COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Wetlands International is a global network organisation with 20 offices that share the name and brand ‘Wetlands International’ and implement a joint ‘Strategic Intent’. The organisation has its global office in Ede-Wageningen (Netherlands). Wetlands International works globally, regionally and nationally towards the conservation and wise use of wetlands to benefit biodiversity and human well-being. It is the only global NGO dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Wetlands International in the Eastern Africa region currently has operations in Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan. Operations are expanding and are expected to continue to grow in the coming years. Wetlands International Eastern Africa office has responsibility for: sub-regional partnerships; communications; network development and nurturing; resources development; programme and project development, execution and reporting; human resources management and country operations.

Wetlands International Eastern Africa is seeking a Communications Officer for the Eastern Africa Wetland Initiative which is being implemented for 3 years (2021 to 2024). This initiative will address the drivers to loss of wetlands and their biodiversity in Eastern Africa by putting in place enabling conditions for integrated wetland management solutions at landscape and ecoregional scales. The aim of the initiative is that government agencies, civil society and community groups jointly safeguard and restore wetlands of the Rift Valley and Mangrove ecoregions. The project has 4 major components: Knowledge Generation; Capacity Building and Institutional Development; Actions on the Ground; and Policy. The project works with different Wetlands International offices with partners at national, regional and global level.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Assist and support program communication needs in Wetlands International Ethiopia;
• Collaborate with the Regional Communications officer to develop and implement the communication strategy based on the target audience;
• Respond to inquiries and act as the Wetlands International Ethiopia spokesperson;
• Assist in production of capacity building communication material e.g. toolkits, publications, documentaries, etc.;
• Support the design, implementation and monitoring of project communication strategy in Ethiopia office;
• Prepare various written reports, drafts section of studies, e-briefings and case studies for programs running in Ethiopia;
• Support in donor relations to ensure evidence-based reporting and communication products are developed;
• Identify the communications needs of the projects and initiatives and suggest appropriate communication tools and tactics to the Regional Communications officer.
• Manage the communication assets such as images, banners and relevant equipment that shall be handed over to the Wetlands International Ethiopia office.

Country: Ethiopia

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Reporting to: Country Representative

Type of contract: Initial contract for one year, including a probationary period of 3 months, with a possibility of extension

Expected start date: 1^st March 2023

Education and relevant experience

• Master’s degree in communication and media or related fields
• Strong experience/background in the field of environmental journalism
• Proficiency in English language- both spoken and written
• Demonstrated experience in publication of advocacy and PR materials

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in communications (preferably in the environmental sector), working with technical teams and evidence-based advocacy activities;
• Proven track record of working effectively across a range of media platforms;
• Sound knowledge of communication tools, social media management and information technology;
• Strong oral communication, writing and reporting skills with at least a year of experience in writing and editing;
• Experience in graphic design, audio/visual production and web content development;
• Proven track record in a similar position in the NGO sector in Ethiopia;

Competencies/Skills

• Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability in team management and collaboration;
• Excellent verbal and communication skills; good command of English and Amharic will be an added advantage;
• Very good analysis and reporting methods and techniques;
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams, particularly with international agencies;
• Ability to work independently and as part of multi-cultural teams in an international environment;
• Experience with MS Word, MS Excel, internet and email packages.

Offer

•  Competitive remuneration according to Wetlands International standards.