Head of Communication Unit

Head of Communication Unit

Cluster or office-Economic Transformation Cluster (ETC)

Contract duration-31/01/2027

The Economic Transformation Cluster (ETC) is a portfolio of projects under Germany’s development cooperation with Ethiopia, implemented by GIZ. These projects strengthen the country’s private sector so that MSMEs, start-ups, and growth-oriented firms can create jobs, raise incomes, and contribute to Ethiopia’s economic transformation. Implemented on behalf of BMZ and partners such as the EU, FCDO, and the Gates Foundation, ETC covers themes like enterprise development, finance, digitalisation, skills, and sustainable production.

Projects within the Cluster are supported by two cross-cutting structures: Practices, which provide thematic expertise, and Support Units, which deliver shared services such as communication, monitoring, and knowledge management.

The Communications Team is organised as a Unit with the aim of ensuring consistent, high-quality communication across the Cluster, providing writing, design, multimedia, and digital services. It strengthens ETC’s visibility with donors and partners and helps projects and Practices position themselves as thought leaders through products such as policy briefs, social media campaigns, and explainer videos.

The Cluster is therefore looking to hire a Head of Communication Unit to strengthen the Communications Unit (Coms Unit) who will be responsible for the establishment of the Comms Unit, contents and its team members. The Coms Unit shall also comprise of the existing Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) team, and which will be headed by the Head of Communication Unit. More specifically, the Head of Communication Unit shall:

• Lead and manage the Communication Unit (Coms Unit) (including the Digital Transformation Centre), guiding a team of national and international staff and ensuring effective coordination across projects and Practices.
• Establish the Coms Unit, identifying workflows, roles & responsibilities etc
• Position ETC strategically as a leading transformation partner in Ethiopia and a trusted counterpart for donors, political actors, and the public in Ethiopia and Germany.
• Design and implement evidence-based communication strategies that highlight the impact and relevance of ETC’s work, integrating monitoring and evaluation results into compelling narratives tailored to donor and political contexts.
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of communication, digital solutions and knowledge products, ensuring coherence, quality, and alignment across the Cluster.
• Foster professional growth and innovation within the Coms Unit, mentoring staff and promoting the responsible use of digital and AI tools.
• Have the disciplinary management of the Coms Unit (including the existing DTC team) as per GIZ regulations.
• Content specialist with sound understanding of Private Sector in Ethiopia; corporate brand guidelines (including of co-financers e.g. EU Commission

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in Communications, Public Policy, International Relations, or related discipline.

Professional experience

• At least 10 years of professional experience, including 5+ years in communications/external relations within an international development organisation.
• Experience working with EU-funded projects is a strong-advantage (desired).
• Proven record as a proactive self-starter, able to guide communication across projects, Practices, and the Cluster in complex, matrixed environments.
• Experience working in Ethiopia’s political and economic transformation context is a strong advantage.

Other knowledge, additional competencies

• Strong strategic thinking and ability to design and implement impactful communication strategies aligned with donor and political priorities.
• Political and diplomatic acumen in managing visibility, donor branding, and partner relations in Ethiopia and international arenas.
• Exceptional leadership, networking, and intercultural competence, with openness to dynamic change and innovation.

Languages

• English (required – full professional proficiency).
• German (preferred)
• Local languages (e.g. Amharic; Oromifia; Tigrigna – considered as an asset).