Communications Lead)

Location: Addis Ababa

Employment Category: F1

Reporting To: Chief of Party (COP), Ethiopia Migration Programme (EMP)

Direct Reports: Migration Information Coordinator, Information Officers (7)

Start of Contract & Duration: 23 Months

Posting date: April 16, 2021

INTRODUCTION

• The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. The organization has offices across the region, and has been operational in Ethiopia since 2009. With funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, DRC is currently implementing a range of activities across Ethiopia and Djibouti, including WASH and shelter provision, child and youth protection, gender based violence response, awareness-raising of migration risks, protection monitoring of migration routes, and livelihoods support for returning migrants or those at-risk of migration.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

• The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is implementing the Ethiopia Migration Program (EMP), a UK-funded program to make migration through and from Ethiopia safer. The program has an operational footprint in Tigray, Amhara and Addis Ababa and involves several subcontractors with core responsibility for implementation of EMP objectives.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The Manager (Communications Lead) will work closely with the EMP Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), Program Director, partner organizations and other EMP staff to design and deliver a high-quality Communications Strategy. The Communications Lead will also be accountable for the design, planning, implementation and monitoring of all activities under EMP’s Communications and Information workstream. The Communications Lead will manage implementation of communications activities in the field through effective coordination with EMP Field Project Managers (PMs), and will oversee the implementation of national-level communications outputs by external partners. The Communications Lead will be accountable for meeting EMP targets under Outcome 2.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Design

• Lead the design, delivery and regular review of the program’s Communication Strategy
• Identify principles and objectives for stakeholder and public engagement to support FCDO and EMP’s overall objectives
• Identify opportunities and activities to establish a strong identity and brand for EMP, including through targeted communications, broader engagement activities, ad hoc advisory services, and/or co-branding activities where appropriate and agreed with FCDO

Branding

• Oversee program activity compliance with the EMP Branding Guidelines to ensure activities are utilized to effectively build the identity and reputation of EMP in Ethiopia.
• Oversee program communications and signage to ensure they align with EMP/DRC and FCDO policies on information sharing.

Activity Implementation

• Develop and maintain inputs to work planning and resource planning for communications activities, in coordination with Program Director, DCOP and Program Coordinator (PMU).
• Review and approve all program communications outputs
• Provide technical advice and support to EMP’s communication partners in planning and developing relevant information and communication products targeted at beneficiaries and stakeholders.
• Lead the design and delivery of targeted capacity building support for select local multimedia production partners
• Ensure approval processes for public domain materials are obtained, and processes for engaging with the media, if necessary, are followed.
• Contribute to and maintain the program’s social media presence, where appropriate (approving/posting new content, liaising with relevant production partners)

Reporting and Other

• Develop and manage processes for identifying and assessing the performance of Communications outputs in coordination with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) team.
• Support the COP in developing narrative reporting and updates on activity progress
• Any other related responsibilities as defined by the COP during the life of the program.

Job Requirements

Experience and Technical Competencies: (include years of experience)

• At least 5 years' experience in marketing, advertising, journalism, corporate or government communications, civil society/NGO or other types of externally facing communications roles
• Experience working in Ethiopia, Horn of Africa and/or East Africa highly desirable
• Experience working on UK development programs and/or on programs funded by other development donors is preferred
• Demonstrated experience using cutting edge communication tools and technologies to engage and influence stakeholders
• Experience in social media strategy planning, content creation, and community management
• Proven experience crafting messages in various formats (articles, press releases, websites, photos, success stories, blog entries, tweets, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences
• Exceptional, proven writing and editing skills (English) and the ability to summaries and repackage technical information in clear, compelling language
• Ability to engage with diverse audiences. This includes donors, governments, the private sector and the diverse EMP team and partners
• Strong literacy in Microsoft packages with knowledge of Adobe products is a distinct advantage
• Experience in on-the-job mentoring
• Self-motivation, creativity, excellent organizational skills, proven ability to perform multiple tasks, and ability to work with both internal and external stakeholders

Education (include certificates, licenses etc.):

• Tertiary qualifications in international relations, communications, journalism or a related field (post graduate qualifications highly desirable);

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Excellent verbal and written English.
• Knowledge of Amharic or Tigrigna an added advantage.

 All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

•  Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Acting in line with DRC's vision and values

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post.

We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on our

website under Vacancies. 

Please forward the application and CV, in English through the stated website no later than April 30, 2021. But the review of applicants CVs will be done on rolling process as soon as we find qualified applicants, and we will proceed to the next assessments of written exam and interview accordingly.

For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult on our website

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics

We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nationals to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.