Communications Officer

Position: Communications Officer 
Reports to: Communications Manager
Location: IPSS, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Duration: July 2015- December 2015 with possibility of extension depending on performance and funding availability

The Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) of Addis Ababa University is a premier institute for peace and security studies in Africa. Its mission is to promote peace and security in Ethiopia and Africa at large through education, research and professional development. The Institute produces skilled professionals in conflict prevention, management and resolution as well as in peace building, and promotes the values of a democratic and peaceful society. Established in 2007, the IPSS is now one of the fifty think-tanks in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the 2014 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report.

More information about the IPSS can be found at www.ipss-addis.org

1. Objective:
The communications officer will support and coordinate communications initiatives of the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS).

2. Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Communications Manager, the Communications Officer will:

a) Coordinate and implement communications initiatives derived from all the IPSS strategic pillars according to the communication strategy.
b) Lead on the IPSS digital media activities including planning, executing, monitoring, and evaluating digital media activities across the website and social media channels.
c) Draft and/coordinate the content, artwork, and printing administration for IPSS publications.
d) Work with external service providers to produce visibility materials that promote the IPSS and its activities
e) Contribute to position papers on issues related to Peace and Security of importance and relevance to the IPSS strategy pillars.
f) Lead on the translation of documents where required and organising translation of publications for external consumption
g) Widely disseminate news using various mediums including the IPSS website, social media accounts, and the post-Forum publication and IPSS mailing lists.
h) Assist in the organization of events e.g. briefings, press conferences, workshops, public lectures, etc.
i) Collaborate with photographers and videographers in the production of videos and photos
j) Assist in updating of the internal database of contacts and information vital to internal and external communications:
- Online accounts and passwords.
- Press mentions and articles.
- Contact information for photographers, videographers, graphic designers, printers, GIZ focal persons, web designers, and website hosting company.

Tana High Level Forum:
a) Lead in the creation of content and upkeep of the Tana Forum’s digital media channels.
b) Liaise with the Francophone media to ensure adequate coverage of THLF at the press conference, briefing sessions, forum and other public events.
c) Oversee the management and updating of the Tana Forum website and social media accounts.
d) Draft Forum evaluation form, distribute at the Forum and evaluate the data for the post-forum report.

Perform additional functions as assigned by the supervisors.

3. Education qualification and experience:

Education Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, Public Relations, Social Sciences or a related field of study.

Work experience:
- At least three years progressive experience in communications, print and broadcast media, public relations or other related field;
- Solid experience in digital media including web and social media content development, campaign design and implementation, monitoring and evaluation of digital campaign. Experience in web and social media analytics would be a distinct advantage.
- Competence in developing communications materials including, but not limited to, project profiles, snapshots, and success stories.
- Experience working in peace and security is preferred, but not mandatory.
- Experience working in media relations is preferred, but not mandatory.

Language Requirements:
- Outstanding written and verbal communications skills in English. Written and verbal communications skills in French will be considered a distinct advantage.

Other Skills/requirements:
- Some experience in working in a multicultural environment.
- Strong personal initiative, problem solving skills, creativity, ability to work independently and as a member of a team;
- Ability to manage several tasks at the same time;
- African nationality
- Willingness to work on a wide range of issues.
- Willingness to work unsocial hours as required.

Duration:
6 months with possibility for extension

Application instructions:

As part of the application process, applicants are required to combine the following into one document (in MS-Word or PDF format) and submit it to application@ipss-addis.org by 3rd July 2015. Failure to meet application instructions will result in disqualification.

- CV,
- Cover letter,
- Published writing sample

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.