Media and Communications Officer

Internal/External

Vacancy Advertisement

IR/INT/EXT/VN/021.25

Post Title: Media and Communications Officer

Report to: Project Manager

Duty Station: Somali Regional State, Jigjiga with frequent travel to field offices in Somali Region

Salary: As per the organization’s scale

Required: One

Duration: On year with possible extension based on performance and budget availability

Introduction

Islamic Relief is an international relief and development charity founded in 1984 with its headquarters in Birmingham, UK. As well as responding to disasters and emergencies, Islamic Relief promotes sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities – regardless of race, religion or gender. The office officially started operation in Ethiopia in 2004. Islamic Relief Ethiopia (IRE) is operational in the Somali Regional State with a base office in Jigjiga, Hargelle, Elkere, Bare, GG and Dekasuftu, Afar Regional State; Ewa, Awra and Gulina; Oromia regional State, West Harergeye, Chiro and Meayso Woredas, Borena zone, Yabello, Dubluk, Dire and Elewaye woredas and an additional operational office in Addis Ababa. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.islamic-relief.org/work-with-us

Job Purpose

The Field Media and Communications Officer will play a key role in supporting the implementation of Islamic Relief Ethiopia’s (IRE) communications strategy and guidelines, aligned with Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) standards. The role involves documenting and sharing the impact of IRE’s work in Somali region, enhancing the organization’s visibility through compelling storytelling, and supporting internal and external communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Travel to project sites in Somlai region including Fafan, Afder and Liban Zone to collect and produce high-quality media content, including project information, success stories, case studies, and videos.
• Document lessons learned and best practices to enhance IRE’s image and advocacy efforts.
• Collaborate with country office communications coordinator, program, project teams to ensure accurate and timely visibility and media outputs.
• Produce periodicals such as quarterly newsletters, project briefs, and annual public reports.
• Plan, script, and produce multimedia content (photographs, videos, and graphics) to support digital and print publications.
• Assist in the pre-production, production, and post-production process of video documentaries, including liaising with program teams and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all media content aligns with IRW’s brand guidelines and ethical storytelling standards.
• Manage and archive media materials collected from project sites, ensuring comprehensive documentation and proper dissemination.
• Create and manage content for IRE’s social media platforms and website.
• Monitor social media trends and provide insights to improve engagement and audience reach.
• Ensure consistent branding across all digital and print communications.
• Manage and organize information collected across project sites, ensuring timely and accurate documentation and dissemination.
• Maintain a comprehensive archive of communication materials, including media coverage and internal reports.
• Assist in preparing regular reports on communication activities and outputs for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide communications support during events, including photography, live social media coverage, and preparing talking points.
• Design and execute digital advocacy and marketing campaigns across multiple platforms.
• Undertake any other duties as required by the project manager to support the organization’s communication goals.

Person Specification

Education & Experience and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Mass Communication, Multimedia, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in digital media production, multimedia content creation, communications, or a related role.
• Experience in an International NGO is an asset

Skills & Competencies:

Content Creation:

• Proven experience in producing multimedia content (written, visual, and video).
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft engaging stories and case studies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to contextualize events to the organization’s advocacy campaigns.
• Proven design skills with a general understanding of organizational branding
• The ability to craft platform aware contents that align with the trends of social media
• Robust knowledge of framing, story angling and information management

Technical Proficiency:

• Advanced skills in graphic design and multimedia software (Adobe CS package, Figma, Canva).
• Experience using video cameras, photography equipment, and digital editing tools.
• Strong understanding of social media platforms, content optimization, and digital marketing trends.
• Ability to manage web content using CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress).
• Proficiency in basic MS office tools

Communication & Collaboration:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Knowledge in local languages of Somali is must. Multilingual is asset (Somali, Amharic, Affan Oromo and Afari)
• Ability to collaborate with diverse teams and external stakeholders.
• Project Management Skill is a plus
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Travel:

• Willingness to travel up to 40% to IRE’s operational areas in Somali region for content collection and field documentation.

 

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunity

Islamic Relief and Islamic Relief staff considers the welfare and protection of children, young people and people at risk to be paramount to the organization. And must adhere the principle of ‘do no harm and leave no one behind.’ It is critical we do not expose communities or staff we work with to the risk of harm through our interventions. Islamic Relief have a number of related policies which also describe standards in behavior expected from the organization, its staff and representatives towards each other and those we serve. Islamic Relief is committed to responding swiftly, appropriately and constructively to any and all information children, young people and people at risk have disclosed.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. We participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and child abuse during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment before signing the contract agreement.

Islamic Relief believes everyone has the right to be safe, respected and valued regardless of who they are or their circumstances, and an equal employment opportunity to all candidates and qualified applicants, we do not discriminate on the base of age, sex, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability status and diversity.

Islamic Relief has a zero tolerance towards all forms of violence, sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

IRE highly encourage female applicants to apply for this position. Our organization is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity in the workplace. IRE believe in creating an inclusive working environment where all individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal opportunities for professional growth and development.

IRE value the contributions and unique perspectives that women and persons with disability bring to our organization and are committed to providing a supportive, working environment. IRE believe that by promoting gender equality, we can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of our programs.

If you are a qualified female candidate with a passion to join our team, we encourage you to submit your application. IRE look forward to considering your candidacy and working together to make a difference in the lives of those in need.