Position: Communications Manager Term of Employment: Fixed Term Duty Station(s): Addis Ababa Required Number: One Salary & Benefits: Competitive Application Deadline: March 22, 2015
BACKGROUND:
The Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) has been established by the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) to identify and address systemic bottlenecks to Ethiopia’s agricultural development. The Agency does this through problem-solving, implementation support, and capacity building of stakeholders involved in implementation of interventions that address the systemic bottlenecks. The Agency reports to a Transformation Council chaired by the Prime Minister and whose co-chair is the Minister of Agriculture.
The programmatic focus of the Agency responds to a core set of needs identified by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Transformation Council. Within the Agency, issues are divided into three different verticals; Systems which includes seeds, soil health and fertility management, cooperatives, input/output markets and extension/research; high priority Value Chains including tef, wheat, maize, pulses and oilseeds, and livestock;and Cross Cutting Initiatives that include technology access and adoption, gender mainstreaming, climate adaptation and environmental sustainability, and monitoring and evaluation. Across these programs, the ATA engages public, private and non-governmental stakeholders to support strategic planning, manage and strengthen implementation capacity and test innovative models. The ATA will be financed by the GoE and a range of development partners.
Our Culture
We have an exceptional team of employees with a proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results. Our culture is one where talented individuals are committed to doing their best and work together to achieve excellent results.
At ATA, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution in changing the country’s agricultural sector. We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced growing organization with passionate, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training. We recognize our most valuable assets are our people and are committed to providing our employees with the tools and training necessary to achieve their career goals.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Communications Manager is a position in the ATA Communications Team, a department that sits within the ATA’s Office of the CEO. The Communications Manager will be responsible for the development and successful implementation of the ATA Communications Strategy and management of other members of the Communications Team.
The Communications Manager will work across all areas of the organization as a communications generalist, and will be involved in shaping both the internal and external communications programs of the ATA. S/he will also provide operational support and assistance to ATA program/project teams. The successful applicant will have a passion for strategy coupled with the entrepreneurism and pragmatism to execute at a tactical level. S/he should also demonstrate a genuine commitment to developing a team and assisting the organization with its progressive transformation agenda. The position reports to the Interim Communications Director, with strong potential for advancement. This role presents a unique opportunity to work directly with the ATA Chief Executive Officer and mobilize stakeholders within an exciting national and international context.
The position is based in Addis Ababa.
Job Requirement
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Support the development and successful implementation of the ATA Communications Strategy.
Inspire a team of dedicated, specialist communications professionals, including effectively managing workflow, building local capacity, and guiding professional development.
Improve the quality, consistency, timeliness and professionalism of all ATA communications.
Increase awareness of the role of communications within the organization through training, mentoring and contribution to the ATA’s professional development program.
Monitor, analyze and evaluate communications efforts and identify new communications approaches and opportunities.
Liaise closely with the Chief Executive Officer and collaborate with senior management in communicating key organizational messages and report on communications activities.
Collaborate with the ATA Partnerships and Government Relations Teams to engage key stakeholders (including the Government of Ethiopia, development partners, and the media).
Help to manage the administrative, financial, and human resources affairs of the Communications Team.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor or preferably Master’s Degree in communications, public relations, journalism, international relations, media relations or equivalent.
At least 8 years (for Bachelor’s) or 6 years (for Master’s) of relevant professional experience, preferably in a generalist corporate communications role with a national or international focus.
Self-motivated, team-player with proven ability to contribute to organizational success at a strategic level and project manage a team at an operational level in large, complex organizations.
First rate written and verbal communication skills.
Sophisticated stakeholder engagement skills with a proven track record dealing with government bodies, development agencies, media, and the general public.
Outstanding organization, time management, budgeting, and computer skills.
Strong professional commitment and orientation within the agriculture and/or development sector/s.
Fluency in written and spoken English as well as Amharic.