Role PURPOSE

Plan International is an independent child rights and humanitarian organisation committed to children living a life free of poverty, violence and injustice.

We actively unite children, communities and other people who share our mission to make positive lasting changes in children’s and young people’s lives. We support children to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to claim their rights to a fulfilling life, today and in the future. We place a specific focus on girls and women, who are most often left behind.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 75 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

The post holder is responsible for the implementation of the ERA communication strategy with an aim of enhancing the overall achievement of the ERA programme through internal and external communications and public relations activities that build visibility, image and brand; increase knowledge and awareness of Plan in Ethiopia.

Dimensions of the Role

Accountabilities

• Implement the ERA Communications in line with different components within the country strategy in support of overall programme goals and objectives.
• Ensure adherence to Plan’s policies, brand manual and donor requirements in all Internal and external communications.
• Ensure the delivery of quality communication products in line with the brand manual.
• Develop case stories, best practices and success stories of the IOD response.
• Manage creation and selection of high quality pictures for print and electronic communication that goes along with the stories. 
• Assist and contribute in the development of IOD SitRep as required
• Manage the preparation and production of IEC-BCC materials including brochures, flyers, newsletters, posters, and films, and preparing other communications material items related with IOD response.
• Manage and facilitate any Comms mission and events the communications and /marketing department undertake in IOD emergency response areas.
• Provide support in developing key messages, talking points and press release for the IOD Response.
• Assist the Communication team in planning and implementing new IOD initiatives.
• Collaboratively manage and coordinate creation of web and social media contents and keep Plan’s website and social media up to date
• Provide organization wide communication support with frequent travel to IOD response areas to ensure the quality of corporate communication and marketing works of Plan International Ethiopia.
• Prepare quarterly communications reports to be incorporated into the general ERA quarterly reports.
• Shall perform any other duties as assigned by the Emergency Response Manager and the Humanitarian Director
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Child Protection (CPP) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI) are fully embedded in accordance with the principles and requirements of the policy including relevant Implementation Standards and Guidelines as applicable to their area of responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring staff and associates are aware of and understand their responsibilities under these policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), their relevance to their area of work, and that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

Dealing with Problems

• Intercultural communication needed as well as a high level of diplomatic skills.
• Ability to analyse Plan documents, interpret situations and find appropriate responses is required. Ability to manage conflicting priorities.

Key relationships

Inside the Organization: High level: the ERM, Program leads, and other support functions such as Logistics and admin, HR, finance etc. he is also responsible for relationship with Country and Program Unit’s Communications & Public Relations team at the CO.

Outside the organization: Medium level of contacts: The Officer will be representing Plan in its communication work. The officer will interact with beneficiary community, other implementing partners in the refugee and host community, government, and the media. 

Job Requirements

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

Educational Qualification

• B.A Degree in Communication, Journalism (print/web), English Language and Literature, Public Relations & Information Management or related field from a recognized educational institution.

Experience

• A minimum of 2 years relevant work experience, preferably in international humanitarian and development organizations or media houses.

·        Experience in emergency response work is an add value.

Knowledge

• Ability to analyze complex information from different sources and to synthesize this information into coherent and appropriate knowledge and communication products
• Ability to develop creative communication ideas, to identify and develop engaging stories, and to generate inspiring and accessible messages.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritizing to meet tight deadlines.

Skills Specific to the Post

• Computer Proficiency in MS Word, EXCEL, publisher, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Access. 
• Excellent written and verbal English skills and report writing skills.
• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills.
• Excellent level of integrity, flexibility, innovation and team work.
• Excellent capacity and experience in news writing, layout, designing and media relations.
• Knowledge of additional local languages of Plan International Ethiopia’s Program area is an asset. 

Competencies and values

• A belief in the potential of all people to succeed if given the right support especially for Children rights;
• Willingness to multi-task and work on own initiative;
• Strong writing and presentation skill
• Should be a dynamic team player and a collaborator with strong networking and negotiation skills.
• Good team player and team builder;
• Supportive attitude to working with HIV/AIDS affected persons; 
• Gender aware;

Leadership Attitudes & Behaviors

·         Supportive and ethical;

·         Pleasant and polite attitude at all times; ability to reflect the professional standards of Plan Ethiopia;

·         Ability to act as part of multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team;

·         Abel to work with expatriates and other ethnic groups;

·         Interest in and commitment to Plan Ethiopia’s activities, enthusiasm to represent Plan Ethiopia to others;

·         Engenders trust from other staff;

·         Sensitive to keeping deadlines;

·         Dynamic and highly motivated;

·         Excellent communicator at all levels;

·         Able to work with minimal supervision.

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

·        Promotes a culture of openness and transparency, including with sponsors and donors.

·        Holds self and others accountable to achieve the highest standards of integrity.

·        Consistent and fair in the treatment of people.

·        Open about mistakes and keen to learn from them.

·        Accountable for ensuring we are a safe organisation for all children, girls & young people

We strive for lasting impact

• Articulates a clear purpose for staff and sets high expectations.
• Creates a climate of continuous improvement, open to challenge and new ideas.
•  Focuses resources to drive change and maximise long-term impact, responsive to changed priorities or crises.
• Evidence-based and evaluates effectiveness.

We work well together

• Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

We are inclusive and empowering

• Seeks constructive outcomes, listens to others, willing to compromise when appropriate.
• Builds constructive relationships across Plan International to support our shared goals.
• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.
• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

Physical Environment

Hardship area (Gambella), frequent field trips to our Program Unites

Level of contact with children

Low contact: No contact or very low frequency of interaction

Mid contact: Occasional interaction with children

High level: Frequent interaction with children 

How to Apply

The closing date for the application in December 31, 2021. Qualified candidates (Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia) should submit the application using the link below: 

https://jobs.plan-international.org/job-invite/42335/

More information about Plan International can be found on http://plan-international.org  

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required.

As an international child centered community development organization, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realization of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we as an organization, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.