Job Description
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the advancement of agricultural knowledge and collaboration in Ethiopia, utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver world-class event experiences. The position offers exposure to a wide range of AV and IT systems, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to build a sustainable pool of qualified AV professionals in the region.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture of Ethiopia has established a modern, purpose-built Conference Center to serve as the national hub for agricultural knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Designed and constructed with support from UNOPS, the Center is expected to operate as a financially self-sustaining entity through professional facility rental, event services, and ancillary revenue streams while delivering world-class experiences to government institutions, development partners, NGOs, academic bodies, and private agri-businesses. The ICT Associate is the technical backbone of the Conference and Training Centre. The role is responsible for the design, installation, operation, maintenance, and continuous upgrading of all audiovisual, video-conferencing, live-streaming, recording, simultaneous interpretation, and IT/infrastructure systems. This position ensures that every event whether fully in-person, hybrid, or fully virtual delivers flawless, world-class technical performance, thereby directly supporting the Centre’s objectives of knowledge dissemination, nationwide outreach (Digital Ethiopia 2025), multi-stakeholder collaboration, capacity building, and revenue generation through premium technical services.
Reporting to the Conference Center Management Officer, the ICT Associate takes responsibility for a complete, specialized administrative process related to the ICT infrastructure and audiovisual systems of the Conference and Training Centre, from start to finish, ensuring its integrity and optimal performance.
1. Technical Planning and Event Support
- Meet with the Event Coordinator and clients during the planning phase to fully understand technical requirements (sound reinforcement, projection, video-conferencing, live streaming, recording, simultaneous interpretation, stage lighting, etc.).
- Prepare detailed technical riders, floor plans, signal-flow diagrams, and cost estimates for billable AV services.
- Design and propose hybrid/virtual event solutions that connect Addis Ababa with regional states, research centers, and international partners.
- Recommend and upsell advanced services (4K recording, multi-camera production, interactive polling, VR/AR elements, branded digital backdrops, etc.).
2. System Management and Operations
- Oversee the day-to-day operation, configuration, and troubleshooting of the entire AV ecosystem, including: Control rooms and central data center, Large-scale LED walls, projectors, and display systems, Digital sound processors, line arrays, and microphones, Video-conferencing, Zoom Rooms and cloud platforms, Simultaneous interpretation booths and infrared/wireless systems, Live-streaming and webcasting encoders, Structured cabling, network switches, and fiber backbone, Media server and digital archive for storing event recordings, presentations, and photos.
3. On-Site Technical Direction
- Act as the lead technical director during events, supervising the AV crew and ensuring seamless execution.
- Operate or oversee operation of the main control room during high-profile events.
- Provide real-time troubleshooting and contingency solutions (backup power, redundant internet lines, spare equipment).
- Coordinate with simultaneous interpreters and ensure language distribution systems function perfectly.
4. Maintenance, Upgrades, and Asset Management
- Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for all AV, IT, and broadcast equipment.
- Manage inventory of spare parts, cables, adapters, and consumables.
- Conduct regular system health checks, firmware updates, and security patching.
- Lead annual technical audits and propose upgrades in line with emerging standards (8K, AI-driven cameras, cloud production, etc.).
5. Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer
- Train Ministry staff, extension agents, and regional participants on basic hybrid-meeting and streaming skills as part of the Centre’s nationwide outreach mandate.
- Mentor and supervise technicians and interns, building a sustainable pool of qualified AV professionals in Ethiopia.
- Document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and create quick-reference guides for all systems.
6. Revenue Generation and Cost Control
- Price and bill all technical services accurately (equipment rental, technician overtime, streaming bandwidth, recording packages).
- Continuously seek cost-effective procurement and licensing options without compromising quality.
- Explore partnerships with AV vendors for revenue-sharing on high-value equipment rentals.
7. Safety, Security, and Sustainability
- Enforce electrical safety, rigging safety, and cyber-security protocols.
- Implement energy-efficient practices (LED lighting, automatic shutdown schedules).
- Maintain backup power systems (UPS and generator integration) for uninterrupted operations.
