Communication Officer

SOS Sahel Ethiopia (SOSSE) jointly with IIRR & MELCA-Ethiopia is implementing MasterCard Foundation funded “Mass Youth Employment in Apiculture (MaYEA) Program”. The MaYEA is in implementation nationwide, focusing on the ground in 135 Woredas (districts) organized in three implementation hubs: National Hub, North and Northwest Hub (Amhara, Afar, Tigray, and Benishangul Gumuz, regions), and Central, South and Southwest Hub (Oromia, Sidama, South, Central, Southwest, and Gambella regions).

The program aims to disrupt the apiculture sector and allied value chains and triples the current annual honey production by 2028 by recruiting 300,000 new beekeepers, increasing the productivity of 350,000 existing young beekeeping farmers, and engaging additional 350,000 young people in integrated value chain activities in the apiculture sector.

SOS Sahel Ethiopia, being part of the Central, South, and Southwest Sub National Hub led by IIRR, is implementing the program in four clusters of 36 woredas in Bale, Sidama, Wolaita, and Kembata Zones.

Accordingly, SOS Sahel Ethiopia – MaYEA Program is seeking for an outstanding and motivated candidate for the positions stated hereunder:

I. Job Purpose / Summary

The Communication Officer who will be responsible for the design, planning and implementation of the communication and visibility initiatives of the program. The Communication Officer is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies, managing IT operations, and leading advocacy efforts to support the program and mission. The ideal candidate should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, a deep understanding of nonprofit organizations, and a passion for making a positive impact. The Officer will report to the Program Manager and will liaise closely with MaYEA team at Head Office and the Program Field Offices advising on the overarching communication strategies of the program.

II. Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, design and implement comprehensive communication strategies to enhance the MaYEA Program visibility and outreach.
• Produce high-quality content for various channels, including press releases, newsletters, social media, and web stories for presentation to the program stakeholders and the public;
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets to secure coverage and manage public relations.
• Identify key messages and target audiences to effectively communicate the MaYEA Program’s mission and objectives.
• Develop and execute advocacy strategies to influence policy and public opinion in line with the program goals.
• Work with members of the program team to assist their communications activities, particularly with regard to documentation, media engagement and storytelling.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date contacts database of partners and donors of the program.
• Produce and edit photos and videos that showcase the program’s activities and use the necessary medial tools to maximize the program visibility;
• Work intensively with the program team and maintain regular updates on the program’s social media platforms.
• Liaise with the program team to remain abreast of progress and developments and maintain up-to-date information relevant for the production of communications materials.
• Develop, manage and handle the overall IT systems and ensuring they are secure and up-to-date.
• Manage website content (upload and update) and advise on the redevelopment of the website design and ensure its accessibility;
• Create and manage compelling content for various communication channels, including website, social media, newsletters, and press releases.
• Handle any other related tasks as requested and as the need arises.

III. Networking and Communication

• Ensure that at the program aims and goals are well networked with all actors and stakeholders and other networks to better contribute to and benefit from networking.
• Actively participate and support effective functioning of Participatory Review and Reflection Sessions (PRRS), Multi-Stakeholder Platforms (MSP), Value Chain Actors Platforms (VCAP), and other arrangements as necessary.
• Ensure the program’s objectives and approaches and standards are well communicated to all stakeholders and program participants in the cluster.
• Ensure that all periodical and ad hoc communications of the program component are accurate and timely.
• Ensure that feedback is collected and project gains and progress under all component are documented and publicized to concerned stakeholders and the wider audience.

Safeguarding and Accountability

• Make sure every communication and data management activities of the program are in line with universally accepted safeguarding principles and SOSSE’s and MasterCard Foundation’s Safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Ensure appropriate reflection mechanisms are in place for stakeholder, partners, and program participant to ensure that program interventions in the cluster are effective and downward, horizontal, and upward accountability among the program stakeholders is materialized.

IV. Required Qualification, Competencies, and Experience

• Bachelor or Master Degree in Communication and Information Technology, Public Relations, or related field;
• Proven experience of minimum of five years in a similar role, with a blended background in communication, IT management, and advocacy;
• Experience in designing and implementing communication strategies and interventions for donor-funded projects;
• Strong understanding of stakeholder engagement strategies and experience in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging content for different platforms and audiences;
• Proficiency in using various communication tools and technologies, including social media platforms, content management systems, and media monitoring tools;
• Experience in managing websites, social media platforms, and knowledge management systems;
• Analytical mindset with the ability to track and measure communication performance and make data-driven decisions;
• Commitment to upholding high ethical standards and integrity;
• Experience in development of communication materials is a must;
• Good computer software skills;
• Fluency in oral and written communication in English.