Company Description

LWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over 20 countries. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world. 

 A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and for our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centered and community- based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and in order to claim and uphold their rights, we engage proactively with local government and community structures. 

 Our partners in (Ethiopia) include Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), diaconal arms of Lutheran churches (Related Agencies), the European Commission (ECHO), the US Government (BPRM) and UN Agencies, Global Affairs Canada with whom we are a key implementing partner. 

LWF World Service Ethiopia is a registered foreign charity which has been operating in Ethiopia since 1973 implementing various development and humanitarian projects in different parts of Ethiopia.

LWF World Service Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants based on merit regardless of sex, color, religion, ethnicity, age, marital status or disability.

Job Summary

The position holder reports to the Project Coordinator in Mekelle and shall be responsible for the regular planning and preparation of success and human interest stories related to achievements with the nexus project entitled: “Protection, WASH and Shelter for IDPs and Returnees in Tigray, Ethiopia’’ including capturing, documentation and sharing of photos and videos. The position holder will also commit up to 30% of his time to provide technical support to the LWF Country Office on communication related activities.

• Produce brief stories in English (300-600 words each) highlighting a particular beneficiary/family – this means the full process from identifying the story opportunity to conducting interviews to writing and submitting for editing, plus capturing supporting photos – these stories should be contextualized within the project but represent the firsthand experience and voice of the interview subject;

• Produce stories/news pieces highlighting significant developments at the project, e.g. new activities commencing;

• Provide smaller, informal bits of content at least weekly that can be repackaged for social media – e.g. a beneficiary photo with a paragraph of text, or photos of a new project activity with brief detail about what’s happening;

• Ideally, write or support writing of occasional thematic pieces, using individual stories to illustrate themes such as climate change and in particular nexus/the relationship between humanitarian and development work;

• Document all communication materials such as stories, videos and pictures;

• “Embed” in LWF project activities as frequently as possible, becoming familiar with the program and getting to know beneficiaries;

• Ensures confidentiality and proper management of the information gathered for production of communication materials; 

• Ensure the standard LWF consent forms are filled and signed before and whenever interviews are conducted

• Manage and coordinate all the communication activities in the locations where LWF is operational;

• Provide other communication-related support for LWF Ethiopia field and country office;

• Support the LWF Country Office in Addis Ababa to prepare communication and advocacy materials to be used for the resource mobilization.

• Prepare and share reports regarding communication activities;

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders particularly with the IDP/IDP returnees and local community members and leaders and when necessary with UN agencies and NGOs to enhance multi-agency cooperation and coordination;

• Follow and adhere to the LWF’s and donor visibility guidelines;

• Follow procedure as outlined in LWF Staff Rules, Collective Agreement and other Operation Manuals;

• Perform all other communication-related duties as assigned to him/her by the Project Coordinator, the LWF Country Office and the CLWR team;

This job description is subject to amendment by the employer when deemed necessary;

Job Requirements

Required Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Skills:
BA or Master’s degree and above in journalism, media or other related field of study.  At least 3 years relevant experience in humanitarian sector for MA degree and 5 years for BA degree holder.

Skills Required, Attitudes and Attributes:

• Photography skills with both the writing and photography;

• Ability to research and write feature stories and messages, ideally bringing in a human element from real life experiences

• Experience in conducting interviews for storytelling or journalism;

• Computer skills including ability to use Microsoft Office applications and photo editing software;

• Familiarity with the NGO/development sector and knowledge of local context;

• Knowledge of crosscutting themes - gender, climate change, migration, food security etc;

• Fluent written and spoken English; Knowledge of Tigrigna is mandatory

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

• Knowledge and experience of emergency and development issues as well as understanding of causes of emergencies, emergency programming and links with policy;

• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize well and meet deadlines;

• Ability to travel extensively, especially to remote areas;

• Experience in and the ability to train, coach, mentor people;

• A self-starter and can identify opportunities for stories and who can navigate the complexity of relationships and working with beneficiaries

Additional requirements:

• Prior experience with GAC/FIAP or other international aid donor would be advantageous;

• Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity;

• Strong organizational and logistical skills;

• Goal-oriented with ability to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision;

• Ability and willingness to work and live in challenging conditions;

• All employees of the Lutheran World Federation should be able to adhere to our Codes of Conduct and the six organizational values: dignity, human rights, inclusion, diversity, transparency and accountability and humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence;

• Previous related experience in INGO set up is advantageous;

• Strong writing, editing, layout and design skills are necessary, including ability to present concepts verbally

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirement can send ONLY detailed C.V and application letter through THIS LINK

Please note that, due to urgency of the vacancy the selection will be done on a rolling base.

Women are encouraged to apply and only short-listed applicants will be contacted.