Agriculture plays a major role in the Ethiopian society and provides a livelihood for most of its population contributing a significant economic output. Although the agricultural sector has experienced impressive economic growth in the country, productivity remains low by global standards. Most small-scale farmers use simple agricultural methods, such as ox-drawn ploughs and sowing by hand. Even in areas where farm machinery is available through service providers, the technology is often outdated and employed in poor quality. Therefore, use and expansion of modern agricultural mechanization technology at the level of smallholder farmers is indispensable to improve productivity and attain food security in sustainable manner. German Development Cooperation has been supporting this agricultural mechanization improvement through the project “Agricultural Mechanization for Smallholders in Ethiopia” (AMS) (09/2021-08/2024). The objective of the project is to improve the framework conditions for the spread of agricultural mechanization in Ethiopia.

Contract End Date: 31.08.2024

Application deadline: 27.02.2023

Duty station: Addis Ababa

Following are the 5 major outputs:

1)    The planning basis for the implementation of the National Agricultural Mechanization Strategy has been improved.

2)    The offer of governmental and non-governmental agricultural training institutions is strengthened with regard to mechanization.

3)    The delivery capacity of private and cooperative service providers for services in the agricultural mechanization sector is increased.

4)    Public relations and information offer on agricultural mechanization has been intensified for farmers and decision-makers.

An innovation fund to promote innovations in agricultural mechanization has started its work.

Job Requirements

Responsibilities

The communication specialist

• Ensure the compliance with the required communication standards and guidelines.

• Address all questions arising in the area of public relations and communications.

• Project communication to different stakeholders including GIZ projects and implementing partners.

• Managing knowledge by disseminating and documenting know-how, experience and information

• Contribute to gender-relevant initiatives and publications such as event news in newsletters etc.

• Identification and advising on entry points for new (context-sensitive) initiatives for the Programme to strengthen local capacities for gender equality.

Communication strategy

The communication specialist

• Identify the different communication target groups, including internal, public, project partners, and project implementation target groups.

• Identify communication needs of the different target groups.

• Designing communication approaches and tools for the different target groups.

• Review and updating the communication strategy.

Communication materials and Knowledge management

The communication specialist

• Reviewing and updating the existing communication tools and materials of the project including those of implementing partners

• Developing communication materials for specific target groups

• Coordinating with the (project) graphic designers

• Application of all GIZ corporate design policies and rules

• Where needed, application of partner communication standards.

• Keeps her/himself up to date about the project implementation progress (through M&E advisor and technical experts)

• Prepares presentation support materials for meetings and events (for example power point)

• Presents and explains the project to different target groups (internal and external), for example during events.

• Facilitates the exchange of project experiences within the project and other projects and units of GIZ.

Media

• The communication specialist

• In collaboration with GIZ country office, coordinating media activities.

• Preparation of events

• Drafting of press releases

 Qualifications

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communication, social science, behavioral change communication, strategic communication, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field or comparable qualification

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in the field of communication (media and PR work, journalism, internal communication or lobbying or similar)

Other knowledge/additional competencies

• Very good working knowledge of ITC technologies (related software, email, internet) and computer applications (e.g., MS Office)

• Team player

• Ability to work proactively and independently.

• Experience in event management

• Very good communication skills, both verbally and written

• Ability to synthesize and translate technically complex information into plain language communication products.

• Editorial experience, experience in writing articles or press releases (evidenced e.g., by work samples)

• Willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed corresponding measures are agreed with management.

• Willingness to travel to project sites and event locations, when required.

How to Apply

Submit your motivation letter along with non-returnable recent CV via email: hreth@giz.de

 Note:

Please make sure you mention the Vacancy Number ‘Communication Specialist #023/2023’ in the subject line of your email application.

 Due to a large number of applications, we categorize applications with vacancy numbers.

 Applications without vacancy numbers in subject lines might not be categorized in the appropriate folder and could be disqualified.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

 We encourage persons with disabilities to apply for the position. In the case of equal qualification, persons with disabilities will be given preference.

Applications from qualified women are encouraged.