National Communication Officer - NOB (DC)

Introduction

Introduction International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, whose primary goal is to promote opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity and creating jobs of acceptable quality. The ILO Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan based in Addis Ababa, implements its programmes and activities in close partnership with the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in particular with its constituents, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MOLSA), the employers' and workers' organizations. The implementation of its activities and programmes are in support of the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP), agreed by the tripartite partners. DWCP is fully aligned with the country's development goals, articulated in its 10 Years Perspective Plan, the Home Grown Economic Reform Agenda, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Ethiopia and the National Plan for Jobs Creation, 2019 of Ethiopia.

ILO CO Addis is implementing the ‘Pro Agro – Promoting of Decent Work in Agribusiness Project’. The ultimate objective of the project is in realising the decent job creation potential of the Ethiopian agriculture sector for young women and men. According to the National Action Plan on Job Creation, the agriculture sector is a priority sector for the government of Ethiopia and has the potential for job creation. As part of the programme, ILO will institute through an integrated supply-linkage-demand approach that builds the skills base of young people (‘supply’ of skills to the labour market); supports the growth of job-creating businesses (‘demand’ for labour); and ensures appropriate intermediation between supply and demand (‘linkage’ or ‘matching’ of young jobseekers with employers looking for talent, or to agricultural value chains requiring producers and service providers). The project is funded by the Government of Germany as part of the BMZ Special Initiative on training and job creation.

The ProAgro project puts forward an integrated strategy, combining policy support and social dialogue, skills development, value chain development and entrepreneurship training, with the ultimate objective to create decent jobs opportunities for women and young men in the agribusiness sector. ProAgro will be implemented in Ethiopia over a period of 42 months.

Introduction (continued)

The project will develop the capacity of national, regional, and local stakeholders to develop and implement policies aimed at boosting the job creation potential of the agribusiness sector while enhancing decent work conditions. The programme will also contribute to respond to and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on enterprises and the labour market in the targeted sector. The budget for Ethiopia amounts to Euro 5 million.

The project will be implemented in two regions of Ethiopia and will aim at achieving the following objectives: Outcome 1. A more conducive ecosystem in the selected region for decent jobs creation and sustainable investment. Outcome 2: Selected value chains in the agribusiness sector are more competitive and have boosted their job quality and creation potential. Outcome 3: Quality and more demand oriented TVET and training that increase employability and job prospects Outcome 4: Enterprise development mechanisms in place for the agribusiness sector

Reporting Line

Under the overall responsibility of the Country Director of the ILO CO-Addis Ababa, the National Communication Officer will report and work under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of the Project.

Description of Duties

The National Communication Officer (NCO) will work for the ProAgro Ethiopia and will be responsible for all communication matters of the project including development and implementation of an integrated strategy to communicate the projects’ objectives and achievements with project partners, donor and key stakeholders.

• Develop a project communication strategy including a social media strategy and implement it.
• Develop annual and quarterly progress reports, regular project updates, case studies, documentation of lessons learnt and good practices to be shared with donors and ILO constituents on an ongoing basis.
• Development of media content (in English and other national languages of the region); curating of content related to the ProAgro project.
• coordinate and ensure consistent media messaging and uploading of content across various channels of public communication including social networks and ProAgro and CO –Addis Ababa web portal and actively expand the network of followers;
• Take a lead on media engagement, including organization of press conferences, preparation of press kits, talking points, liaising with media and handling of requests for interviews, drafting of press releases and statements.

(see more duties below)

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• Develop and expand ideas regarding project visibility, including compilation of a photo library, audio-visual content, drafting information materials such as fact sheets, presentations, project flyers, brochures, feature articles, and other relevant material.
• Guide the production of publications, print and online, and audio-visual products including the procurement of requisite vendors and coordination with ITC, Turin wherever needed.
• Provide communication and organisation management for project events, product launches, press conferences, media interviews, meetings, conferences, workshops and promotion of publications/researches. Give presentations and respond to a range of inquiries.
• Coordinate with team members and other stakeholders for project communication related matters on a regular and ongoing basis.
• Assist with the organization of relevant advocacy events and UN/ILO International Days.
• Seek opportunities to develop and expand networks, such as with the national partners, media outlets and other stakeholders.
• Liaise with HQ and Regional Communication Specialists/ team for guidance as required.

Required qualifications

Education

First level University Degree in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations.

Experience

At least three years of professional experience in Communications; must be proficient in using new technologies for visual content, web-based platforms and social media networks and advertising; and familiar with ILO’s core issues and/or regional/international development/relations. Experience within the UN system or an international organization would be an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of English language with demonstrable writing skills. Good knowledge of Amharic language. Working knowledge of the French language and additional Ethiopian National languages would be an advantage.

Competencies

• Good knowledge of communication and/or information management principles and concepts.
• Knowledge of multimedia to develop a range of communication and information products
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders
• Ability to distill complex topics into simple and compelling formats
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as a member of a team. Demonstrate collaborative and team work experience
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility
• Ability to communicate sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies
• Excellent communications skills, including skills in researching and selection of information, and writing and editing skills
• Excellent knowledge of print, audio-visual and online processes

Competencies (continued)

• Excellent written and oral communications skills and drafting and editing skills in English
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (including word processor, Publisher, spreadsheet, presentation software and Microsoft Adobe) such as Microsoft Office
• Good understanding of the working practices of national and international media
• Great ability to plan and implement digital media and branding strategies
• In-depth awareness and understanding of social media platforms, their respective participants (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) and how each platform can be deployed in different scenarios
• Knowledge of modern communication principles, techniques and systems
• Knowledge of website content creation, structuring and management
• Skills related to the creation of broadcast content would be an advantage
• Attention to detail and skills in design, layout, formatting and editing documents.
• Ability to foster effective two-way communication and understanding and to manage and impart information to a varied audience.