EU Strategic Communications– Ethiopia 2025-2027

Project reference: EC-INTPA/ADD/2025/EA-RP/0061

How to Apply

Please send your updated CV to gdsivacancies@gdsi.ie by 31 October 2025. Ensure your email subject line reads “Ethiopia StratComms – [indicate Key Expert/Non-Key Expert Role[“.

Submission Deadline

All applications must be received by the 31/10/2025.

Location

The primary place of operation will be Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with possible missions and travel within the country and the flexibility to perform certain tasks remotely.

Assignment Duration

The intended start date for the project is March 2026, and the implementation period will extend over 36 months from this date.

About the Assignment

This project offers a dynamic platform to apply your expertise in strategic communications, public diplomacy, and audience engagement. Based in Addis Ababa with possible travel within Ethiopia, you will contribute to designing and implementing impactful campaigns that tell the story of the EU’s partnership with Ethiopia, its people, and its path toward peace and sustainable development.

Project Description

Funded by the European Union and implemented on behalf of the Delegation of the European Union to Ethiopia, this flagship initiative aims to strengthen awareness, understanding, and support for EU values, policies, and cooperation among Ethiopian audiences. The overarching goal is to foster mutual understanding, transparency, and dialogue between the EU and Ethiopian citizens through creative, data-driven, and inclusive communication.

Expert Profiles

1. Key Experts

1.1 Key Expert 1 – Team Leader / Strategic Communications Expert 

Qualifications and Skills (Minimum requirements)

• Master’s degree or equivalent degree in public relations, communication, journalism, digital marketing and advertisement or any other fields relevant to this assignment, or bachelor in the same field plus four years of relevant professional experience. 
• Proficiency (C2) in English (oral and written).

General Professional Experience (Minimum requirements)

• A minimum of ten years of professional experience in strategic communication, public relations or marketing and advertisement.

Specific Professional Experience (Minimum requirements):

• At least two years of professional experience working specifically in communication, public relations or marketing and advertisement in the fields of public diplomacy, public relations or communication; or equivalent assignment(s) totalling 24 months. 
• At least two years of experience as a team leader in overseeing and coordinating organisation of campaigns of national or international audience or equivalent assignment(s) totalling 12 months
• At least two years of demonstrated experience in managing online and offline public communication  campaigns;  or  equivalent  of  assignment(s)  totalling 24 months

Assets

• Relevant experience in sub-Saharan Africa, preferably Ethiopia or the Horn of Africa, will be considered a strong asset.

2. Non-Key Experts

Non-Key Experts (NKEs) will provide specialised technical and creative expertise to support the design, delivery, and optimisation of communication and visibility activities. Indicative profiles include:

• Marketing Strategist / Campaign Manager – leads on planning and implementation of integrated marketing campaigns targeting national and regional audiences.

• Researcher to Identify Stories – conducts audience and stakeholder research to surface compelling human-interest and impact stories aligned with EU priorities.

• Digital Marketing & Media Buying Specialist / Strategic Planner – plans and executes digital outreach, paid media strategies, and audience-targeting campaigns.

• Creative Director – oversees the creative concept development, ensuring alignment with EU communication standards and visual identity.

• Content Production Lead – manages the creation of audiovisual, graphic, and written content for multiple platforms.

• Offline Marketing & Event Activation Coordinator – designs and coordinates on-ground events, exhibitions, and activations to engage key audiences.

• Copywriter / Editor – crafts and edits campaign narratives, press materials, and social-media content to ensure clarity, consistency, and impact.

• Partnership Manager for Influencers and Content Creators – builds and manages relationships with influencers, cultural figures, and media partners to amplify EU messaging.

Each NKE must hold a relevant university degree and or demonstrate at least 5 years of professional experience in the corresponding field of expertise. Previous experience on EU-funded projects or in development communication will be considered an advantage. Relevant experience in sub-Saharan Africa, preferably Ethiopia or the Horn of Africa, will be considered a strong asset.