Senior Communication officer

Term of Employment:    One year with the possibility of extension

Duty Station(s):               Addis Ababa – Secondment to EIAR, with frequent travel to research centers, project sites, and regional agricultural research centres.

Required Number:         One

Application Deadline:    August 28, 2026

Job Description

BACKGROUND:

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), formerly known as the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), is a strategy and delivery-oriented government institute created to help accelerate the growth and transformation of Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, which is a key contributor to the country’s GDP, exports, Systems and capacities of the workforces. The ATI’s focuses on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, pastoralists, internally displaced people (IDPs), recovering people affected by conflict and other across the country for improved income, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability.

The ATI works to transform the agriculture and rural development in Ethiopia by conducting analytical studies in the policy and programmatic areas, piloting innovative agricultural technologies and systems , creating jobs to youth and women along the value chain providing technical implementation support, linking actors along the value-chains and attracting foreign direct investment who can work with cluster farmers, implementing problem based, inclusive and sustainable innovative projects and programs and building capacities of diverse players along the transformation continuum.   The Institute joins forces with various stakeholders, like MoA and other affiliate Institutions of the Ministry, policymakers, researchers, farmers, and development partners, to support the implementation of agricultural development programs and initiatives. In addition, the ATI collaborates with national and international partners to facilitate knowledge exchange, learning opportunities and resources mobilization.

. The Institute plays a crucial role primarily in supporting agricultural policy and strategies development to drive transformation of agriculture and rural development; facilitate knowledge exchange, generating and disseminating information to support evidence-based policy formulation and decision-making and pilot innovative projects to be scaled nationwide.

Our Culture

ATI brings together highly competent specialists to address some of the toughest challenges in agriculture and rural development and make transformation a practical reality. We work with clear insight and foresight analysis, measurable goals, making use of the unique strengths of our staff. We have an exceptional team of highly competent employees with a proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results.  Our culture is one where talented, dedicated, and adaptable individuals are committed to doing their best and exhibit great teamwork to achieve excellent results.

At ATI, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution to agricultural and rural transformation leading to structural changes of the sector.  We expand our thinking, strengthen our capabilities, and redefine our roles to cover new settings to the extent possible fitting to national, continental and global dynamics. We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced growing organization with passionate, committed, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training.  We recognize our most valuable assets are our staff and are committed to providing our employees with the tools, training, and mentorships necessary to achieve their career goals.

The ATI is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment for its employees, farmers, partners, and all stakeholders. We maintain zero tolerance for any form of abuse, exploitation, harassment, discrimination, bullying, retaliation, or other harmful conduct. The Institute is dedicated to promoting equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion by ensuring fair and respectful treatment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics. We expect all employees, consultants, and partners to uphold ATI’s Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and related ethical standards in all interactions with colleagues, farmers, communities, and stakeholders. Successful candidates will be required to demonstrate commitment to these principles and to contribute to a workplace and service environment that protects the dignity, rights, safety, and well-being of all individuals.

There are many reasons to join us, but if you are seeking a dynamic and meaningful career whithin a community of talented professionals with diverse expertise-collaborating to create real impact-ATI is the right place for you.

Role Purpose:

The Senior Communications Officer – Events, Digital Media and Multimedia Documentation is responsible for developing EIAR’s internal and external communication strategies to enhance the visibility, reputation, and public understanding of Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute’s (EIAR’s) research achievements, innovations, technologies, and services. The position ensures consistent institutional messaging and promotes effective communication with government, development partners, media, farmers, researchers, universities, private sector stakeholders, and the general public. The Officer shall lead the organization and management of institutional events, provides professional master of ceremony (MC) services for major events, manages EIAR’s digital and social media platforms, and produces high-quality photography and video documentation of organizational activities. Graphics design skills are considered an added advantage.

The position holder works closely with research directorates, research centre directors, researchers, technical teams, regional offices, development partners, media organizations, and PR Team to ensure EIAR ‘s achievements are effectively documented, communicated, and promoted through digital platforms and multimedia products. The role also includes supporting the production of visual communication materials that would contribute to EIAR ‘s branding initiatives.

Outcome 1:  Lead Event Organization and Stakeholder Engagement (35%)

·       Develop Ethiopian Institutes of Agricultural Research’s (EIAR’s) internal and external communication strategies to enhance the visibility, reputation, and public understanding of the Institute’s research achievements, innovations, technologies, and services.

·       Plan, coordinate, and manage EIAR’s institutional events, conferences, workshops, seminars, launches, exhibitions, and official ceremonies.

·       Develop event concepts, agendas, scripts, run sheets, and event communication plans.

·       Serve as Master of Ceremony (MC) for major institutional events and coordinate other moderators where required.

·       Liaise with internal and external research teams, service providers, partners, and protocol offices to ensure successful event delivery.

·       Coordinate logistics related to communication, branding, media coverage, photography, and documentation during events.

Outcome 2:  Multimedia Documentation and Digital Content Production (35%)

·       Capture high-quality photographs and videos during EIAR events, field missions, and project activities.

·       Produce and edit short videos, photo stories, reels, testimonials, and other multimedia products for institutional communication.

·       Develop compelling visual stories that showcase EIAR’s programs, innovations, and impacts.

·       Maintain EIAR’s digital archive of photographs, videos, and multimedia assets.

Outcome 3: Digital and Social Media Management (30%)

·       Manage EIAR’s social media platforms.

·       Develop and publish engaging content across digital channels, including LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and the EIAR website.

·       Monitor digital engagement and prepare periodic social media performance reports and analytics.

·       Support the development of graphic communication materials, including social media creatives, banners, posters, and infographics (graphics design skills are an added advantage).

DECISION MAKING AND APPROVALS

Strategic

Advises on communication approaches for institutional events and digital campaigns.
Determines appropriate digital communication methods and multimedia coverage for organizational priorities.

ACCOUNTABILITY·       Finance: The Senior Communications Officer is not directly responsible for managing the budget. However, she/he may participate in budget planning and provide recommendations based on her/his expertise.

·       Human Resource (HR)  Facilities and Materials: Responsible for managing EIAR’s publication archives, digital knowledge repositories, and documentation equipment.

·       Other (Mention Other Decision Areas): Ensures quality assurance of institutional publications and knowledge products.

Required Qualification, Experience and Competence:

·        Education: Minimum bachelor’s degree or Master’s Degree in Communication, Journalism, Knowledge Management, Development Communication, Agricultural Communication, Public Relations, Information Science, Development Studies, English Language and Literature, Library and Information Science, or other related fields.

·       Experience: 6 years for a bachelor’s degree or 4 years for a master’s degree.  Relevant experience   should include event planning and management; serving as Master of Ceremony; digital communication; social media management; photography and videography; and graphic design (an advantage), as well as other relevant experience within the scope of the profession.

·       Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic; additional languages are an advantage

Behavioural competencies:

• Effective Communication
• Excellent written and oral communication with strong presentation and facilitation skills in English.
• Communication skills in any other local or foreign language is an advantage.
  Creativity
• Develops innovative communication products and engaging digital content.
• Planning and Organization
• Successfully manages multiple events and communication assignments simultaneously.

Technical competencies:

• Event Management
• Strong experience in planning and executing institutional events.
  Public Speaking
• Excellent facilitation and Master of Ceremony skills.
  Digital Communication
• Strong understanding of digital communication strategies and social media management.
  Graphic Design (Preferred)
• Experience using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, or similar tools is an added advantage.

HOW TO APPLY

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to submit (i) a cover letter and (ii) a CV (maximum 5 pages) to: https://apply.ati.gov.et.

It is mandatory to mention the position title under the subject line of your cover letter.

Please DO NOT submit scans of certificates with your application.

Women are highly encouraged to apply

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.