Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a local, non-governmental, developmental, and humanitarian organization established in 2007. Its mission is to create a brighter future for children, youth, and women by addressing the root causes of poverty.
Operating across six regional states in Ethiopia—Amhara, Oromia, Sidama, Debub Ethiopia, Central Ethiopia, and Benishangul Gumuz—ESD implements programs in six key thematic areas:
Early Childhood Development
Women and Girls’ Empowerment
Education Quality Improvement
Youth Skills Development and Job Creation
Environmental Protection and Renewable Energy
Humanitarian Response and Recovery
As a leading national organization, ESD is committed to sustainable development and humanitarian response throughout Ethiopia. We focus on empowering communities and addressing critical needs in education, protection, and resilience.
Job Summary
The Communication, Visibility and IT Specialist will strengthen ESD’s public presence by leading strategic communication and public relations initiatives that promote the organization’s mission, goals, and achievements. The role is responsible for developing and managing high-quality communication products, overseeing digital and social media platforms, coordinating visibility and outreach activities, managing media relations, and providing IT-related support to enhance operational efficiency and digital innovation.
This position plays a key role in shaping ESD’s public image, ensuring consistent branding, increasing stakeholder engagement, and supporting advocacy, fundraising, and program visibility efforts.
Key Duties and Responsibilities (with Special Focus on Public Relations)
1. Strategic Communication & Visibility
Develop and implement comprehensive communication and visibility strategies aligned with ESD’s objectives.
Produce high-quality communication materials, including newsletters, brochures, press releases, fact sheets, and success stories.
Ensure consistent branding, messaging, and visual identity across all communication platforms.
Coordinate visibility campaigns, public events, and outreach initiatives to enhance public engagement and awareness.
2. Public Relations (PR) & Media Management
Manage ESD’s public image and external communications.
Serve as the primary point of contact for press and media inquiries.
Write and distribute press releases, media briefs, and public statements.
Arrange and coordinate media interviews, press conferences, and campaign launches.
Prepare media kits and briefing materials for public engagements and events.
Monitor public opinion, media coverage, and emerging communication trends.
Manage crisis communication and reputational risk when required.
Prepare PR performance reports and assess the impact of public relations activities.
Identify innovative opportunities to showcase ESD’s work through media and public platforms.
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach
Maintain and strengthen relationships with media partners, stakeholders, donors, and relevant institutions.
Support advocacy, influencing, and fundraising initiatives through strategic communication.
Coordinate external communications that support campaigns, partnerships, and public outreach efforts.
Promote ESD’s vision, mission, and strategic goals to diverse audiences.
4. Digital Media & Content Management
Manage and regularly update ESD’s website, social media channels, and digital platforms.
Develop and implement social media and digital content strategies.
Create engaging multimedia content, including graphics, photos, and videos.
Monitor digital analytics and performance to optimize reach and audience engagement.
Ensure compliance with donor and partnership communication requirements.
5. Digital Marketing
Design and implement innovative digital marketing and visibility campaigns.
Support regular updates and improvements to program websites.
Enhance brand visibility through targeted online outreach and campaigns.
6. Information Technology (IT) Support
Provide IT support, including troubleshooting hardware and software issues.
Manage digital tools, platforms, and databases used for program reporting and communication.
Ensure data security, backups, and effective digital information management.
7. Monitoring, Reporting & Knowledge Management
Track communication, visibility, and PR activities and prepare periodic reports.
Maintain organized repositories of communication products, media content, and digital assets.
Contribute to knowledge sharing and dissemination of program achievements and lessons learned.
8. Communications Management & Coordination
Facilitate the development of communication priorities in collaboration with program teams.
Lead visibility, communication, and influencing campaigns.
Ensure ethical, responsible, and compliant use of information, images, and brand assets.
Job Requirements
Education and Academic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Media Studies, Communications, Public Relations, or Marketing (primary priority), or Information Technology, Software Engineering (secondary priority), or a closely related field.
A Master’s degree in any of the above or related disciplines will be considered an advantage.
Candidates with a strong academic foundation in public relations, media engagement, and strategic communications, combined with IT, digital platforms, or software systems, are highly encouraged to apply, reflecting the dual communication and Required Experience & Competencies
1. Communications & Public Relations (≈60%)
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in communications, visibility, or public relations within NGOs, development programs, or international organizations.
Demonstrated expertise in media relations, including press engagement, messaging, and reputation management.
Proven ability to design and implement communication and visibility strategies aligned with donor requirements and branding guidelines.
Strong experience organizing press briefings, public events, campaigns, and media-heavy awareness initiatives.
Track record of producing high-quality communication products (press releases, stories, briefs, visibility materials).
2. Digital Media, IT & Platforms (≈20%)
Strong hands-on experience managing websites, social media platforms, and digital communication campaigns.
Practical knowledge of Content Management Systems (CMS), particularly WordPress or similar platforms.
Experience using digital analytics, scheduling tools, and online publishing systems to optimize reach and engagement.
Familiarity with basic graphic design and multimedia tools for digital content production is a strong asset.
3. Content Development & Language Skills (≈20%)
Excellent content creation, editing, and publishing skills in Amharic and English.
Ability to translate technical or programmatic information into clear, audience-friendly messaging for media and digital platforms.
Skills and Competencies
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Amharic and English.
Strong interpersonal and networking abilities.
High creativity, attention to detail, and ability to simplify technical information.
Ability to work independently under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Knowledge of donor communication requirements (EU, UN, etc.) is an advantage.
How To Apply
Qualified and interested applicants are invited to submit a non-returnable application letter, an updated CV, and copies of relevant credentials to ESD at the address provided belowwithin Five (05) working days from the date of this announcement.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
P.O. Box: 27062/1000
P.O. Box: 27062/1000
📧Email: esdhr@esdethio.org
📞For further information contact Tel: +251116639776
