First Consult is a leading economic development consulting firm implementing projects in Ethiopia. Founded in 2006, First Consult (FC) has grown to design and implement projects across the agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors. Our multidisciplinary teams combine a capacity to execute with clarity of the local context. We have delivered at-scale real impact in terms of jobs & wealth creation, business formation & growth, and investment attraction & mobilization.

ABOUT MESMER

MESMER is a five-year program launched in October 2022 to support 72,200 MSMEs and 410,800 jobs by building micro, small and medium enterprises’ (MSME) growth prospects and resilience by creating access to finance. MESMER will also work to provide support to MSMEs through business development support, psychosocial services and technical assistance to financial institutions. MESMER is a countrywide program implemented by First Consult in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation as part of the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy and will strive to create dignified and fulfilling work for the youth, the majority of them women.

MESMER is a national scale-up of the existing MSE Resilience Facility launched in 2020 to support enterprises affected by the COVID pandemic. The project will mainly be following a four-pronged approach to meet its objectives: a) Grants and soft loans to MSMEs through a risk-sharing liquidity fund arrangement, b) Technical assistance to financial institutions, c) Business development services and life skills, d) Psychosocial support.

The FDRE Ministry of Labour and Skills will be the main government counterpart for the program. Other partners include financial institutions (micro finance institutions, banks, and digital financial service providers), BDS, and psychosocial support providers.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Communication Officer will be responsible for both the internal and external communications strategies of the MESMER Program as well as that of First Consult. S/he will serve as the communications focal for the MESMER Program within the First Consult Communications team. The Senior Communication Officer reports to the Strategic Communications Lead.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and coordinate the design of a communications strategy for MESMER

• Lead and coordinate the design of outreach campaign plans for MESMER

• Lead on the implementation of communications and outreach strategies for MESMER and First Consult

• Support in the development and implementation of a knowledge management strategy for First Consult and MESMER

• Consult program teams on the digitization of program materials and other digital participant registration and screening mechanisms

• Evaluate performance of the implementation of communications strategies and lead on making necessary revisions

• Draft, compile and edit periodic reports to First Consult and MESMER stakeholders

• Produce written, video, audio, photographic, graphic and other forms of outreach campaign products for the communication channels identified (e.g., television, radio, etc.)

• Produce written, video, audio, photographic, graphic, and other forms of communication products for the communications channels identified (e.g., power point presentations, social media, publications) sometimes by travelling to project sites in Addis Ababa and beyond  

• Supervise projects outsourced to communications service providers (visual designers, copywriters, video producers, etc.)

• Document and disseminate results to stakeholders through success stories, case studies, etc

• Draft, review, edit and post social media posts 

• Review, edit and proofread communications and written outputs of First Consult to provide quality assurance

• Monitor and maintain records of the organization’s media coverage

• Perform any other tasks as requested by the supervisor

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or relevant social science studies from a recognized university/college. (MA degree preferred)

• Minimum of 6-8 years related experience in Public Relations, Media Relations, Marketing Communications, Corporate Communications, Employee Communications or related fields required. Both nonprofit and corporate experience is desired, as is having progressive responsibilities in managing these functions.

• Exceptional writing, grammar and editing skills.

• Experience managing graphic communications and/or directly using graphic design tools (e.g.

• Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, etc.) preferred.

• Experience managing websites and email distribution platforms, and/or working with website and other technology vendors and consultants, including WordPress and Salsa Labs.

• Experience managing other related communications vendors, such as news-distribution services, media-monitoring services, printing services or brokers, photographers/videographers or suppliers.

• Demonstrates strong verbal interpersonal skills.

• Attention to detail and accuracy in work. Strong time management and organizational skills.

• Strong command of English and Amharic,

• Proven skills in designing projects, program implementation, and report writing,

• Familiarity with major donor rules and regulations,

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills/capability to identify issues with contractual implications, ensure consistent donor reporting and support teams in providing appropriate analyses of activities.

• High adaptability – the ability to work with a large range of actors including institutional donors and partners and to develop an understanding of various contexts.

• High attention to detail in reviewing and inputting to reports, proposals and other documents.

• Advanced interpersonal skills to support staff in ensuring compliance with donor requirements

• Good proficiency in Microsoft Office – significant experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc

How to Apply

Submit your one-page cover letter and updated CVs only via:  jobs@firstconsultet.com before October 27, 2022

N.B: Candidates MUST refer to the position title " Senior Communication Officer" in the subject line of their email and applications