Ethiopia: Director-Communications

Vacancy Announcement

ETHIOPIAN AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AGENCY

• Position: Director- Communications
• Term of Employment: Fixed Term
• Duty Station(s): Addis Ababa
• Required Number: One
• Salary & Benefits: Competitive
• Application Deadline: March 20, 2016

BACKGROUND:

The Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) has been established by the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) to identify and address systemic bottlenecks to Ethiopia’s agricultural development. The Agency does this through problem-solving, implementation support, and capacity building of stakeholders involved in implementation of interventions that address the systemic bottlenecks. The Agency reports to a Transformation Council chaired by the Prime Minister and whose co-chair is the Minister of Agriculture.

The programmatic focus of the Agency responds to a core set of needs identified by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Transformation Council. Within the Agency, issues are divided into four different groups: **Production and Productivity* which includes Inputs and Crop Protection, Livestock, Research and Extension, Mechanization, Rural Finance & Agro-Processing Value Addition; Agribusiness and Markets including Market Services, Market Infrastructure, Commercial & Contract Farming, Domestic and Export Market Development, and Cooperatives Development; Environmentally Sustainable and Inclusive Agricultural Growth including Sustainable Irrigation & Watershed Management, Sustainable Land Management, Gender Equality and Nutrition, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, and Planning and MLE; and Enhanced Implementation Capacity which includes ICT, Private Sector, and Organizational and Human Capacity. Across the programs, the ATA engages public, private and non-governmental stakeholders to support strategic planning, manage and strengthen implementation capacity and test innovative models.*

Our Culture

We have an exceptional team of employees with highly competent and proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results. Our culture is one where talented, dedicated and adaptable individuals are committed to doing their best and exhibit great team work to achieve excellent results.

At ATA, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution in changing the country’s agricultural sector. We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced growing organization with passionate, committed, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training. We recognize our most valuable assets are our staff and are committed to providing our employees with the tools, training and mentorships necessary to achieve their career goals.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communications Director is a management position within the ATA’s Office of the CEO. The Director has responsibility for the development and successful implementation of the ATA Communications Strategy and management of the Communications Team.

The Communications Director will work across all areas of the organization as a communications generalist, and will be involved in shaping both the internal and external communications programs of the ATA. They will also provide operational support and assistance to ATA program/project teams.

The successful applicant will have a passion for strategy coupled with the entrepreneurism and pragmatism to execute at a tactical level. They should also demonstrate a genuine commitment to developing a team and assisting the organization with its progressive transformation agenda.

This role presents a unique opportunity to work directly with the ATA Chief Executive Officer and mobilize stakeholders within an exciting national and international context. The position is based in Addis Ababa.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Lead the development and successful implementation of the ATA Communications Strategy
• Inspire a team of dedicated, communications professionals including effectively managing workflow, building local capacity, and guiding professional development.
• Ensure the quality, consistency, timeliness and professionalism of all ATA communications materials.
• Increase awareness of the role of communications within the organization through training, mentoring and contribution to the ATA’s professional development program.
• Monitor, analyze and evaluate communications efforts and identify new communications approaches and opportunities.
• Liaise closely with the Chief Executive Officer and collaborate with senior management in communicating key organizational messages and reporting on communications activities.
• Collaborate with the ATA Partnerships and Government Relations Teams to engage key stakeholders (including the Government of Ethiopia, development partners, and the media).
• Manage the administrative, financial, and human resources affairs of the Communications Team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor/Masters in communications, public relations, journalism, international relations, media relations or equivalent.
• At least 8 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in a generalist corporate communications role with a national or international focus.
• Self-motivated, team-player with proven ability to contribute to organizational success at a strategic level and project manage a team at an operational level in large, complex organizations.
• First rate written and verbal communication skills.
• Sophisticated stakeholder engagement skills with a proven track record dealing with government bodies, development agencies, media, and the general public.
• Outstanding organization, time management, budgeting, and computer skills.
• Strong professional commitment and orientation within the agriculture and/or development sectors.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Proficiency with Amharic a plus, but not required.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to send (i) a cover letter, (ii) CV (maximum 5 pages), and (iii) a completed ATA Application Form, which can be downloaded athttp://www.ata.gov.et/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Application-Form21.pdf**.**

Please note that CVs, cover letter and other application materials WILL NOT be considered unless accompanied by a fully completed ATA Application Form. Also, please DO NOT submits scans of certificates with your application form.**

Please email (i) cover letter, (ii) CV (maximum 5 pages) and (iii) the completed application form toRecruitment@ata.gov.etand include“*Application for Director- Communications***” in the subject line.**

Women are highly encouraged to apply.

NB. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline: March 20, 2016