Senior Communication Officer

Term of Employment:       One year with possibility of extension

Duty Station(s):                   Addis Ababa , Ethiopia              

Required Number:             One

Application Deadline:        August 30, 2026

BACKGROUND:

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), formerly known as the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), is a strategy and delivery-oriented government institute created to help accelerate the growth and transformation of Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, which is a key contributor to the country’s GDP, exports, Systems and capacities of the workforces. The ATI’s focuses on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, pastoralists, internally displaced people (IDPs), recovering people affected by conflict and other across the country for improved income, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability.

The ATI works to transform the agriculture and rural development in Ethiopia by conducting analytical studies in the policy and programmatic areas, piloting innovative agricultural technologies and systems , creating jobs to youth and women along the value chain providing technical implementation support, linking actors along the value-chains and attracting foreign direct investment who can work with cluster farmers, implementing problem based, inclusive and sustainable innovative projects and programs and building capacities of diverse players along the transformation continuum.   The Institute joins forces with various stakeholders, like MoA and other affiliate Institutions of the Ministry, policymakers, researchers, farmers, and development partners, to support the implementation of agricultural development programs and initiatives. In addition, the ATI collaborates with national and international partners to facilitate knowledge exchange, learning opportunities and resources mobilization. . The Institute plays a crucial role primarily in supporting agricultural policy and strategies development to drive transformation of agriculture and rural development; facilitate knowledge exchange, generating and disseminating information to support evidence-based policy formulation and decision-making and pilot innovative projects to be scaled nationwide.

Our Culture

ATI brings together highly competent specialists to address some of the toughest challenges in agriculture and rural development and make transformation a practical reality. We work with clear insight and foresight analysis, measurable goals, making use of the unique strengths of our staff. We have an exceptional team of highly competent employees with a 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 teamwork to achieve excellent results. 

At ATI, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution to agricultural and rural transformation leading to structural changes of the sector.  We expand our thinking, strengthen our capabilities, and redefine our roles to cover new settings to the extent possible fitting to national, continental and global dynamics. 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.

The ATI is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment for its employees, farmers, partners, and all stakeholders. We maintain zero tolerance for any form of abuse, exploitation, harassment, discrimination, bullying, retaliation, or other harmful conduct. The Institute is dedicated to promoting equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion by ensuring fair and respectful treatment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics. We expect all employees, consultants, and partners to uphold ATI's Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and related ethical standards in all interactions with colleagues, farmers, communities, and stakeholders. Successful candidates will be required to demonstrate commitment to these principles and to contribute to a workplace and service environment that protects the dignity, rights, safety, and well-being of all individuals.

There are many reasons to join us, but if you are seeking a dynamic and meaningful career whin a community of talented professionals with diverse expertise-collaborating to create real impact-ATI is the right place for you.

Role Purpose:

The Senior Communication Officer is responsible for designing, planning, and implementing communication and visibility initiatives for the Agriculture-focused Dignified Employment for Youth in Ethiopia (ADEY) Program. ADEY will be the priority portfolio of the position; however, the officer will work as part of ATI’s Communications function and contribute to institute-wide communication priorities as assigned.

The position will lead strategic messaging, impact storytelling, content development, multimedia production, digital communication, media engagement, events, documentation, monitoring, and reporting.

The Senior Communication Officer will report to the Communication Director and work closely with the ADEY Program team, regional ATI teams, the Mastercard Foundation office for Ethiopia, and other relevant stakeholders.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Outcome 1: Strategic Communication, Content Development and Storytelling -35

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communication strategy for the ADEY Program, aligned with ATI’s communication priorities and the program’s objectives.
• Identify and develop compelling impact stories highlighting the experiences, achievements, and contributions of ADEY participants, particularly youth and women.
• Produce high-quality communication materials, including brochures, press releases, web content, presentations, articles, profiles, and other communication products for diverse stakeholders.
• Write, edit, and proofread communication materials and other documents in Amharic, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency.
• Support ADEY Program teams in documentation, storytelling, and other communication activities.

Outcome 2: Multimedia, Digital Communication, Media and Visibility – 40%

• Develop and produce engaging multimedia content, including videos, photographs, photo stories, interviews, and other visual products showcasing ADEY activities, progress, achievements, and impact.
• Leverage digital platforms and communication technologies to maximize the visibility, reach, and engagement of the ADEY Program.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with media houses, agriculture-focused journalists, and communication/public relations teams of partner institutions.
• Organize and coordinate communication and visibility activities for key events, including program launches, field visits, press conferences, stakeholder events, and other public engagements.
• Maintain and regularly update databases of key partners, donors, media houses, journalists, and other strategic communication stakeholders to strengthen outreach and engagement.
• Monitor media coverage of ADEY, identify emerging issues and opportunities, and provide timely updates to leadership.
• Coordinate with external communication service providers, including consultants, translators, photographers, videographers, and printing companies, to ensure quality and timely delivery of communication products.

Outcome 3: Communication Coordination, Monitoring and Administrative Support – 25%

• Document and appropriately archive meeting notes, communication materials, photographs, videos, and other information to ensure accessibility and institutional memory.
• Oversee ADEY communication-related email and information accounts and ensure timely and effective information flow.
• Coordinate with relevant ATI teams and external service providers on communication-related procurement and logistical requirements.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for communication activities, including calendar coordination, event planning, meetings, and procurement processes.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with ATI management, the ADEY Program team, and the Mastercard Foundation office in Ethiopia on communication and visibility matters.
• Undertake other communication and related responsibilities assigned by the ADEY Program Director, Communication Director, or their designees.

WORKING CONDITIONS REQUIREMENTS

• The position is primarily office-based and requires regular travel to regional and field locations to document program activities, gather stories, engage stakeholders and support communication events. The role may require flexible working hours to meet event, media, field documentation and communication production deadlines.

DECISION MAKING AND APPROVALS

• Strategic: Provides professional recommendations on communication priorities, key messages, audiences, communication channels, content, campaigns, media engagement and visibility activities within ATI policies and approved communication direction. Escalates sensitive or high-risk communication matters to the Communication Director and relevant ATI management

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Finance: Supports planning and coordination of communication-related activities, procurement and service-provider engagements within approved procedures; does not hold primary budget-management authority.
  Human Resource (HR): No direct line-management responsibility.
  Facilities and materials: Responsible for appropriate use and coordination of communication materials, digital assets and documentation resources assigned to the role.
  Other: Accountable for quality, accuracy, timeliness, consistency and appropriate visibility of ADEY communication outputs and assigned ATI communication deliverables.

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