Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

 Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004. In partnership with civil society organizations, private sector, and the government, Mercy Corps Ethiopia has reached more than five million Ethiopians with interventions to save lives and build secure livelihoods. Our programs emphasize market-driven solutions, reinforce social bonds, and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Currently in six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara and South Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR) – Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute the emergence of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of youth and women. Our strategic directions focus in promoting inclusive and dynamic markets; promoting peace and social cohesion through strengthening formal/informal governance structures and citizen engagement; improved natural resource governance; and integrated humanitarian response.

           Position Title:  Communications Intern

          Duty Station: Addis Ababa

          Open Position:  2

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

Country Program Summary

Mercy Corps has been operating in Ethiopia since 2004. In partnership with civil society organizations, private sector, and the government, Mercy Corps Ethiopia has reached more than five million Ethiopians with interventions to save lives and build secure livelihoods. Our programs emphasize market-driven solutions, reinforce social bonds, and help communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Currently in six regional states – Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara and South Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region (SNNPR) – Mercy Corps Ethiopia is driven by the mission to contribute the emergence of a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Ethiopia which is inclusive of youth and women.

 Mercy Corps has an internship program which aims to create an entry point and real exposure to a formal workforce and to develop technical and soft skills of new graduates and early career young women and men, so they are well equipped when seeking formal and fully paid employments. Mercy Corps welcomes fresh perspectives, energy and the willingness to learn and contribute in the internship program.

Mercy Corps is currently seeking interns (2) who will support the overall communications and media functions of the country office in line with the organization’s communication strategy and guidelines. The interns will work with the communications lead and other team members of the Program Quality and Performance (PaQ) department, and other programs.

 Position Summary

The overall objective of the internship is supporting the implementation of the overall communication strategy and plan of Mercy Corps Ethiopia and raising public profile of the office, with particular focus on the digital communication, visual story telling (photos, video, and graphics), publications and relevant visibility events. The intern is expected to provide a robust support and creative inputs in realizing this objective through leveraging a variety of platforms, including Mercy Corps website, and social media in line with the country level communication strategy and guidelines. The position is based in Addis Ababa, but frequent travel to project locations in the field is required.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

Under the supervision and guidance of the Communications lead, the intern will be responsible for assisting the communications and media functions in various tasks.

The intern will hold the following responsibilities:

 ·       Assist in write up of program success stories, case studies and relevant reports by gathering stories, quotes, and program results.

·       Support in capturing and editing of photos and videos of key program events, program participants, and other country office milestones.

·       Assist in the preparation of any events that may take place during their internship duration.

·       Support in the development of digital archiving of audiovisual materials and other communication products.

·       Attend relevant meetings and conferences and write minutes as necessary.

·       Support in regular updating of website and social media handles for Mercy Corps Ethiopia

·       Provide support in liaising with media outlets and get media coverage and visibility of the various programs and country office operations

·       Any other related tasks to support the communications, media and learning functions of the organization.

Requirements

 Candidates for the internship must meet the following criteria:

 Organizational Learning 

·       As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

 Accountability to Program participants/ Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

 Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.

GEDSI (GENDER, EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION)

 ·       Understand and aware GDI related priorities of the country office and contribute for the realization of priorities (continually work to understand and be aware of the gender diversity and inclusion priorities of the country office and contribute in the execution)

·       Promote gender equal and inclusive workplace culture in a day-to-day interaction with a team member, partners, and program participants.

Security

·       Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.

·       Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Safeguarding & Ethics

·       Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

Benefits and Compensations

-        Mercy Corps provides a monthly transportation allowance to the intern

-        Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the organization when in field assignments

Job Requirements

 Candidates for the internship must meet the following criteria:

 Education

• Completed BA or equivalent degree in Communications, Journalism, Fine Arts, Marketing, or related field of study, with knowledge of basic photography skills and enthusiasm for storytelling and humanitarian work.

• A Master’s degree in the fields above is also acceptable, but not a requirement.

Experience

• Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to 1 year) in communications, journalism, visual story telling. Strong writing skills, presentation, and an eye for visual communications.

• Digital/ computer skills Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Photoshop or other photo/video editing software, social media (Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn…).

Languages

• Fluent knowledge (both oral and written) of English and Amharic languages. Working knowledge of other local languages is an advantage.

Competencies

• Adaptable to an international, multicultural, and multilingual environment.

• Good communication skills (written and oral)

• Positive attitude and ability to multi-task and to work under pressure

• Ability to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time

• Ability to produce quality results under deadlines

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally

• Showing willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills

• Ability to work independently and in a team

• Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills

How to Apply

Submit your CV, three reference and all relevant official documents via email: et-recruitment@mercycorps.org or through post Mercy Corps Recruiter Addis Ababa: P.O. Box 14319, Arbaminch: P.O. Box 33, Jijiga: P.O. Box 225, Negelle Borena: P.O. Box 116, Dire Dewa: P.O. Box 974

N.B: Please make sure that you mention the position title in the subject line of your email application.