1. Background

HELVETAS aims at improved communication, with respect to Public Relations as well as Communica-tion for Development through the development of accessible material explaining the profile and expertise of the organisation. To this end a cascaded set of (print and digital) brochures or pam-phlets will be elaborated going from the country programme, thematic working area to project de-scription along a standard format. This will be complemented by simple two-pagers on (proven) ap-proaches and methodologies, capability statements of the respective working areas, as well as learn-ing briefs. In the materials due attention for gender and social equity and the three interlinked mechanisms:

1. implementation of development projects /programs;

2. provision of thematic advice and building competences; and

3. engagement in advocacy and policy dialogue, are to be conveyed.

The organisation aims at a revamping of the visibility of the organisation with attractive but simple standardised signage for offices and on vehicles. Banners for both thematic areas as well as projects will be made for public events.

Equally, communication tools are vital for the political dialogue and awareness-raising required to bring about social and institutional reforms in the working areas in which HELVETAS engages. Provid-ing access to information, technical, environmental, social, economic, etc., is a core function of de-velopment cooperation, alongside boosting participation. HELVETAS aims at using communication for development to promote innovative forms of dialogue with partners and beneficiaries and thus make our programmes more sustainable.

To this end the internal capacity, by having in-house expertise as well as creating a cross-project effort, and collaboration with the Marketing & Communications Department in Switzerland will be strengthened. All materials need to be developed in line with the house style of the organization.

2. Overall Targets

• Production of core organizational documents for external and internal use such as country strategy, project documents, reviews and evaluation, and knowledge documents.

• Public relations materials covering the programme level, thematic working areas, projects, as well as different topic papers as well as meetings visibility materials.

• Introduction of communication for development principles and tools in projects materials.

• Support the projects, with both guidance as well as inputs, in promoting evidence-based advocacy.

Job Requirements

3. Main Tasks

Derived from overall targets A-D

A. Document Production: 

• Actively partake in the development of the Ethiopia’s country strategy and lead the publication and wide dissemination of the new Country Strategy in 2024.

• Production of project documents for external use such as presentations, reports, etc.

• Review and finalise the communications strategy, which includes Communication for Emergency programs, by working all relevant stakeholders.

• Work with all project teams in the development of short films from identifying appro-priate service provider to making sure all that our brand and film content adhere to the organization’s guidelines.

• Lead on making that all published documentation follows all of HSI and donor guide-lines.

B. Public Relations:

• Work with all Project Managers to establish all their project’s Communications needs.

• Design and production of a folder, brochures, factsheets, and other PR materials.

• Introduce a set of tools and methods to describe and visualize HELVETAS’ impact.

• Assist in the development, publication dissemination of thematic area papers.

• Update and enrich the web content of the HELVETAS Ethiopia website.

• Manage existing Twitter and YouTube accounts including the development of contents.

• Support Head of HR to manage the LinkedIn page.

• Explore and propose options for the use of social media.

• Continue to gather, development and maintain photo and video library on Sharedrive from both in country and external sources i.e.: telegram groups and/or international photographers who come to visit.

• Design and facilitate the production of banners and other materials for the projects.

• Support marketing of HELVETAS abroad through the Communication & Marketing unit of HELVETAS Switzerland.

• Actively participate in Alliance2015’s Communication working group.

C. Communications: 

• Organize in-house awareness on methods and concepts of communication for devel-opment.

• In collaboration with MEAL team develop and implement learning and knowledge shar-ing platforms internally

• Develop in collaboration with project teams selected communication for development products.

• Work with HR to develop and implement orientation kits for all new staff.

• Identify, develop, and implement Communication related internal capacity needs activ-ities from assessing to delivering relevant training.

D. Program/Project Support: 

• Work closely with the advocacy focal person.

• Support the program and project team members in developing advocacy strategies and messages and reflect the communication standards.

• Support the program and project team members in developing materials, studies, poli-cy briefings, etc. for evidence-based advocacy.

• Ensure advocacy materials are conflict sensitive.

• Engage in policy advocacy dialogues and other initiatives.

• Responsible for communicating advocacy initiatives in a constructive and conflict-sensitive manner on respective internal and external channels upon agreement with the respective Programme Director and the concerned Project Managers.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by sending their application and updated CV through HumanResources.ETH@helvetas.org or through ethiojobs website.

Female applicants are encouraged to apply.

Please make sure you write the position title in the subject line. 

Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.