Senior Officer – Communication and Event Organizer Full Time NEW

Term of Employment: One year with the possibility of extension

Duty Station(s): Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Required Number: One

Application Deadline: August 8, 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.

Program and position summary:

The Ethiopian Food Systems Transformation and Nutrition (EFSTN) is a flagship government agenda positioned at the center of Ethiopia’s national development priorities. It seeks to transform the country’s food systems to significantly improve food availability, accessibility, and affordability, promote equitable income opportunities, and encourage the widespread adoption of healthy and nutritious diets.

The EFSTN is guided by a comprehensive transformation pathway that includes 24 Game-Changing Solutions, 184 interventions, and 690 activities. These are organized under four governance pillars and seven thematic clusters, providing a structured framework for coordinated and impactful action across the food system. Ethiopia remains firmly committed to transforming its food systems to deliver better nutrition outcomes, enhance resilience to climate change, and promote long-term sustainability. The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) serves as the EFSTN’s Secretariat.

In this context, ATI intends to recruit a Senior Communication & Event Organization Officer who will be member of the Technical Support Unit. The expert will lead advocacy, socialization, and strategic communication of the EFSTN framework, utilizing diverse platforms to support effective and accelerated implementation across communities. Additionally, the expert will be responsible for planning and executing both high-level and community-based advocacy and communication activities to enhance understanding and implementation of EFSTN interventions at all levels.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the EFSTN communication strategy and associated interventions.
• Identify key messages and target audiences to effectively communicate the EFSTN mission and objectives.
• Draft consistent and appropriate communication materials—such as brochures, press releases, web stories, and presentations—for various EFSTN stakeholders, including program partners, government institutions, media agencies, and the public.
• Lead or support the organization of EFSTN events, including field days, regular team meetings, exhibitions, and press conferences, as well as ad hoc activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with communications and public relations teams at key partner institutions across all levels.
• Collaborate with Technical Support Unit members to assist with communication activities, particularly regarding documentation, media engagement, and storytelling.
• Manage and update the stakeholder contact database.
• Maintain and manage a database of key media houses and personnel, ensuring the development of a pool of agriculture-reporting journalists.
• Facilitate media interviews with appropriate members of the program team.
• Maintain and regularly update EFSTN social media platforms.
• Write, edit, and proofread documents as needed.
• Liaise with the Technical Support Unit to remain abreast of progress and developments, maintaining up-to-date information to produce communication materials.
• Conduct media monitoring and report on developments of concern or impact to the Policy Study and Food System vertical.
• Utilize traditional and digital media tools to maximize the visibility of EFSTN.
• Liaise with service providers, such as consultants, external translators, photographers, and printing companies, as required.
• Record minutes at EFSTN-related meetings and archive all meeting notes.
• Track program timelines and develop plans to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Manage EFSTN information and email accounts.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support, including complex calendar management, event planning, and logistics, such as assisting in procurement processes.
• Handle other related tasks as requested, shifting roles with team members as needs arise.
• Engage in internal and external communication activities as assigned by the vertical.

   

• Required Qualification, Experience and Competence:
• Master’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field with 4 years of relevant experience in communications, public relations, event management, or a related role
• Proven experience in designing and implementing communication strategies and interventions for donor-funded programs.
• In-depth knowledge of the Ethiopian media landscape, cultural nuances, and current communication trends.
• Strong understanding of stakeholder engagement strategies, with experience building and maintaining relationships with diverse groups.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging content for various platforms and audiences.
• Proficiency in communication tools and technologies, including social media platforms, Content Management Systems (CMS), and media monitoring tools.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to track communication performance and make data-driven decisions.
• A strong commitment to improving the availability, accessibility, and utilization of safe, nutrient-dense foods for all Ethiopians.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic; proficiency in other local languages is an advantage.
• Demonstrated core competencies, including critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, teamwork, and client orientation.