Job Summary

The  communication  and promotion  officer  will  be  a  key  resource  person  to  design  and execute  a communication strategy that is intended to enhance shared understanding of the e-learning management system and foster partnership among internal and external stakeholders. S/he will be assisting the project team in coordination tasks.   The candidate is expected to facilitate the documentation and release of relevant information about the project, assist in developing the value proposition of e-learning for different types of users and contribute to knowledge management.    The person will  closely  work with experts from the Mastercard Foundation, ASU,  Public Universities in Ethiopia, and other key potential partners n the area.   S/he will be a key member of MoE EthERNet directorate team. The position requires key technical and management competencies in the areas of data and information syntheses and presentation skills, public relations, use of digital and mainstream media channels and the ability to develop coherent and easy-to-understand messages for different groups.    The ideal candidate is one who has a solid understanding of the contribution of e-learning programs  to  the  quality,  affordability  and  accessibility  of  education  and  its  ultimate  impact  on enhancing the employability and entrepreneurial skills of graduates. S/he should be an active team player among experts with different backgrounds and share knowledge with others.

Role and responsibilities

Communication Strategy Development

• Responsible for  developing  a  communication  strategy  and  guidelines  that  creates  shared understanding among users and create greater visibility among wider stakeholders about e- learning.
• Contribute to the development of appropriate value proposition of e-learning to the different user groups-students, instructors, university administrators, registrars, employers and policy makers.
• Design and develop clear and engaging communication material including but not limited to guidelines, handbooks, newsletters, blogs and posters that clearly indicate the project objective for the different target groups.
• Research  and   identify   appropriate   communication   media   channels   (social,   online,   and mainstream) to disseminate information to different target groups.
• Coach and backstop public relationship and media personnel at the target universities and MoE on the communication strategy and guidelines.

Branding and Media House

• Responsible for regularly checking timeliness, consistency and validity of information shared with different target groups.
• Advise appropriate media channels and coach the project team and project partners to adhere to the communication guideline and compliance.
• Document and disseminate information that creates clarity, builds a shared vision and foster strategic partnership among different departments within the ministry, target universities and other stakeholders within the Ethiopian higher education sector.
• Responsible for actively networking and reaching out to relevant stakeholders working in the e- learning sector for branding and positioning.
• Responsible for cultivating positive relationships with media professionals’ bloggers, thought leaders, influencers and other media personnel to help shape the projects image.
• Proactively address possible misconceptions and misunderstanding about the envisaged e- learning management system and assist stakeholders to have well informed opinions.

Project progress update and knowledge management

• Responsible for documenting and organizing information.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and updates to ensure every project partner is updated about the project progress.
• Prepares various documents intended for the media, press releases, articles, brochures and other written documents for information purposes, and obtains the required approvals from project partners.
• Advise on internal communication tools and, when required, and coordinate the events.
• Supports the development and circulation of knowledge products to draw out lessons learned and success stories.
• Work closely across project partners to develop findings and insights from the project and accurate information that is consumed by education sector decision-makers

Additional Roles

• Assist the project team in undertaking administrative tasks that contribute for the success of the project.
• Anticipates and  prepares  materials  needed  by  the  executive’s  team  for  such  activities  as conferences, correspondence, appointments, external meetings, and steering committee meetings.
• Working with the ministry and universities communications team to produce communications materials (conceptualization, copy and lay out), including press releases, annual reports, leaflets, posters, business cards, blogs and infographics as agreed with the Communications Manager and/or Executive team
• Undertake other related roles from MoE and other project partners as and when needed and ensure complementarity with the new e-learning program.

Competencies

Technical competencies

• Hands on experience of message development for different target audiences and utilization of appropriate channels to reach.
• Excellent knowledge of social media communication, best practice and its sensitivity
• A highly motivated, well-organised and hands on person, able to manage her/his own time and work priorities, with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Mastery in understanding the strategic intent of communication in relation to e-learning
• Outstanding diplomatic, influence and persuasion skills
• Demonstrated experience in the development of media and event materials including media releases and speeches.
• Comprehensive understanding and experience of writing content and pitching to media.
• Excellent proofreading skills, attention to detail and high-level writing skills for a variety of mediums and target.
• Solid understanding of Ethiopian media landscape

Personal Competencies

• Outstanding skills in planning, organizing, and reporting.
• Champions in fostering partnership and stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to perform under pressure with minimal supervision and able to handle multiple tasks at a time in calm and organized manner.
• Excellent teamwork skill

Job Requirement

Education, Experience, and language

• BA and above in journalism, communications, political science and international relations and related fields
• At least 3 years of experience in business/project communication
• Proficiency in spoken and written English languages is a must

Benefit and compensation : Highly attractive with possible career development opportunities

Type of employment :  Project (2022 – 2027)

Duration : One Year with possible extension up to five years

Duty station:  Addis Ababa