Background: 

JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc. (JSI) is a public health management firm, headquartered in the United States, dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world. JSI has been implementing public health work in Ethiopia for over 30 years. 

The Communications Advisor will serve as a project primary focal person for communication-related tasks. The Advisor will focus on coordinating communications efforts for the assigned projects and work with key projects staff to help effectively communicate results and achievements to donors, global audiences, and Ethiopian stakeholders.

The Communications Advisor will develop and execute a comprehensive, multichannel communications strategy to ensure that project results and achievements are communicated in a timely manner to target audiences. This work includes generating, compiling, and disseminating data and information, and paying close attention to audience preferences for receiving information. He/she will work closely with other team members to document and disseminate successes and lessons learned and develop activities and products to distribute information effectively. S/he will develop a multi-channel dissemination strategy using the latest information technology, when appropriate, to reach key stakeholders at the national and international levels.

Responsibilities:

• Fully understand the donor’s communications and outreach strategy and expected project contributions; liaise with donor to regularly provide program information to support their communications and outreach objectives;

• Develop and continuously update JSI communications strategy including a social media plan to ensure all audiences and stakeholders are aware of Activity progress, results, and achievements;

• Ensure the program is taking advantage of key communication opportunities and advise the Chief of Party (COP) and senior leadership as needed;

• Assist in the design and development of the organization’s strategic information plan and work with technical staff to design and develop related products;

• Work with key program staff to compile, write, and finalize monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for donors. Coordinate the entire process to ensure these program deliverables meet internal and donor deadlines;

• Work with program staff to compile, write, and disseminate technical briefs, policy briefs, reports, blogs, and other program documentation products as needed;

• Organize, produce, package, and disseminate project information (print, video, and electronic) in a timely manner to key audiences;

• Manage and maintain media relations in Ethiopia and monitor media coverage of the project;

• Provide guidance to projects staff on JSI corporate branding and donor branding guidelines;

• Ensure project-produced public communications and materials are branded correctly according to the project branding strategy and marking plan;

• Manage consultants, when necessary, in areas of media outreach, graphic design, photography, and videography for special events; 

• Uphold JSI standards and values related to fraud and ethics promotion and compliance; and Child Safeguarding policy

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Job Requirements

• BA or Master’s degree in journalism, communications, organizational learning, knowledge management, social science, economics, or other relevant fields of study

• Eight years of relevant experience.

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English;

• Ability to develop and implement a communications strategy and to conceptualize, write, and edit technical contents;

• Demonstrated ability to work with new technologies and social media platforms;

• Demonstrated managerial and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

• Ability to establish and maintain excellent relationships with project team members, donors, and other cooperating agencies;

• Design experience using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, or similar systems is desired;

• Prior work history with USAID-funded projects preferred; 

• Ability to travel to various regions throughout Ethiopia.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who met the minimum requirements should send and apply using THIS LINK. Please submit your application letter with your CV in English detailing your experience and skills that are relevant to the post.

Please do not attach copies of your transcripts, academic degrees or recommendation letters with the application. You will provide them upon request.

JSI/WEI is a child-safe organization, and the safety and well-being of children is a priority of our organization. We have robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suited to work with the children served by our programs.

JSI/WEI is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, genetic information, political affiliation, or protected veteran status in any employment decisions. M/F/V/D