Knowledge Management and Communication Officer

This Volunteer Placement is Located in : Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Start Date : November 2024

Placement Length : 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements : English Level 5-Fluent

Eligibility : 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 communication and knowledge management strategies and tools to achieve better organizational performance and results
• Build Strategic Partnerships with CSOs, and Consortiums : analyse 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
• Promote 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 the Caribbean, and Canada.

We seek individuals who share our values and are committed to supporting marginalized groups, including those from the LGBTQIA+ communities.

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, to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition to increasing the 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 means Life . Hiwot Ethiopia was initially established as a youth club by fourteen young people who wished to make a difference.

From these small beginnings, Hiwot Ethiopia grew and developed into an association, then a registered NGO with the Charities and Societies Agency as an Ethiopian Civil Society Organization / NGOs / charity focused on working with children and youth.

Hiwot Ethiopia delivers a range of multi-year projects with a number of local and international partners.

Terms and Conditions

Cuso International's terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle similar to local living standards.

This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (eg.

loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international personal travel.

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance
• Accommodation while in placement
• Medical Health Insurance (including the cost of required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)
• Round-trip airfare and visa / work permit costs
• Pre-placement training, In-Country Orientation (ICO) and Reintegration Debriefing
• Support while in placement through Cuso International's Country Program Office (CPO) and local partners throughout your placement
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) while in placement and upon return
• Support to meet your fundraising goals
• Bonus : Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months

Selection Requirements :

Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to :

• Confirm Passport or Permanent Resident details for travel purposes
• Provide 2 Professional References and 1 Personal Reference
• Complete a language assessment during the preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement
• Obtain a satisfactory Police Check
• Complete a medical exam and be medically cleared before your departure
• Due to the COVID-19 situation, be double vaccinated following 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-placement Training and Briefing - Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID)

We commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement. You will have a Volunteering Mobilization Advisor (VMA) to support you through the process and will participate in pre-placement training as part of your preparation.

You will also have access to self-directed briefing documents, online training, and external resources through the volunteer portal.

This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement and culture, help you identify and plan your learning, and help you stay safe and healthy during 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 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

During the application and pre-placement phases, most Cuso International applicants are based in Canada, although we also receive applications from outside Canada.

Regardless of your location, it's crucial for us to maintain easy and prompt communication with you between your application and start dates.

We may request your passport, need to know your current residence, and be informed of any travel plans.

Leaving your country of residence can impact your citizenship status. If you're leaving your residence for a placement, it is your responsibility to research the implications with local immigration authorities.

By applying, you accept full responsibility for any consequences regarding citizenship, residency, or immigration status.

Canadian Permanent Residents should make arrangements with immigration authorities before travelling to avoid any risks to their residency status.