Communication Advisor

Organizational Description:

Ethiopian Midwives Association (EMwA) is a legally registered, autonomous, and not-for-profit professional association established in 1992 and re-registered under the new civil society proclamation. Ethiopian Midwives Association (EMwA) operates in all regions of Ethiopia by using and works for the quality of midwifery education and care. EMwA has been a member of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) since 1993.

The primary goal of EMwA is to contribute towards the reduction of maternal and child mortality and morbidity in Ethiopia, which are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) global initiatives. The vision of the association is to see every woman, newborn, and their family have access to standard midwifery care. The mission of the association is to promote and enhance the expansion, performance and status of midwifery profession through adapting quality and evidence based practices; adhering to the code of ethics and conduct empowering the professionals.

Position summary:

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Communication Manager/Specialist is responsible for leading and coordinating EMwA’s communication, public relations, media engagement, and visibility activities. The position oversees the production, documentation, and dissemination of communication materials, including press releases, media briefings, brochures, newsletters, success stories, infographics, audio-visual materials, and social media content. The role also promotes midwifery advocacy, strengthens stakeholder and media relations, documents program achievements, and ensures consistent organizational branding and visibility.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement EMwA’s communication, public relations, advocacy, and visibility strategies and annual work plans.
• Lead the production, documentation, and dissemination of communication materials, including press releases, media briefings, banners, brochures, posters, newsletters, success stories, best practices, infographics, fact sheets, audiovisual materials, website content, social media posts, and other publications.
• Seek and secure media coverage and establish effective relationships with local and international media organizations.
• Support marketing, advertising, brand visibility, and promotional activities to increase awareness of and engagement with the EMwA/HAME social enterprise.
• Develop, maintain, and regularly update databases of media contacts, communication partners, and relevant stakeholders.
• Manage and regularly update EMwA’s website, social media platforms, and other digital communication channels.
• Liaise with media representatives, respond to inquiries, and coordinate official communication in consultation with the Executive Director and relevant management.
• Coordinate media coverage and publicize EMwA’s events, launches, campaigns, reports, and organizational achievements.
• Collaborate with the research and publication unit to develop, write, and edit magazines, case studies, speeches, research publications, articles, annual reports, and other communication products.
• Plan and supervise the production of promotional and visibility materials, including brochures, handouts, videos, photographs, films, and multimedia products.
• Organize and coordinate communication events, including press conferences, exhibitions, public awareness events, and media tours.
• Facilitate dialogue and engagement with government institutions, international agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to identify policy implementation and knowledge gaps related to midwifery and maternal and newborn health.
• Coordinate partnership development, networking, and stakeholder engagement activities to strengthen EMwA’s institutional relationships and visibility.
• Mobilize resources and identify sponsorship and speaking opportunities to support organizational events, programs, advocacy campaigns, and other activities.
• Conduct regular media monitoring to assess EMwA’s media coverage, public engagement, communication effectiveness, and emerging issues relevant to the midwifery profession.
• Liaise with the Ministry of Health (MoH), regional health bureaus, communication offices, development partners, and other relevant institutions to coordinate communication and advocacy initiatives.
• Actively participate in relevant Technical Working Groups (TWGs), representing EMwA and contributing to policy dialogue, coordination, advocacy, and joint initiatives.
• Ensure consistent organizational branding, partner visibility, and compliance with communication standards and donor visibility requirements across EMwA’s programs and activities.
• Prepare periodic communication and public relations reports, document lessons learned, and recommend improvements to communication strategies and practices.
• Design and develop SBCC materials and relevant documents for community-based social mobilization activities and other technical areas.
• Ensures communication plan and strategy are in place and monitors its implementation Review and update the existing communication materials, guidelines, strategies, and tools for the organization
• Update and disseminate health information messages, best practices, and research findings using media tools
• Finalize preparation of abstracts, job aids and other tools
• Participate and provide the required assistance on social mobilization activities when required
• Prepare or edit periodic narrative reports checking visibility compliance, and donor communication requirements.
• Prepare and publish quarterly or monthly newsletters, bulletins and other publications as required.
• Work closely with program staffs to document best practices, lessons learnt and summary notes and generate the documents that communicates the accomplishments and successes of EMwA.

Education

MA/BA degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Studies, or other related fields.

Experience

• At least 3 years of relevant experience for MA holders or 6 years for BA holders.
• Experience working in international or local NGOs is an advantage.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in communication, public relations, media engagement, digital communication, and content development are required.

Additional Training

• Training in report writing, essay writing, and professional communication.
• Training in photography, video recording, and video editing.
• Training in digital communication, graphic design, and social media management is an advantage.
• Training on Communication , public relation

 Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Commitment to EMwA’s vision, mission, core values, and principles, including equal opportunity and gender sensitivity.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and foster trust and respect.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and detail-oriented.
• Flexible and able to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong commitment to serving communities and supporting organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, coordination, and networking skills.
• Creativity, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.

Technical Skills

• Proven skills in video recording, editing, and using relevant editing software.
• Ability to set up, adjust, and operate cameras, audio equipment, and recording devices.
• Knowledge of photography, lighting techniques, and audiovisual production.
• Proficiency in website administration, social media management, and digital communication.
• Skills in designing print and online communication materials using relevant graphic design software.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and content development skills.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office applications and digital communication tools.

 Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic.
• Knowledge of additional Ethiopian languages is an advantage.

Desired Criteria (Additional Assets)

• Knowledge of Microsoft Project or other project management software.
• Experience working with NGOs, professional associations, or development partners.
• Experience in advocacy communication, media relations, and donor visibility.