Impact Communications Specialist

Position Overview

Impact Communications Specialist – Mercy Corps Ethiopia. Full‑time, regular. Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Salary: per relevant scale. Risk Level: Level 3. The Senior Specialist will drive the day‑to‑day implementation of the ER‑CAP communications strategy, ensuring visibility, accountability, and stakeholder engagement in a conflict‑sensitive setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, operationalize, and update the ER‑CAP Communications Plan across all programme locations and partners.
• Translate strategy into actionable workplans, content pipelines, and deliverables that align with programme priorities and donor reporting.
• Lead creation of high‑quality communications products: human‑interest stories, case studies, learning briefs, multimedia assets.
• Collaborate with MEL teams to transform evidence into accessible communications outputs.
• Support donor visibility and reporting, including SIDA requirements.
• Manage digital channels (website, LinkedIn, etc.), produce posts, infographics, short videos, and monitor engagement.
• Coordinate communications activities across Mercy Corps, DRC, and First Consult teams; ensure consistent branding.
• Ensure all communications comply with conflict‑sensitivity and Do‑No‑Harm principles and maintain ethical standards.
• Stay aligned with the programme Theory of Change and adapt content accordingly.

Working Relationship

The Specialist works closely with MEL, field teams, consortium partners, and technical teams to ensure evidence and learning are integrated into communications. Liaises with donors and government counterparts for visibility and strategic engagement.

Key Performance Expectations

Consistent production of high‑quality communications outputs that reflect impact, support decision‑making, and enhance stakeholder engagement. Timely delivery of donor‑facing communications and measurable influence through digital engagement.

Risk and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with conflict‑sensitivity and Do‑No‑Harm policies.
• Manage informed consent for human‑centered storytelling.
• Review content for protection, privacy, and reputational risks.
• Integrate safeguarding into all work.
• Support safeguarding review processes for sensitive content.

Accountability

Reports directly to the Consortium Manager; technical reporting to Country MEL Manager. Works with program team, GEDSI advisor, sector advisors, and support functions.

Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, development studies, or related field.
• 4–6 years of communications experience in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Strong storytelling, writing, and editing skills.
• Experience producing multimedia content.
• Understanding of conflict‑sensitive and ethical communication approaches.
• Familiarity with donor‑funded reporting requirements (e.g., SIDA).
• Experience working with consortium or multi‑partner programmes.

Success Factors

Analytical capacity to translate complex evidence; operational skill in fast‑paced, politically sensitive environments; coordination and stakeholder‑management skills; creativity with disciplined delivery; learning‑focused approach to support adaptive management.

Living Conditions

Based in Addis Ababa with up to 60% travel, including to insecure locations. Individual housing, access to medical services, and high standard living conditions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, irrespective of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, upholding child protection, and ensuring all team members conduct themselves professionally, respecting local laws and customs, and adhering to the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct. Mandatory ethics e‑learning is required.