Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Partnerships and Communications Director:

• Liaises and communicates with members of the Ethiopian Economics Association, international and national partners, federal and regional state governments, universities, civil society organizations, NGOs, funding partners, and the general public;
• Prepares, revises, or adapts Partnership and Communication strategies and ensures its implementation to reach out to EEA’s members, partners, users and the general public;
• Develops strategies for soliciting grant opportunities in support of core and non-core activities of the Association;
• Initiates partnerships for signing MoUs and agreements with different partners on areas of collective responsibility, shared objectives, and areas of influence;
• Revamps the ICT/communication platforms including webpage and social media outlets of the Association;
• Ensures continuity of the Ethiopian Journal of Economics and other publications of the Association with the required quality standards;
• Facilitates organization of consultative forums, conferences, workshops, and various events at regional, national, and international levels;
• Organizes databases of members, completed research activities, resource persons, publications, events, capacity buildings, partners, and the likes;
• Ensures delivery of membership services like EEA library, membership registration and renewal, members engagement in EEA activities, and the likes;
• Ensures and monitors operations of the existing EEA chapters, and facilitate opening up of new EEA chapters as required;
• Prepares strategic and annual plans and produces quarterly and annual performance reports of the division;
• Represents EEA at various meetings/ forums, networks, and coalitions as required;
• Enhances visibility of the Association nationally and globally;
• Recruits, develops and evaluates staff, and provides guidance to team members under the Partnership and Communication Division; and
• Performs other related duties as required and requested.

Job Requirements

• A good understanding of how EEA operates in terms of the concepts, methodologies, and current trends in the field to effectively communicate and collaborate with researchers;
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex economic research findings in a clear and concise manner to different audiences, including researchers, policymakers, partners and the general public;
• Have interpersonal skills to build and maintain partnership and work well with researchers, administration and finance, donors, government and other external stakeholders;
• Positive attributes: be approachable, empathetic, and skilled at fostering positive relationships;
• The ability to think strategically and align his/her efforts with the overall goals of the EEA by identifying opportunities for collaboration, developing communication strategies, and effectively prioritizing his/her works to maximize impact;
• Be familiar with different communication channels, including social media, press releases, and website content, and know how to effectively use them to promote EEA’s research and achievements;
• Be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, work under tight deadlines, and adjust his/her strategies based on evolving needs and priorities;
• Understand the importance of confidentiality, data protection, and responsible communication of research findings;
• Be proficient in using communication platforms, content management systems, and data visualization tools to effectively disseminate research information;
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in the field, organize and attend conferences and workshops, and actively seek opportunities to enhance his/her knowledge and skills; and
• Demonstrated effectiveness in developing partnerships, networking, fundraising and communication.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of MA/MSc Degree in communications, partnerships, international/public relations, economics, and other related fields of studies;
• Additional demonstrable knowledge of economics, if the Degree is not in economics.
• At least 10 years progressively responsible experience in partnerships and communications.
• At least one publication in a reputable academic/research journal in economics and/or partnerships/communications and three articles in influential magazines, and newspapers such as Ethiopian Herald, Reporter, Fortune, The Economists,
• Financial Times, etc

Language: Proficiency in English and Amharic is required. Knowledge of other national and international languages is an advantage.

Skills: Basic computer and interpersonal skills.