Internship opportunity: Communication Intern

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organization: Mercy Corps

Deadline: April 27, 2026

Job Description

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future. Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. With the launch of Mercy Corps Global Strategy, Pathway to Possibility, the country office is poised to operationalize its three-year strategy with a vision to enhance the resilience of climate- and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises.

In Ethiopia, our strategy focuses in the four outcome areas: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use.

Currently, we operate in six regional states: Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara and Addis Ababa. Working with a diverse base of donors that includes European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations, Mercy Corps Ethiopia empowers people to recover from crisis, build better lives and transform their communities for good.

Position Title: Communications Intern

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Position Type: Internship

Duration: 1 Year

Reports To: Country MEL Manager

Position Summary

The Communications Intern will support Mercy Corps Ethiopia’s Communications Unit, an integral part of the Country MEL team. The intern will contribute to documentation, storytelling, photo/video content creation, and internal/external communication products. The role provides hands-on experience in communication strategy, story development, ethical content gathering, donor-branding requirements, and audience‑tailored messaging. The intern will also dedicate 40% of their time to assisting the New Initiatives and Partnerships team with documentation, visibility, and content development.

Project Description

The Communications Unit is responsible for developing and implementing the country-level communications strategy. This includes documenting program impacts, producing high‑quality content, crafting compelling stories, preparing capacity statements, supporting donor visibility requirements, and ensuring accurate and ethical representation of program participants. The unit provides guidance on storytelling, photography, videography, and messaging standards, and ensures consistent, innovative, and professional communication across the country program.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the internship, the intern will have gained:

1. Practical experience working as a communication practitioner.
2. The ability to apply theoretical communication knowledge to real‑world tasks.
3. Understanding of ethical practices in interviewing, story collection, photography, and videography.
4. Skills in gathering, writing, and editing human‑interest stories for multiple audiences.
5. Experience in donor branding, visibility guidelines, and digital content management.
6. Experience supporting internal and external communications, including social media and website updates.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect high‑quality photographs and captions from field programs.
• Gather and document human‑interest stories from program implementation areas.
• Develop and post content on Workplace and internal communication platforms.
• Assist in organizing weekly learning-hour sessions and other internal events.
• Contribute to website and social media content updates as assigned.
• Assist in compiling success stories, capacity statements, and visibility materials.
• Support basic photo and video documentation during events and field visits.
• Organize communication materials for internal review and filing.
• Liaise with program teams to ensure accurate documentation and messaging.
• Support the New Initiatives and Partnerships team (40% LOE) in the development of communication deliverables, including proposal-related visibility content, success stories, and partner-focused documentation.

Expected Deliverables

1. High‑quality photographs and captions documented from field activities.
2. Completed human‑interest stories from multiple program sites.
3. Regular posts and content updates on Viva Engage, internal and external communication channels, including LinkedIn
4. Supported and well-organized weekly learning‑hour events.
5. Compiled communication materials for success stories and visibility documentation and magazines.
6. Well-organized and updated communication files for internal use.
7. Supported document design and layout for reports, success stories, briefs, and other communication products while maintaining Mercy Corps’ branding guidelines.
8. Ensured all designed materials follow Mercy Corps’ global branding standards, including use of logo, color palette, typography, and formatting templates.
9. Assisted in creating visually engaging documents (PDFs, Word, PowerPoint) that communicate key messages clearly and professionally.

Qualifications

• BA degree in Journalism, English Language and Literature, Law, Public Relations, Political Science and International Relations, or related fields Recent Graduate (2025 or 2026).
• One recommendation letter from a recognized higher education institution confirming personal integrity and responsibility.
• Basic understanding of photography and camera handling is desirable.
• Strong communication, writing, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.

GEDSI Responsibilities

• Understand and support Mercy Corps Ethiopia’s Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) priorities.
• Promote gender‑equitable communication practices in daily tasks.
• Ensure respectful and inclusive engagement with participants, colleagues, and partners.

Security Responsibilities

• Follow all Mercy Corps security protocols and guidelines.
• Ensure secure practices during field visits, interviews, and content gathering.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Uphold Mercy Corps’ accountability standards in all interactions.
• Ensure ethical representation of program participants in stories and visual content.
• Respect confidentiality, consent processes, and dignity in documentation activities.

Living Conditions

The position is based in Addis Ababa. Work may involve travel to field locations depending on program needs. Interns are expected to conduct themselves professionally and adhere to Mercy Corps policy, local laws, and cultural norms at all times.

How to Apply

• All qualified individuals are invited to apply for the advertised position. All applications, including a CV, three references, and all applicable official papers, must be sent electronically through this: >> LINK.

  Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.

  “Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and    diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.”

  DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: 27 April 2026 at 4:00PM