Media Specialist

Deadline: 03/03/2026

Employment Type: Full time

Company: Ethiopian Human Rights Commission

Location: Head Office

Open Position: N/A

Experience: four years of relevant professional experience

Education: Applicants must hold a BA or MA degree in Journalism, Communication, Public Relations, International Studies, Political Science, Law, Human Rights, or a related field.

The Office of the Chief Commissioner is inviting qualified and dynamic professionals to apply for the position of Media Specialist. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about strategic communication, media engagement, and promoting human rights awareness at the highest institutional level.

The Media Specialist will play a central role in shaping and strengthening public communication for the leadership of the Commission. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with senior leadership and contribute directly to national human rights discourse.

About the Organization

The position is within the Office of the Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC). EHRC is Ethiopia’s independent national human rights institution mandated to promote and protect human rights throughout the country.

EHRC conducts investigations, monitoring, research, advocacy, and public engagement to advance human rights standards and accountability. The Office of the Chief Commissioner provides strategic leadership and represents the institution at national and international levels.

Working within this Office offers exposure to high-level policy discussions, national reform processes, and strategic communication initiatives. It provides an excellent platform for career growth in public communication, governance, and human rights advocacy.

This role directly contributes to strengthening public understanding of human rights issues and enhancing institutional transparency and credibility.

Job Description

The Media Specialist will provide exclusive media and communication support to the Office of the Chief Commissioner. The role ensures timely, accurate, and strategic dissemination of key messages aligned with EHRC’s mandate and policies.

The position involves daily monitoring of print, broadcast, online, and social media coverage related to the Chief Commissioner, official engagements, and relevant human rights developments.

The Media Specialist will prepare regular and ad-hoc media monitoring reports, analytical briefs, and communication updates for the Chief Commissioner and the Chief of Staff.

The role includes drafting, reviewing, and editing communication materials related to the Chief Commissioner’s meetings, public statements, initiatives, and high-level engagements.

Press releases, talking points, key messages, media briefs, and background documents will be prepared to support public communication efforts.

All proposed communication products will be submitted to the Media and Communication Department for institutional dissemination in accordance with EHRC policies and approval procedures.

The Media Specialist will manage content published on the Chief Commissioner’s official social media accounts, ensuring professionalism, accuracy, and consistency with institutional values.

The role includes reviewing feedback and comments from official social media platforms and preparing analytical reports to inform communication strategies.

The Media Specialist will serve as the focal point for media requests addressed to the Chief Commissioner and coordinate interviews, press briefings, and statements in collaboration with the EHRC Spokesperson.

Strategic communication advice and technical support will be provided to the Chief Commissioner and the Chief of Staff, particularly on sensitive or high-profile matters.

The role requires maintaining confidentiality, institutional coherence, and strict adherence to EHRC policies in all media-related activities.

This position offers valuable experience working directly with senior leadership, strengthening skills in crisis communication, media strategy, and high-level public engagement.

Educational Qualification

Applicants must hold a BA or MA degree in Journalism, Communication, Public Relations, International Studies, Political Science, Law, Human Rights, or a related field.

An academic background that combines communication expertise with knowledge of governance or human rights will be highly advantageous.

Work Experience

Candidates with a BA degree must have a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience.

Candidates with an MA degree must have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience.

Experience supporting senior public officials, national human rights institutions, or public sector institutions is considered an advantage.

Professional experience in media relations, public communication strategy, speechwriting, or digital media management will be highly valued.

Required Skills and Competencies

Excellent writing, editing, and analytical skills are essential for this position.

A strong command of both Amharic and English is required. Knowledge of additional local languages is an asset.

Applicants must be computer literate and proficient in digital communication tools and social media platforms.

The ability to handle sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment is critical.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines are important for success in this role.

This position offers significant professional development opportunities in strategic communication, leadership advisory support, and institutional media engagement.

Job Location

The position is based at the Head Office. The role is office-based and requires close coordination with senior leadership.

Employment Type and Salary

The employment type is a one-year contract with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs.

The position reports directly to the Chief of Staff and the Chief Commissioner.

Salary will be determined according to EHRC’s internal salary scale and policies. Allowances are not specified.

This opportunity offers meaningful career advancement within a respected national institution and provides exposure to high-level public affairs and communication strategy.

Women candidates and candidates with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. EHRC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and welcomes applicants from underrepresented groups.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment and interview.

Scanned certificates or additional attachments are not required at the time of application.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their application through the official recruitment channel of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission as indicated in the vacancy announcement.

Applicants are advised to carefully complete all required information in the application Apply link