Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer

Embassy of Ireland, Addis Ababa

Our mission is to promote and protect abroad the values, interests and economic well-being of Ireland and its people. We do this under the political direction of our Ministers, through our staff at home and through our Embassy network abroad.

The Embassy of Ireland, Addis Ababa is seeking a highly motivated, creative, enthusiastic,  and proactive individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to fill a full-time Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer.

The Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer will report to the Second Secretary at the Embassy of Ireland. The role will engage regularly with the Second Secretary and all other staff at the Embassy to ensure a whole of embassy approach, and actively engage with stakeholders across the Department as well as the countries and international organisations of accreditation. 

The primary duties and responsibilities of this post are: 

• Creating communications content, short-form and long-form, visual and audio visual, social media posts and website material to promote the Embassy’s work;

• Undertaking media and political monitoring across the countries and international organisations of the Embassy’s accreditation and produce regular press reports and summary documents;

• Supporting the design, coordination, and execution of public diplomacy events and outreach initiatives to boost the visibility of the Embassy and its strategic objectives.

Overall Role and Responsibility: 

The Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer function in the Embassy is to: 

• Support the development and implementation of Embassy’s new Communications Strategy by proactively identifying communications opportunities for the Embassy which promote Ireland–Ethiopia/South Sudan/Djibouti/AU/IGAD/UNECA relations and involve the work of the whole Embassy. Work with all staff, as well as HQ staff, to ensure communications is coordinated.

• Lead in the day-to-day delivery of the Communications Strategy by managing the website and social media platforms, ensuring content is professional, up-to-date and of a high standard. This will also involve the monthly and weekly, and event-specific communications plans to ensure the overall communications is followed.

• Develop a database of visual, audio-visual and audio assets which that can be used in publications or for release to the media. This may include travel and field visits to create content promoting the work of the Embassy and Irish Aid.

• Engage in the amplification of the Embassy’s social media presence through the creation and maintenance of Embassy accounts on various social media platforms. 

• Leading on bespoke communications projects. This may include but not limited to the development of docufilms and podcasts that can be used to deliver the keys messages of the Communications Strategy.

• Regularly monitoring and analysing current affairs and opinion in national and regional press and social media, and reporting this via press reviews to the posted officers and HQ Desk colleagues.

• Develop and maintain a working relationship with a wide range of key communications contacts within the media, political, development, trade and cultural sectors.

• Be the Embassy’s main point of contact with the press and media contacts, including organising interviews and press conferences and drafting press releases.

• Maintain and grow the public diplomacy content on the Embassy’s Ireland.ie page through the production and publication of audio and visual content. Identify opportunities for public diplomacy, and support the Embassy’s work on cultural promotion and exchange. Work with Admin Team and relevant institutions to organize related events (e.g. EU Film Festival, St. Brigid’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Bloomsday events).

• Attend, participate in and report on meetings such as Team Europe Strategic Communications meetings, when required.

• Support the Second Secretary’s role as Chair of the Embassy’s internal communications meetings.

• Provide any further administrative or related tasks, if required

Terms and conditions of employment: 

Start date: As soon as possible Location: Embassy of Ireland, Addis Ababa Contract duration: The successful candidates will be hired on a two year fixed term contract with a probation period of 60 working days. Working hours: Monday to Friday, with standard office hours from 8am-5pm, with total working hours not exceeding 48 hours per week as per local labour law. Annual Leave Entitlement: Annual leave entitlement is 20 working days per annum. Gross Salary: Base Point of salary scale for grade (€22,687.20 per annum) paid in local currency. Salaries are paid direct to a bank account; therefore, the successful candidate must have a bank account. Eligibility: Candidates must have a permanent, legal right to reside and work in Ethiopia and will be subject to employment and taxation law. Closing date: Monday, July 14, 2025 at 17:00hrs Ethiopian Time Selection process: Depending on response rates, the deadline may be extended. Please note that only short listed applicants will be contacted. 

Job Requirements

Essential Requirements candidates must be able to demonstrate: 

1. University undergraduate level qualification in a relevant field;

2. Three years’ experience in a relevant field, such as public relations, marketing, media, business, journalism, event management, content creation etc. Previous work experience in an embassy or international organisation is desirable;

3. Audio and Audio-visual editorial skills;

4. Experience in event management;

5. Strong oral and written communication skills in English and Amharic. Knowledge of other regional languages is desirable;

6. Thorough understanding of social media and digital communication, and experience of managing and creating content for X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok accounts;

7. Strong media project management skills; 

8. Ability to demonstrate initiative and attention to detail, and to produce accurate and professional and strategic messaging under time pressure;

9. High levels of innovation and creativity;

10. Good interpersonal and networking skills;

11. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;

12. Understanding of the work of embassies and international organization, particularly in the development and cultural spheres;

The successful candidate must have a legal entitlement to live and work in Ethiopia prior to recruitment.

Selection Process: 

• Depending on the number of applications received, a short-listing of candidates to be called for a technical assessment and competency-based interview may be undertaken based on the Essential/Key Requirements above;

• It is planned that the  technical assessment will be held in late July /early August; 

• It is planned that interviews will be held early August 2025; 

• A second interview may be included in the recruitment process; 

• A panel may be set up depending on the calibre of candidates.

General Data Protection Regulation: 

All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines. 

Security Clearance for Local Staff  

Police security clearance will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. If unsuccessful, this information will be destroyed. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again. 

Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants. 

The Embassy of Ireland, Addis Ababa is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity.  

How To Apply

1. Please read the job description carefully to ensure you meet the criteria required

2. Please provide only the information most relevant to the role; skills; and experience listed in the job description/job advertisement

3. Applications which do not meet the minimum requirements cannot be considered

4. Incomplete applications will not be considered

5. Refer to the job advertisement for the relevant details to ensure you are familiar with the instructions to submit your application before the deadline.

6. Update your own profile on THIS LINK

7. In addition to this application, you will be required to submit your CV as well as respond to additional job related questions, thus, please make sure you have enough time to respond to all the questions.