About us

Oxfam is a global community who believe poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s an injustice that can be overcome. We are shop volunteers, women’s right activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won’t stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good.

Oxfam GB is a member of international confederation of 19 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries. 

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Oxfam GB engages. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

 All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam GB also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Shaping a stronger Oxfam for people living in poverty.

ABOUT OXFAM

Oxfam is a global community who believe poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s an injustice that can be overcome. We are shop volunteers, women’s right activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won’t stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good. Oxfam GB is a member of the international confederation Oxfam.

OUR TEAM

The Influencing, Communication and Advocacy Team will be accountable for ensuring that the reach and influence of the Oxfam programme in Ethiopia is extended in a manner that retains the integrity of the Oxfam brand and maximises the impact of programmes as informed by the National Influencing Guidelines, Oxfam Brand and Media and Communications Guidelines. Encompassing the organisation’s Media, advocacy, policy, campaigns, research and communications functions, the team will manage external relations and public perception in addition to supporting wide dissemination of Oxfam’s policy positions, facilitating networking and ensuring that the organisation has the necessary information to engage in influencing activities.

JOB PURPOSE

The Media and Communications Coordinator has as a main purpose to drive media and communications activities as a component of Oxfam influencing and advocacy work. This media work evolves all traditional sources as well as more creative ones and new as social networks and therefore, using facebook, twiter, and other more innovative digital communication platforms with a higher impact on the civil societies, communities and other stakeholders.

WHAT THE RECRUITING MANAGER HAS TO SAY ABOUT THE ROLE?

The Media and communications coordinator:

• designs and reviews promotional materials,

• oversees and manages OXFAM's social media presence,

• researches ways to expand a support base and serves as a liaison to media outlets.

• Plays a key role on producing regular situation reports on humanitarian responses.

• We also expect the potion holder to design influencing and promotional materials for the organization as well as review and edit materials for external release.

Core Details

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Develop the media and communications strategy and delivery with inputs from internal actors in country and Oxfam network as well as externals

• As per Influencing Coordinator’s leadership, develop the Oxfam Media and Communications Strategy and ensures its delivery, in partnership with other Oxfam staff, making effective use of various and innovative communication channels and technologies
• Develops and executes the communication plans, both at the organizational and programme level
• Conducts needs assessments of external and internal constituents so that communications are targeted, timely, and effective.
• Prepare variety of communication materials for both internal and external use (web content, background briefings, case studies, press releases, reactive lines) for Oxfam programme, advocacy, campaigning and fundraising work, ensuring all media and communications work is gender sensitive and follows Oxfam’s sign off procedures
• Research, compile and analyse information from media, other agencies, and Oxfam programme
• Develop and maintain communication processes and internal systems
• Support the Influencing Coordinator as the point of contact for internal and external queries relating to the Oxfam Ethiopia programme
• Networking, relationship building, information gathering and dissemination, with all relevant external actors in Ethiopia (ie. other agencies, the media) and internal actors across Oxfam in Ethiopia
• Identifies new and emerging mediums for effectively communicating with a wide range of audiences.
• Plan and organise profile-raising opportunities including media opportunities and events
• Advise Oxfam staff and partners on internal and external communications needs, ensuring best practices and providing training where necessary
• Participation in all staff meetings in a proactive way, on planning sessions and on-going liaisons as needed and work closely with Oxfam in Ethiopia programme teams.
• In cooperation with the logistics team, managing contractors from cradle-to-grave, including creating scopes of work, obtaining competitive prices, and overseeing the timely deliverable of quality contract work of media and communications products
• Be familiar with and abide by Oxfam International procedures and international standards (e.g. Sphere Minimum Standards), (where relevant) the NGO / Red Cross Code of Conduct, International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as well as protection issues
• Brand management, presenting Oxfam brand in the most positive light, ensuring Oxfam brand is used consistently and clearly, in media, communications and influencing materials.
• Provide technical assistance to Oxfam staff to monitor, excite and adhere to Oxfam brand identity standards. Make sure all digital as well as visibility materials are produced in line with the Oxfam Global brand identity.

2.    Ensure that Oxfam policies and organizational values are included in all materials produced by Oxfam Ethiopia

• Ensure that the materials developed to communicate about Oxfam work internally or externally follow policies, procedures and guidelines, especially gender equity. This post will advise technical staff and programme services as needed on issues of Media, Communications and brand guidelines.
• Following the line manager requests, be ready to act as Oxfam’s representative at local and national level when engaging with local authorities, partners, etc. as required in events relating to communications activities

 3.    Any related assignments as assigned by the line manager 

Skills, experience and knowledge

Essential

• Bachelor (BA) or Degree from a recognised university/collage in Media & Communications, Journalism, International relations or any other related areas that can bring added value to the job.
• Relevant Media and Communications experience of 5-7 years (ie. in the development and delivery of media and communications strategies) preferably in an international NGO and out of which 2 years should be supervisory / managerial experience.
• Understanding and expertise in use of media and communications in advocacy and influencing programmes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Amharic to a variety of audiences
• Understanding of development issues and knowledge of the role of NGOs in development, humanitarian and advocacy work
• Experience of writing articles, press releases, communication material productions including print and audio-visuals, and experience of providing media interview/ briefings
• Ability to anticipate media opportunities and to devise and deliver imaginative plans
• Strong interpersonal skills, sensitivity to cultural differences and ability to work in a wide variety of cultural contexts
• Strong organisational skills, with ability to prioritise work issues to meet deadlines with minimal supervision and adjust to constantly changing situations while maintaining focus on delivery and follow-through
• Able to provide specialist communications advice, training and support to the Oxfam Ethiopia Team, and key external partners
• Ability to engage with a variety of complex issues such as gender, humanitarian response and livelihoods and translate these into simple messages
• An understanding of the importance of gender on poverty and suffering and a commitment to promoting diversity
• Good computer skills (MS-word, MS-Excel, MS-Power Point, publishing and editing software and use of Email and Internet) as well as social media (Twitter, Facebook)
• Flexibility in terms of travel and working hours. Working away from the office for periods of up to 2 weeks at a time on regular basis.
• Willingness to travel including medium/high risk areas

Desirable

• Knowledge of the opportunities and constraints of working with the Ethiopian media
• Photographic and video skills
• Communication skill in other local languages
• Understanding of international humanitarian principles, standards and guidelines (e.g. International Humanitarian Law, Guiding principles for Internal Displacement, protection, Sphere minimum standards, etc.)

Your commitment to Oxfam

·         Required to adhere to Oxfam’s principles and values as well as the promotion of gender justice and women's rights

Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equity, diversity, gender, child safety and staff health and wellbeing principles.Key Attributes

• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities
• Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work
• Commitment to undertake Oxfam’s safeguarding training and adherence of relevant policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible

Organisational Values

• Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions
• Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen
• Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences

 Note to candidates: Shortlisted candidates will be assessed on our organisational values and attributes at the interview stage. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to adhere to our code of conduct. We encourage candidates to read and understand our code of conduct here