CARE International in Ethiopia is a Humanitarian Organization working in Ethiopia since 1984 implementing relief and multi-sectoral development projects. Our mission is to work with poor women and men, boys and girls, communities and institutions to have a significant impact on the underlying causes of poverty.
Currently CARE Ethiopia has over 500 regular staff working in five rural field offices (Awash, South Gondar, West Hararghie, East Hararghie, Yiregalem and Borana) as well as three urban projects (Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa and Bahir Dar).
CARE Ethiopia has lots of humanitarian and long-term interventions which are currently benefiting millions of vulnerable and underserved communities in most parts of the nation. All of the interventions do have success stories, case studies and good practices which need to be gathered and stored systematically and shared to a range of stakeholders by making use of the appropriate communications platforms. It goes without saying that all of these and other communications endeavors of CARE’s initiatives highly demand a well-trained and talented communications professional.
CARE Ethiopia has established an internship program as part of its development work. The purpose of this program is to attract and support bright and qualified university students and fresh graduates interested in learning about development work and provide them with first hand experience on the challenges and approaches to fight and overcome poverty in Ethiopia.
At this time, CARE Ethiopia would like to host intern who is interested to work as Communication Officer to be based Addis Ababa.
JOB SUMMARY
The role of the Communications Officer is to build communications capacity and ensure high quality communications support for CARE Ethiopia’s humanitarian and long-term interventions together. She/he is responsible for the preparation of briefs and public relations materials for each of CARE Ethiopia’s projects and operations and overall strategy; gathering of programming information for various communications materials and production of internal and external publications; assisting in the organization and documentation of conferences and workshops; and editing visibility & learning documents as well as researches & reports. The incumbent will work closely with the Communications Advisor and other concerned staffers.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:
Responsible for drafting and producing information packets (press kits, briefing papers, fact sheets, etc.) on CARE’s activities in Ethiopia by liaising with project and other program staff using desktop publishing;
Develop and maintain a database of program/project activities of the Country Office, timely updates, and facilitating access;
Responsible for briefings and for providing information resources to visitors.
Support the production and dissemination of CARE’s stories demonstrating strategic plan and programmatic profiles;
Participate and lead the organization in relevant national and international events that contribute to build organizational image and goodwill;
Provide technical advice and support to different program units in the production of programmatic visibility works and PR-related activities;
Document and maintain Country Office activities using video, photo and electronic presentations.
Responsible for recommendations related to how the CO can more strategically use information and the media both inside and outside of the organization;
Responsible for preparing guidance (FAQs, Talking Points, etc.) in anticipation of inquiries from the news media regarding CARE activities, especially in the event of an emergency response;
Support the planning of strategic events/activities for wider media coverage;
Responsible for the identification of topics for, and development of, press releases;
Cultivate relations with and maintain a database of local, national and international correspondents and media persons.
Gather information/inputs from projects, employees or other sources;
Responsible for follow-up and recording of events related to CARE’s activities;
Organize, prepare, design, and distribute the internal monthly newsletter;
Support the production and distribution of CARE Ethiopia’s biannual external newsletter after gathering information, editing content, doing layout & design and getting approval from immediate manager.
QUALIFICATIONS (KNOW HOW)
A) EDUCATION
Required:
BA degree in Journalism or Communications, Public or International Relations, English Language or any other related field.
Desired:
MA degree in Journalism or Communications, Public or International Relations, English Language or any other related field.
B) EXPERIENCE
Required:
No work experience required.
Desired:
Minimum of one year any NGO experience.
C) TECHNICAL SKILLS
Required:
Good written and verbal English and Amharic skills;
Computer proficiency including desktop publishing; photographing skills, and basic editing skills
Very good interpersonal skills;
Willingness to travel, often under difficult conditions;
Firm belief in teamwork, gender equality, sensitivity to HIV/AIDS and participatory approach.
D) COMPETENCIES
Courage, accountability, respect, excellence, communication with impact, political acumen, planning and organizing, initiating action, innovation, interpersonal skill, information monitoring, stress tolerance.
LEVEL OF TRAVEL REQUIRED
This internship position is located in CARE Ethiopia’s Head Office (in Addis Ababa) with 15% travel requirement to field offices.