JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Communications, the main focus of the Communication Officer is to assist in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating a communication strategy to get food security issues into the public domain, strengthen political will in support of WFP’s mission and objectives in the country, and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

Media relations: Effective and timely professional assistance and support are provided in developing, drafting and maintaining contact information, materials and relationships with journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web etc. – in the country, to communicate the story of WFP’s mission in Ethiopia to a wider audience.

Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation activities are undertaken according to the work plan to ensure maximum impact and continuous improvement of country communication efforts. Ensure results and reports are prepared and shared on a timely basis.

Contribute to the implementation of country communications strategy and project communication work plans designed to maintain and enhance the visibility and reputation of WFP, as well as support fund raising activities in alignment with overall WFP’s corporate strategies.

Develop high quality information products for both print and electronic platforms including newsletters, briefs and fact sheets which describe and promote the work of WFP to targeted audiences.

Provide substantive, specialised support, co-ordination and recommendations to ensure efficient production of video, photo and radio products.

Generate donor specific visibility content including, text, photos, videos and audio for use across a range of online platforms.

Write press releases, speeches, key messages and take them through the cycle from draft to final stages.

Organise visibility events (including handover ceremonies, agreement signing events) in collaboration with external stakeholders (donors, Government, development partners).

Monitor and analyse traditional and media to inform the development and/or evaluation of communication activities and strategies.

Support capacity building of WFP staff on all aspects of communication and provide guidance within area and level of expertise in order to ensure that all activities meet desired standards of consistency, quality and impact.

Support the implementation of corporate branding and marking plans to ensure consistency in the portrayal of WFP’s visual identity (in publications, signages, etc)

Follow standard emergency preparedness practices to support WFP to quickly respond and deploy food and needed resources to affected areas at the onset of a crisis.

Work with UN partners and respective Government ministries on joint communications initiatives to highlight the progress towards achieving the SDGs.

Other as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

Education: University degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications or other relevant field.

Experience: At least one year of postgraduate professional experience in communications related fields.

Desired Experience:​

Experience in utilising specialist communications techniques to enhance functional outputs.

Experience in communications in the United Nations or an international humanitarian organization.

Knowledge and Skills

Ability to build and sustain effective collaborative relationships with key media contacts and influencers in the area of expertise to raise the profile of WFP, build relationships and further organisational aims.

Use sound theoretical knowledge of communications concepts to generate or facilitate the generation of effective communication materials across various media.

Demonstrate deep understanding of the multilateral/interagency environment and the dynamics in which WFP operates, which influences approach to working, policy development and decision making.

Videography

Graphics design capability

Language: Fluency (level C) in English language

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements