The Organization

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years, and are now active in more than 80 countries.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES

 Plan has a performance management and accountability matrix SOP. Every position holder is expected to adhere to the SOP and review and review her/his responsibility against the accountability matrix.

Strategic and Internal Communications: 20%

Key Activities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic communications plan aligned with the organization's goals and mission, taking into account the unique political landscape of Ethiopia.

• Lead and manage a team of communications professionals, including two Communications Coordinators – one responsible for general communications and media, and the other focused on humanitarian communications.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international media outlets, serving as the main point of contact for media inquiries and press releases.

• Work closely with the Fundraising and Marketing team to integrate communications strategies into fundraising campaigns, enhancing donor engagement and support.

• Produce high-quality content for various communication channels, including press releases, articles, speeches, and visual materials.

• Identify opportunities for thought leadership and representation of the organization in key forums, events, and partnerships.

• Develop crisis communication strategies and protocols, ensuring the organization's reputation is protected during challenging times.

• Stay updated on industry trends, communication best practices, and political developments to inform the organization's communication strategies.

Media Relations and Engagement 20%

Key Activities:

• Develop and execute a media relations strategy to enhance the organization's media presence and coverage.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets to secure media coverage.

• Draft press releases, media pitches, and media kits to effectively communicate organizational messages.

• Organize media events, press conferences, and media briefings to promote key initiatives and campaigns.

• Monitor media coverage and track industry trends to identify opportunities and potential risks.

• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews, ensuring accurate and timely information is provided.

• Collaborate with internal teams to align media messaging with organizational goals and priorities.

• Develop crisis communication strategies and handle media inquiries during challenging situations.

• Leverage media opportunities to position organizational spokespeople as thought leaders in the industry.

• Analyze media coverage and metrics to measure the impact of media relations efforts and adjust strategies as needed.

External Relations and Partnership: 10%

Key Activities:

• Build and nurture relationships with external stakeholders, including media, partners, and community organizations.

• Develop and execute strategies for engaging with key stakeholders to enhance the organization's reputation.

• Collaborate with partners to co-create communication campaigns and events that amplify shared goals.

• Monitor trends in the external landscape to identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and collaborations.

Social Media Management 10%

Key Activities:

• Develop and oversee the organization's presence on social media platforms, ensuring consistent messaging and effective engagement with target audiences.

• Develop and implement a social media strategy to increase the organization's online presence.

• Create, curate, and schedule engaging content across various social media platforms.

• Monitor social media channels for trends, conversations, and user engagement, responding as needed.

• Analyze social media metrics to track performance and adjust strategies accordingly.

Communications Advocacy and Evidence-Based Approach: 10%

Key Activities:

• Lead the development of advocacy campaigns that drive positive change and impact.

• Collaborate with the Advocacy team to create strategic communication plans that amplify advocacy efforts and drive positive change.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure communications are grounded in evidence and research.

• Craft compelling narratives and messages that resonate with target audiences and policy-makers.

• Monitor policy developments and propose communication strategies to advocate for the organization's positions.

Leadership and Team Management: 10%

Key Activities:

• Provide strategic direction to the communications team, setting goals and objectives.

• Mentor and guide team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Oversee the planning and execution of communication initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

• Manage resources, budgets, and timelines to deliver high-quality communications projects.

Capacity Building and Personal Development: 10%

Key Activities:

• Identify training needs within the communications team and organize capacity-building workshops.

• Provide coaching and support to team members to enhance their skills and professional growth.

• Stay updated with industry trends and best practices, incorporating them into team strategies.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the communications function.

Brand Visibility and Accountability: 10%

Key Activities:

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the organization's brand visibility and recognition.

• Ensure consistent brand messaging across all communication channels and materials.

• Collaborate with creative teams to design branding materials that reflect the organization's values and identity.

• Monitor brand perception and sentiment, and take proactive steps to manage brand reputation.

Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI)

• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.

• Ensures that all staff in the unit/function/department are properly inducted on and understands their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;

• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day to day work.

• Ensures that Plan Ethiopia contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted.

 Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications/ Experience Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

• Minimum of 7 years for Bachelor’s of experience in strategic communications, with a focus on political and social dynamics in Ethiopia.

• Proven experience in managing complex communication campaigns and crisis situations effectively.

• Strong understanding of media relations, both locally and internationally.

• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for various audiences.

• Proficiency in using social media platforms for marketing and engagement purposes.

• Ability to think strategically, analyze data, and translate insights into actionable communication strategies.

• Experience in working with advocacy teams and integrating communication plans into advocacy efforts.

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage and inspire a diverse team of communication professionals.

• Knowledge of fundraising and marketing principles is a plus.

Languages required

• Fluency in English and Amharic, both written and spoken.

• Knowledge of Local Languages is a desirable

Plan International’s Values in Practice

We are open and accountable

We create a climate of trust inside and outside the organisation by being open, honest and transparent. We hold ourselves and others to account for the decisions we make and for our impact on others, while doing what we say we will do.

We strive for lasting impact

We strive to achieve significant and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people, and to secure equality for girls. We challenge ourselves to be bold, courageous, responsive, focused and innovative.

We work well together

We succeed by working effectively with others, inside and outside the organisation, including our sponsors and donors. We actively support our colleagues, helping them to achieve their goals. We come together to create and implement solutions in our teams, across Plan International, with children, girls, young people, communities and our partners.

We are inclusive and empowering

We respect all people, appreciate differences and challenge inequality in our programmes and our workplace. We support children, girls and young people to increase their confidence and to change their own lives. We empower our staff to give their best and develop their potential.

 How to Apply

The closing date for the application is September 09, 2023. Qualified candidates should submit their application with the links provided below.

For external applicants: CLICK HERE

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia.

Please note that: 

• Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• We are not accepting CVs that are not sent through the indicated links.

• Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

• Female candidates are highly encouraged to Apply

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 organisation, 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 organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.