Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.
Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes the U.S. Department of State, the European Union (EU), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the United Nations (UN), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN), Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA), and a range of other institutional and private foundations.
Risk Level: Level 3
The Country Communications Manager leads strategic communications across Mercy Corps Ethiopia's programme portfolio, strengthening organizational positioning, evidence-based storytelling, knowledge management, donor engagement and fundraising communications.
A substantial component of the position supports the Border Security Programme. Responsibilities include strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, donor-facing products, learning and visibility, and the safe communication of sensitive programme work.The manager will also lead communications planning for the Prosper Global transition and support communications quality and compliance across the country portfolio.
The manager develops and implements the country communications strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, programme objectives, donor commitments and the Prosper Global transition. The role translates programme evidence into credible communications, supports resource mobilization, advises leadership on stakeholder engagement and reputational risk, and strengthens staff capacity to communicate programme progress and learning.
The position reports to the Director of Programs, directly supervises the Communications Intern, and provides functional supervision to the ER CAP Communications Specialist through a dotted-line reporting relationship. The manager works closely with country leadership, programme teams, regional and global communications colleagues, and relevant technical and support functions.
Other duties: Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor, consistent with the purpose and level of the position.
Reports to: Director of Programs.
Works closely with: Country leadership, programme teams, Border Security Programme leadership and partners, monitoring, evaluation and learning, business development, grants and compliance teams, safeguarding and security focal points, regional and global communications teams, donors, media and external service providers.
The successful candidate combines strategic communications leadership with strong writing, sound judgment and effective execution. They can manage competing priorities, communicate complex evidence clearly, support fundraising and donor compliance, navigate sensitive contexts and build productive relationships across teams and stakeholders. They are proactive, adaptable and committed to credible, ethical and evidence-based communications.
The position is based in Addis Ababa, with travel to programme locations across Ethiopia, including remote and hardship areas, as required. Team members must comply with organizational policies, procedures and values during official travel and at all times.
Mercy Corps empowers team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that support professional development and organizational effectiveness.
Team members are expected to foster trust, respect, inclusion, collaboration and continuous learning.
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair employment practices and equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees, in accordance with applicable law.
Risk Level 3: Frequent contact with participants, direct contact with children, access to sensitive data and/or a high level of accountability.
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.
As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).
All qualified individuals are invited to apply for the advertised position. All applications, including a CV, three references, and all applicable official papers, must be sent electronically.
Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.
“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.”
DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: 31 October 2026/ 4:00 PM
POWERED BY POSSIBLE
The world is more fragile than ever. Food shortages have left millions of people hungry, while violent conflict has sent millions on the run. From poverty and malnutrition to natural disasters and climate change, it’s easy to see a world of insurmountable challenges. Instead, we see an opportunity to create transformative change.
We see the world differently.
In crisis, we believe in the power of human potential. In struggle, we believe in the ability of communities to grow stronger.
So we act differently.
We understand that communities are the best agents of their own change and local markets are the best engines of long-term recovery. In more than 40 countries, we partner to put bold solutions into action, helping people triumph over adversity and grow stronger from within. For the refugee who dreams of rebuilding her country, for the mother who wants a healthy future for her children — for millions of people filled with the power of possibility —Mercy Corps connects people to the resources they need to build better, stronger lives.
We create transformative change.
Mercy Corps has responded to nearly every global emergency over the past 20 years.
Since 1979, we have provided $3.7 billion in lifesaving assistance throughout the world. Each year we infuse millions of dollars into local economies through small business loans and grants to provide livelihoods for the world’s most vulnerable people. We are empowering more than 100,000 youth trapped by violent conflict to overcome the profound stress of war and become change makers in their communities.
We are powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
Join us.
