The Job in Brief: The Partnerships and Communication Division is an integral function and one of the four pillars of the Ethiopian Economics Association. The Director reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The special feature of the position requires that the Director regularly liaises with Research and Analysis, Finance & Administration, and Income Generating Unit of the Association. The Director also liaises and communicates with members of the Ethiopian Economics Association, international and national partners including, federal and regional state governments, universities, civil society organizations, researchers, investors, business leaders, and the general public. He/she strives to strengthen existing and/or establish new partnerships and raises visibility of EEA locally and internationally. 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Partnerships and Communications Director:

1.      Liaises and communicates with members of the Ethiopian Economics Association, international and national partners, federal and regional state governments, universities, civil society organizations, NGOs, funding partners, and the general public;

2.      Prepares, revises, or adapts Partnership and Communication strategies and ensures its implementation to reach out to EEA’s members, partners, users and the general public;

3.      Develops strategies for soliciting grant opportunities in support of core and non-core activities of the Association;

4.      Initiates partnerships for signing MoUs and agreements with different partners on areas of collective responsibility, shared objectives, and areas of influence;

5.      Revamps the ICT/communication platforms including webpage and social media outlets of the Association;

6.      Ensures continuity of the Ethiopian Journal of Economics and other publications of the Association with the required quality standards;

7.      Facilitates organization of consultative forums, conferences, workshops, and various events at regional, national, and international levels;

8.      Organizes databases of members, completed research activities, resource persons, publications, events, capacity buildings, partners, and the likes;

9.      Ensures delivery of membership services like EEA library, membership registration and renewal, members engagement in EEA activities, and the likes;

10.  Ensures and monitors operations of the existing EEA chapters, and facilitate opening up of new EEA chapters as required;

11.  Prepares strategic and annual plans and produces quarterly and annual performance reports of the division;

12.  Represents EEA at various meetings/ forums, networks, and coalitions as required;

13.  Enhances visibility of the Association nationally and globally;

14.  Recruits, develops and evaluates staff, and provides guidance to team members under the Partnership and Communication Division; and

15.  Performs other related duties as required and requested.

Salary: Very attractive and as per EEA’s salary scale

Benefits: Attractive (as per the EEA’s benefit package).

Place of work: Addis Ababa (EEA Headquarter).

Required number: One (1)

Screening process: Screening process may involve document review, reference checks, interview, and written exam as required.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer   

Work Unit: Partnership and Communication Division   

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Job Requirements

1. A good understanding of how EEA operates in terms of the concepts, methodologies, and current trends in the field to effectively communicate and collaborate with researchers;

2. Have excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex economic research findings in a clear and concise manner to different audiences, including researchers, policymakers, partners and the general public;

3. Have interpersonal skills to build and maintain partnership and work well with researchers, administration and finance, donors, government and other external stakeholders;

4. Positive attributes: be approachable, empathetic, and skilled at fostering positive relationships;

5. The ability to think strategically and align his/her efforts with the overall goals of the EEA by identifying opportunities for collaboration, developing communication strategies, and effectively prioritizing his/her works to maximize impact;

6. Be familiar with different communication channels, including social media, press releases, and website content, and know how to effectively use them to promote EEA’s research and achievements;

7. Be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, work under tight deadlines, and adjust his/her strategies based on evolving needs and priorities;

8. Understand the importance of confidentiality, data protection, and responsible communication of research findings;

9. Be proficient in using communication platforms, content management systems, and data visualization tools to effectively disseminate research information;

10. Stay updated with the latest advancements in the field, organize and attend conferences and workshops, and actively seek opportunities to enhance his/her knowledge and skills; and

11. Demonstrated effectiveness in developing partnerships, networking, fundraising and communication.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of MA/MSc Degree in communications, partnerships, international/public relations, economics, and other related fields of studies;

• Additional demonstrable knowledge of economics, if the Degree is not in economics.

• At least 10 years progressively responsible experience in partnerships and communications.

• At least one publication in a reputable academic/research journal in economics and/or partnerships/communications and three articles in influential magazines, and newspapers such as Ethiopian Herald, Reporter, Fortune, The Economists, Financial Times, etc 

Language: Proficiency in English and Amharic is required. Knowledge of other national and international languages is an advantage.

Skills: Basic computer and interpersonal skills.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can summit their academic credentials, evidence of work experience and other supporting credentials along with their CVs via eeajobs@eea-et.org or in person at the EEA Office located at Lemi Kura Sub – City, Woreda 13 CMC, Adjacent to St. Michael Church Addis Ababa, Ethiopia P.O.Box 34282 251-(0)11-6453329 | 251-(0)11-6453200