Background

Africa Humanitarian Action (AHA) responds to displacements caused by crises, conflicts and disasters, providing emergency, development and policy advocacy services to refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), migrants and their host communities. Established in 1994, and working with and through African communities, AHA has extended its programmes such as health, nutrition, WASH, livelihoods, and shelter in 20 African countries to date. Over the years, it has channeled over $200 million to help more than 26 million people affected by humanitarian crises. AHA is committed to empower local institutions to enhance their ability for disaster preparedness, peaceful development and prosperity. The AHA Head Office directs and coordinates its continental activities.    

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• Assist the Head Office and Country Offices in improving their communication skills, with a focus on increased visibility;

• Develop and produce outreach and visibility materials (i.e. newsletters, annual reports, brochures, articles, web materials, uniforms, etc.);

• Manage and regularly update the organization’s website and social media outlets;

• Develop a media database and liaise with organizations appropriately to raise public/private/organizational awareness of AHA;

• Develop press releases and articles; seeking and responding to media opportunities, developing complementary media relationships;

• Manage the strategic growth of global audiences through social media and other digital channels.

• Identify new digital tools and best practices and how these can be most effectively applied to deepen AHA’s engagement with supporters and followers;

• Assist in the development and implementation of informed, cross-platform social media and digital marketing strategies, and assisting management in making informed digital strategy decisions.

• Create compelling social media content using multimedia (photo and video), visual presentation of messages, facts and figures to systematically grow and deepen our engagement across all digital platforms.

• Create, implement, and assess social media plans for major communication projects and campaigns.

• Ensure the proper and selective use of social media for audience development;

• Research, produce (in coordination with the management team), and distribute a monthly newsletter promoting AHA’s work;

• Seek opportunities and partnerships to promote AHA and its priorities.

• Test and stay up-to-date on new digital platforms and social media tools and suggest ways AHA can use them for strategic promotion.

• Systematically modify the composition and use of social media to ensure a better user experience and journey;

• Identify, create, and coordinate event opportunities.

• Develop fruitful relationships with key humanitarian actors similarly engaged in communications efforts (UN, AU, other humanitarian actors);

• Ensure the organization’s transparency and accountability through communicating the appropriate information and improving communications with stakeholders;

• Assist in capacity building on communication and advocacy for staff.

• Respond to AHA Head and Country Office’s programme communication and information requests;

• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. 

Position Profile 

• Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Communications and/or the Executive Director, the Communications Associate will support the implementation of the communications strategy and plans to ensure effective and efficient communication of AHA with its partners, the media, and targeted audiences.

• The Communications Associate will also work in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations staff of AHA and designate representatives of key stakeholders. 

Working Condition  

• This is a full time post stationed in Addis Ababa.

• It might require the ability to travel, with short stays abroad, as necessary. 

Job Location: AHA Head Office, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia 

Reporting Line: Head Of Communications/Executive Director 

Job Requirements

Person Specification

• University degree in Journalism, Communications, Digital Marketing or other closely related field is required.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, digital marketing or related relevant fields.

• Experience in online outreach and multimedia is an asset;

• Excellent English language skills (written, reading and spoken);

Essential Knowledge, skills and experience

• Excellent understanding of social media and online communication and media tools;

• Experience required in editing and copywriting skills, including articles, reports, social media content, press releases preferred; 

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.); 

How to Apply

Please send an updated CV including three work related referees and cover letter addressed to the Executive Director, Africa Humanitarian Action through admin@africahumanitarian.org and copy communications@africahumanitarian.org. Attachments should not exceed 2MB. The closing date for submitting applications is 20 October 2022. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

** Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early. **