Knowledge Management/Communication Officer

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Start Date: July 2023

Placement Length: 5 Months

Language Requirements: English Level 5-Fluent

Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada Only

The Volunteer’s Role

If you are a passionate about helping organizations in Communication and Knowledge Management to increase their capacity in advocacy, strategic planning and developing policies, this is the role for you.

As a Knowledge and Communication Officer, you'll be working with Hiwot Ethiopia along with their team in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

In this role, you will support the efforts to enhance the organization capacity to promote its work and raise advocacy and awareness creation for sustaining its mission.

Ethiopia is home to the third largest number of diplomatic missions in the world, after New York and Geneva. As the national capital, Addis Ababa remains the economic, political and administrative hub of Ethiopia. The city has gained international significance as the headquarter of the African Union (AU), UN Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA) and a regional office for a number of international organizations including UNDP, UNESCO and the European Economic Commission (EEC).

Apply today and help us to make a difference!

As a volunteer, you will:

• Serve as a focal person for communications and knowledge management with organizations which can support Hiwot Ethiopia’s relief and development endeavors
• Deliver technical support to the management teams regarding effective
• Building Strategic Partnerships with CSOs, and Consortiums: analyzes and develop materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders; establishes and nurtures positive communications with partners, funders and donors.
• Support in synthesizing Hiwot Ethiopia’s achievements and developing strategic documents such as policy briefs and other knowledge products for influencing policy and practice.
• Draft press releases, factsheets, newsletters, press/media kits, event proceedings, and news stories for media uptake and to inform key partners and other targeted audiences about the results and achievements of the organization
• Support the documentation and dissemination of best practices, case stories and notable lessons of Hiwot Ethiopia’s programs and projects;
• Provide support to develop the communication, advocacy and lobbying guidelines and strategies of the organization.
• Identify the communication and knowledge management needs of the organization and lead the development of appropriate tools
• Promoting Organizational Learning, as well as Knowledge Development and Sharing: generates new ideas and approaches to improve the performance and results of the organization.
• Deliver technical and capacity development support to the organization teams though training, mentoring and coaching on communication and knowledge management including collecting and writing impact stories.

Essential Requirements:

• Master’s degree in information and communication technology, communication and journalism, public relations, public management, international relations, political science, international development and related fields.

Essential Background:

• Applicants need to have at least four years of professional work experiences and good knowledge on: Communication strategies, knowledge management tools, and information technology and successfully accomplishing similar duties.
• Good usage of computers and office software packages, properly handling web-based management systems.
• Knowledge of specialized software applied to evaluation, including IT knowledge to establish and maintain databases and tracking system.
• Good experience in conducting assessments and research
• Good writing, documentation and communication skills.

What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!

About Us, the Project and the Partner

Cuso International

Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada.

Project - Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE)

Cuso International will deliver the Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE) project, with a contribution from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) over seven years (2020-2027). SHARE aims to improve the economic and/or social well-being of the poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable people, particularly women and girls, in developing countries, with a view to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to increasing engagement of Canadians in international development and key global issues, this project will aim to increase the performance of country partners to deliver more inclusive, innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality, in support of the action areas of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

Partner - Hiwot Ethiopia

Hiwot Ethiopia envisages a future where children and youth in Ethiopia live healthy, happy and productive lives.

Hiwot Ethiopia’s mission is to work for the positive development of children and youth in Ethiopia, so that they are able to become healthy, happy and productive, by raising awareness of issues affecting children and youth to change attitudes and practices that are harmful to them, building the capacity and skills of children and youth, partner organizations and its own capacity providing practical support and services to children and youth.

Requirements

Applicants need to have at least four years of professional work experiences and good knowledge on:

 Communication strategies, knowledge management tools, and information technology and successfully

accomplishing similar duties.

 Good usage of computers and office software packages, properly handling web-based management systems.

 Knowledge of specialized software applied to evaluation, including IT knowledge to establish and maintain.

databases and tracking system.

 Good experience in conducting assessments and research; and

 Good writing, documentation and communication skills.

Benefits

Terms and Conditions

Cuso International terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle while being effective in your placement. This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (ex. loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international personal travel.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance (varies depending on country)
  
• Accommodation while in placement
• Return airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Cost of required vaccinations, antimalarial medication, and health insurance
• Pre-departure training, in-country orientation, and reintegration debriefing, including travel and accommodation (more details below)
• On the ground support through our Cuso International country program office
• Access to Employee Assistance Program while in placement and upon return
• Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

Other Requirements:

• Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to:
• Provide two Professional References and one Personal Reference
• Complete an oral assessment during your preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement
• Obtain a Police Check at our request
• Complete a full medical exam and be medically cleared by the Cuso International Medical Advisor prior to your departure
• Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated in accordance with the World Health Organization-approved vaccines.

Fundraising

We ask each volunteer, regardless of placement length, to raise $2,000. All volunteers receive support from Cuso International to help achieve the goal through fundraising. If the volunteer chooses not to fundraise or is unable to achieve the fundraising goal, he/she can make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor to support our work.

Pre-departure Training and Briefing

We commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement. You will have an advisor to support you through the process and will receive essential training as part of your preparation. This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement and culture, help you identify and plan your own learning, and help you stay safe and healthy during your placement.

Overview of pre-departure training:

1. Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID) program: blended online and in-person training, including 3-day training in Ottawa (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
2. Self-directed briefing documents, online training and external resources accessed through the volunteer portal
3. Online health briefing
4. Fundraising 101 Webinar

In-Country Training and Learning

You will receive an In-Country Orientation (ICO) that builds upon the pre-departure training. This will be conducted by either the country program office or the supporting partner organization. This normally lasts for 2-10 days (depending on language learning requirements and other factors). In some countries, volunteers will be able to access ongoing language training opportunities. In-Country Orientation equips you with the relevant skills, knowledge, and country-specific information to be successful in your placement. Furthermore, our Country Program Office or local partner will provide you with continuous in-country support throughout the duration of your placement.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Cuso International works with poor, vulnerable and marginalized people, mainly women and girls, to eradicate poverty and inequality. We understand the need to uphold and enforce the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.

At Cuso International, we believe that all people, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity or disability have the right to live lives free of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Cuso International considers all forms of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse to be incompatible with fundamental belief in the human dignity of all people, international and national agreements and standards, and with its core values. Cuso International volunteers must agree to uphold the Child Protection, Prevention of Workplace Violence, Prevention of Workplace Harassment and Discrimination, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policies and Code of Conduct.

Residency and Citizenship

Residency

The majority of Cuso International volunteer applicants are residing in Canada at the time of application and during the pre-departure process. Occasionally we received applications from volunteer applicants who are residing outside of Canada at the time of application. In both instances, between your application date and placement start date, we must be able to contact you and you must be able to contact us easily and promptly throughout the process.

We may require your passport and would need to be aware of your current place of residence and any travel plans you may have during this time. You will also require unrestricted access to Canada during this time for training, as applicable.

Citizenship

Leaving your country of residence can have significant effects on your citizenship status in that country. It is your responsibility to research the consequences of traveling to Canada during the pre-departure process if you are living outside of Canada and of leaving your country of residence for a placement with the immigration authority where you live.

By applying to this placement, you accept full responsibility for any consequences related to your citizenship, residency, and immigration status or penalties as a result of travel to pre-departure training, international placement, or other Cuso International related travel.

You must check the implications that apply to you, but examples include:

• Canadian permanent residents may need to make arrangements with immigration authorities before traveling. These arrangements allow them to travel without risk to their status in Canada. Without them, residency status may be withdrawn.
• Citizens of other countries, including those visiting Canada on a visa, may have travel restrictions.