Dimensions of Role
• Reports to the Head of Influencing, Partnership and Communication and has no direct reports.
• Has no delegated authority to approve Program Outlines and payments.
• Has a responsibility to trace, coordinate and mobilize influencing budget from each program/ projects.
Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position:
Policy & advocacy
The Influencing Specialist works closely with the Head of Influencing, Partnership and Communications, Program Department and Program Area Managers (PAMs) to understand the different programs & projects and coordinates the influencing processes in line with the Global Strategy, Pan African Advocacy Strategy, Country Strategic Plan and the National Influencing Strategy to ensure Plan International Ethiopia is represented effectively.
The role may involve dealing with the media, Government officials and other key strategic stakeholders hence - all correspondence by any Plan International Ethiopia staff member as per the organization’s policy and standards.
Partnerships and Strategic communications
Public Mobilisation
Youth Influencing
Emergency Response Influencing
Dealing with Problems:
· The incumbent will demonstrate the ability to solve problems and seek for solutions, think strategically while recommending innovative ideas as required to meet the demands of a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable operating environment
· Should possess good interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse backgrounds from different communities which can also be a challenge.
· The incumbent has to ensure influencing issues are highlighted in all the programmes.
Communications and Working Relationships:
Verbal, written and face-to-face contact is needed on regular basis with the following internal and external stakeholders:
The post holder will be required to initiate, develop and maintain a range of working relationships with the following:
· Media, youth-led groups, government counterparts, donors, local and national civil society Organizations implementing partners and other development organizations.
· Program Units, Departments, Thematic areas, CMT and other staff in Plan Ethiopia that also includes other Plan International across National Offices, IH, GH and other Country Offices
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:
Gained through education, training, & experience
Educational Qualification, Experience and Skills Specific to the Post
· Minimum of University Degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Communications or a related discipline; Master’s degree in relevant field will be an added advantage.
· At least a minimum of five years field experience in a similar role and/or communications field
· Experience of working with partners and good knowledge of partnership approach
· Ability to influence policies at ground and national level
· Proven ability to work with media, diverse networks, coalitions and partners to achieve common goals
· Ability to write clear and concise reports, statements, etc and to meet short deadlines.
· Experience training and capacity building other staff in principles of influencing and media.
· Computer literacy skills with excellent oral and presentation communication skills.
· Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to manage complex and sensitive organizational relationships to achieve cross-organizational, mutually agreed goals.
Competencies and values
Respect, integrity, diversity, commitment to excellence, adaptability, able to perform under stress, innovation, building relationships, communicating effectively, facilitating change, initiating action, strategic decision making, planning and organizing, leading through vision and mission and a personal commitment to children’s development and protection.
Physical Environment and Demands:
· Typically office environment with field visit demands
Level of Contact with Children:
· High level Contact with Children: the job demands frequent interaction with children as the job holder often attempts to contact children for the gathering of case studies and will have high access to information related to children as well.