Communication Officer 93 views2 applications

Organizational Overview

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in nearly 1,400 communities throughout the U.S. and in nearly 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves.

Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia (HFHE) started operation in 1993 as a branch of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). HFHE has provided simple, affordable shelter for families in Ethiopia while also working to improve Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and empower Vulnerable Groups in the country.

Job Purpose:

To provide strong and strategic communications direction and support to HFHE Ethiopia, through the management of the communications function that is focused to serve the essential communications needs of the organisation. This will include: Communications, overseeing the production of key communications resources for donor and public engagement; positioning HFHE with in-country and international media and manage internal communication processes which support and advance the strategic goals of HFHE and its core functions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Remain alert and responsive to any safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Safeguarding Policy
• External Communications Management: Ensure that HFHE communications positively and consistently re-enforce HFHE’s identity.  Produce informative and publicity materials about HFHE in various forms. Consult and network with relevant HFHE “stakeholders” as needed and appropriate to ensure that their key information resource needs are being met by HFHE, in compliance with agreed standards, policies and priorities.
• Internal Communications Management:  Ensure that key internal communications messages and products of HFHE are skilfully developed and articulated for meeting their objectives. Serve as a consistent, creative and timely information source to HFHE on key areas and issues and their specific programme sectors. Establish systems and safeguards for the appropriate and effective flows of relevant information to and from HFHE staff both internally and externally as and when required. Provides support to the Local partners in designing and implementing their communication activities in line with HFHE’s standards.
• Donor/Public Engagement: Manage the planning and production of compelling and issues-oriented fundraising, advocacy and publicity materials (web-based, electronic, print and video) for effective donor and public engagement by HFHE – both in-country and internationally as appropriate. Liaises with Programs in order to document grant activities for donors.   Ensure the timely and consistent production of stories, photos and other materials to standards of quality required for donor proposals, and informing, educating and engaging other publics via the Share Point, adverts, donor appeals, media releases and other communications channels and outlets. Effectively manage donor visits to see donor funded projects. Gather and write needs and success stories with photographs for HFHE members such as Australia, New Zealand, Germany, USA and others.
• Media Communications Management:  Influence and ensure positive portrayal of HFHE in the media as well as in the eyes of the general public. Use the media to promote the interests of HFHE. Maintains an updated contact list of key media personal (journalists, producers, editors etc.) Ensure that the media is interested in HFHE whenever it is necessary. Prepare and position the Country Director for important media opportunities and interviews that promote and protect the public image of HFHE.
• Advocacy:  Collaborate with advocacy colleagues [where present] to define key issues, messaging, and communications channels for public advocacy initiatives. Support advocacy campaigns by engaging the media to gain exposure and credibility, and increase public discussion and fundraising.
• Promotion of HFHE’s image. Carry out periodic HFHE image audits and design strategies to enhance the image in line with the findings.  Monitors the policy on usage of the existing logo.
• Any other duties that may from time to time be assigned.

Terms of employment:

• Two years with possibility of extension.

Duty Station:  Addis Ababa

Job Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications/Journalism or closely related field
• Knowledge in Advocacy would be an added advantage.
• Extensive computer proficiency.
• A minimum of five (5) years hands on experience in a similar position
•  Must be a clear, fast thinker who can define action plans and implement them.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Personal Attributes

• Excellent Public Relations skills.
• Commitment to assure quality, speed and attention to detail in performing duties
• Ability to work under pressure and respond quickly to demands
• Ability to write for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to work as a team
•  Should be able to work with minimum supervision
•  Should be proactive