Overview

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. 

We value diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the kind of team and culture that we are building, seeking staff that are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other's growth. Our success depends on all our employees’ points of view, and the principle that inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

Program Description:

The USAID-funded Ethiopia Civic Engagement Activity is a four-year activity with the overall goal to strengthen Ethiopia’s civic fabric in support of more inclusive, peaceful, and responsive governance. The project aims to strengthen civic and community-based actors’ capacity to engage in policy analysis, advocacy, dialogue, and collective action for peaceful, democratic change; and foster multi-stakeholder civic partnerships in support of inclusive dialogue, respect for human rights, and advancing more effective, citizen-responsive, and accountable governance.

Position Summary:

The Communications/ Outreach Officer will provide strategic direction to, and support the design and dissemination of, a broad range of communications products that will inform a diverse group of program stakeholders on the work of the project.   The Communications/Outreach Officer will be responsible for assigning and monitoring the work of communications-related contract staff and freelancers, and working closely with Creative’s Home Office Communications Unit in Washington D.C., to design and implement communications strategies, approaches and outreach materials and activities that effectively promote the program and results to an international and regional audience.  The Communications/ Outreach Officer will be based in Addis Ababa and will work closely with the Creative Home Office team, with the responsibility to manage communications activities across all the project’s implementation locations. 

Reporting: This position reports to the MEL/CLA Director.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage the implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy to create, build, and maintain the positive image of the project to stakeholders and the public;

• Incorporate required communications activities, outreach initiatives, and events into the project’s annual workplans to achieve the program’s internal and external communications goals;

• Review and revise communications products for external publication;

• Ensure compliance to the project’s Branding and Marking Plan;

• Support and manage the design and development of written, video and other communications materials and in-person activities that promote communication between the project and the USAID Mission, including project content suitable for dissemination on USAID channels;

• Support the editing, formatting and use of photos and graphics for USAID quarterly and annual progress reports and other major USAID-required project documents;

• Collaborate with the HQ Communications team on an as-needed basis to produce success stories, PowerPoint slides and other communications materials and tools for external-facing audiences; and

• Resolve and mediate communications difficulties and crises on an on-going basis.

• Manage the activity’s contractors and freelancers.

• Provide administrative and technical support to outside subcontractors and consultants (such as public relation firms, translators, photographers, videographers, etc.) who prepare communications products funded by the project to ensure quality of content and design and compliance with USAID branding and marking requirements;

• Liaise with the USAID mission’s communications team and participate in the USAID communication Community of Practice.

Writing and editing:

• Write and/or review assigned press releases, success stories, features and briefs, social media content, and content for USAID updates, newsletters and quarterly and annual reports; and

• Collaborate with HQ Communications to create and disseminate content through Creative’s channels.

• Edit quarterly and annual reports for USAID.

Outreach & events:

• Maintain strong relationships with public relation companies providing technical assistance for the project;

• Support the organizing of events, inaugurations, and webinars based on the needs of the project in collaboration with project staff, USAID, local governments, and other stakeholders; and

• Coordinate all communications aspects of in-person events and webinars, including promotion, program content for programs, registration materials and related items within the project and with USAID as appropriate.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field is desired. 

• Minimum of six years of professional experience. 

• Minimum of four years of specific experience working in the communication sector (media, journalism, policy and behavior change).

• Willingness and ability to travel in Ethiopia. 

• Good sense of communication and human relations. 

• Ability to understand and analyze national, regional and local policies, creativity and analytical capacity to design activities relevant to critical issues affecting the country. 

• Experience with USAID or donor-funded projects desired. 

• Good problem solving, stress management and time management skills. 

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of other Microsoft suite applications.

• Excellent recordkeeping and documentation skills. 

• Proficiency in written and spoken Amharic required.

• Proficiency in written and spoken English required. 

• Ability to work under pressure and effectively manage multiple tasks. 

• Ability to work independently and as a team.

Only finalists will be contacted.  No phone calls, please.

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (gender/race/disability/veteran) and provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

How to Apply

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