Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer
The Embassy of Ireland in Addis Ababa is seeking a highly motivated, creative, enthusiastic, and proactive Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer. This full-time role is for an individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, dedicated to promoting and protecting Ireland’s values, interests, and economic well-being.
The successful candidate will report to the Second Secretary and work collaboratively with all Embassy staff and external stakeholders to enhance Ireland’s presence and engagement in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti, the AU, IGAD, and UNECA.
Key Responsibilities
As the Public Diplomacy and Communications Officer, your primary duties will include:
- Content Creation: Develop diverse communication content (short-form, long-form, visual, audio-visual) for social media and the Embassy’s website to promote its work.
- Media Monitoring: Conduct media and political monitoring across accredited countries and international organizations, producing regular press reports and summary documents.
- Event Support: Support the design, coordination, and execution of public diplomacy events and outreach initiatives to boost the Embassy’s visibility and strategic objectives.
Overall Role and Responsibility:
- Support the development and implementation of the Embassy’s Communications Strategy by proactively identifying opportunities to promote Ireland–Ethiopia/South Sudan/Djibouti/AU/IGAD/UNECA relations.
- Lead the day-to-day delivery of the Communications Strategy by managing the website and social media platforms, ensuring professional, up-to-date, and high-standard content.
- Develop a database of visual, audio-visual, and audio assets for publications and media release, potentially involving travel and field visits.
- Amplify the Embassy’s social media presence by creating and maintaining accounts on platforms like X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
- Lead bespoke communications projects, including the development of docu-films and podcasts.
- Regularly monitor and analyze current affairs and opinions in national and regional press and social media, reporting via press reviews to relevant officers.
- Develop and maintain working relationships with key communications contacts in media, political, development, trade, and cultural sectors.
- Act as the Embassy’s main point of contact with the press and media, organizing interviews, press conferences, and drafting press releases.
- Maintain and grow public diplomacy content on the Embassy’s Ireland.ie page, identifying opportunities for cultural promotion and exchange.
- Attend, participate in, and report on relevant meetings (e.g., Team Europe Strategic Communications meetings).
- Support the Second Secretary as Chair of internal communications meetings.
- Provide additional administrative or related tasks as required.
Terms and Conditions of Employment
- Start Date: As soon as possible.
- Location: Embassy of Ireland, Addis Ababa.
- Contract Duration: Two-year fixed-term contract with a 60-working day probation period.
- Working Hours: Monday to Friday, standard office hours from 8 AM – 5 PM (not exceeding 48 hours per week as per local labor law).
- Annual Leave: 20 working days per annum.
- Gross Salary: Base point of salary scale for the grade (€22,687.20 per annum), paid in local currency. A bank account is required for salary payments.
- Eligibility: Candidates must have a permanent, legal right to reside and work in Ethiopia and will be subject to local employment and taxation law.
Essential Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Education: University undergraduate level qualification in a relevant field (e.g., public relations, marketing, media, business, journalism, event management, content creation).
- Experience: Three years’ experience in a relevant field. Previous work experience in an embassy or international organization is desirable.
- Skills:
- Audio and Audio-visual editorial skills.
- Experience in event management.
- Strong oral and written communication skills in English and Amharic. Knowledge of other regional languages is desirable.
- Thorough understanding of social media and digital communication, with experience managing and creating content for X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok accounts.
- Strong media project management skills.
- Ability to demonstrate initiative and attention to detail, and to produce accurate, professional, and strategic messaging under time pressure.
- High levels of innovation and creativity.
- Good interpersonal and networking skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Understanding of the work of embassies and international organizations, particularly in development and cultural spheres.
- Legal Entitlement: Must have a legal entitlement to live and work in Ethiopia prior to recruitment.
Selection Process
- Depending on the number of applications, a shortlist for a technical assessment and competency-based interview may be undertaken.
- Technical assessment is planned for late July / early August 2025.
- Interviews are planned for early August 2025.
- A second interview may be included.
- A panel may be set up depending on candidate caliber.
- All personal information will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines.
- Police security clearance will be sought for successful candidates.
Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants.
The Embassy of Ireland, Addis Ababa, is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity.
How to Apply
Please read the job description carefully to ensure you meet all criteria. To apply:
- Update your profile on Ethiojobs and click on ‘apply now’ for the “PUBLIC DIPLOMACY & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER” vacancy.
- In addition to your application, you will be required to submit your CV and respond to additional job-related questions. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time to complete all questions.
Applications which do not meet the minimum requirements or are incomplete will not be considered.
Closing Date: Monday, July 14, 2025, at 17:00hrs Ethiopian Time.