About the Organization
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In the face of disaster and hardship in more than 40 countries, the organization partners with local communities to put bold solutions into action, helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Mercy Corps has been a vital presence in Ethiopia since 2004, working tirelessly to drive transformative ideas and build a more resilient country. By collaborating closely with the government, the private sector, and civil society, Mercy Corps ensures that its programs are responsive to the actual needs of participants and stakeholders.
The Ethiopia country office is currently operationalizing its three-year strategy, “Pathway to Possibility,” which envisions enhancing the resilience of climate- and conflict-affected communities. This mission is achieved through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to nutritious food, and the provision of safe, clean water. Currently operating across six regional states—including Afar, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Amhara, and Addis Ababa—Mercy Corps empowers economically marginalized populations to recover from crises and transform their communities for good.
At Mercy Corps, the culture is built on the foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization recognizes that its strength lies in its people and the diverse perspectives they bring to the table. By fostering a workplace that values gender equality and social inclusion, Mercy Corps provides an exceptional platform for young professionals to grow. Interns and employees alike are encouraged to innovate and are provided with the tools and mentorship necessary to succeed in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Joining Mercy Corps means becoming part of a team that values integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to international relief standards. The organization provides rewarding work with passionate colleagues who are motivated by the goal of making a meaningful contribution to Ethiopia’s development. Career development is a core focus, with the organization offering technical training and professional exposure that serves as a springboard for future leadership in the humanitarian and development sectors.
We are a champion of inclusive growth and explicitly encourage women and young candidates to apply for our open positions. Mercy Corps is dedicated to empowering the next generation of Ethiopian professionals, ensuring that our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We believe that by investing in diverse talent today, we are building the leaders who will drive Ethiopia’s transformation for the future.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Communications Intern is a dynamic and multifaceted role within Mercy Corps Ethiopia’s Communications Unit. This position is essential for capturing and sharing the narrative of the organization’s impact across the country. You will be responsible for documenting human-interest stories, producing compelling photo and video content, and managing internal and external communication platforms. By bridging the gap between field implementation and global visibility, you ensure that the voices of program participants are heard and respected.
This internship offers a unique strategic “day-in-the-life” experience, as you will spend 40% of your time supporting the New Initiatives and Partnerships team. This dual-focus role allows you to gain deep insights into how communication drives new program development and maintains vital donor relationships. Your work will directly support the “Pathway to Possibility” strategy by ensuring that Mercy Corps’ successes are documented with ethical integrity and professional excellence, which is crucial for securing future funding and partnerships.
For the intern, this role serves as a high-impact professional incubator. You will master the art of storytelling in a humanitarian context, learn the intricacies of donor branding, and develop skills in digital content management. Whether you are conducting field interviews in regional states or managing high-level LinkedIn updates from the Addis Ababa office, you are developing the foundational skills of a professional communication practitioner in the international NGO sector.
The strategic importance of this role cannot be overstated; effective communication is what builds trust with the communities Mercy Corps serves and the donors who support its work. By producing high-quality visibility materials and organizing internal learning events, you help maintain a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. This internship provides the technical and ethical training necessary to represent vulnerable populations with dignity and accuracy.
Success in this position means becoming a vital link in the chain of accountability. You will help create visually engaging documents and narratives that clarify complex humanitarian issues for a global audience. This commitment to professional storytelling and ethical representation is at the core of Mercy Corps’ mission to help people recover from crisis and transform their communities for good.
Job Positions and Requirements
Communications Intern
Educational Qualification: BA degree in Journalism, English Language and Literature, Law, Public Relations, Political Science, or International Relations. (Must be a 2025 or 2026 Graduate).
Work Experience: Strong writing and storytelling skills. Basic understanding of photography and camera handling is desirable.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with field travel).
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Internship Stipend).
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a full-time internship position with a fixed duration of one year. It is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience where theoretical knowledge is applied to real-world humanitarian communication challenges. Mercy Corps provides a professional environment where interns are given significant responsibilities, ensuring that their one-year tenure results in a portfolio of work that demonstrates their readiness for a career in global communications.
The compensation package includes a competitive internship stipend aligned with the standards of the international NGO sector in Ethiopia. Beyond financial compensation, the role offers immense professional value through technical mentorship in photography, videography, and strategic messaging. This position provides a stable, growth-oriented environment where young professionals can launch their careers while contributing to national development.
How to Apply
Mercy Corps invites all qualified individuals who meet the educational and technical requirements to apply for this exciting opportunity. To begin the process, please prepare a comprehensive application package that demonstrates your writing ability, storytelling potential, and your alignment with Mercy Corps’ mission of building resilient communities.
Please be clearly advised that scanned certificates or official attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. We prioritize a clean and efficient screening process that focuses on your CV and the required recommendation letter from your university. We want to understand your narrative potential and professional integrity before moving to the formal document verification stage.
Original documents and academic credentials will only be requested for verification during the interview stage for those candidates who have been shortlisted. This ensures that our initial selection is based on the quality of your professional narrative and your technical interest in the field of Media and Communications.
Due to the volume of interest, only candidates who are short-listed will be acknowledged and contacted for interviews. We appreciate the effort every applicant puts into their submission and encourage you to highlight any portfolio work or academic success relevant to journalism and public relations in your CV.
Interested candidates should submit their application, including a CV and a letter of recommendation from their university confirming their integrity, via the electronic method specified below. This electronic submission is the primary channel for the recruitment process, ensuring that your application is handled securely and professionally.
Application Deadline
27 April 2026 at 4:00 PM
Official Application Link / Contact
Interested applicants should apply via the Mercy Corps career portal or send their application electronically to the specified organizational link:
Apply link