Open to opportunities

Rahel Zewdu Kebede

@rahelzewdukebede

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Experienced communications specialist with a focus on public diplomacy.

Ethiopia

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that values strategic communication and offers opportunities for impactful storytelling and partnership building.

I am a seasoned communications professional with over 14 years of experience in public diplomacy, media relations, and strategic communications. My career has been dedicated to enhancing digital engagement and building strong partnerships, particularly during my tenure with the U.S. Embassy and USAID programs. I have successfully led high-impact communication initiatives, including organizing press tours and managing press coverage for senior U.S. officials, which has significantly increased visibility and engagement with key audiences.

Throughout my career, I have developed and executed strategic communication plans that align with organizational goals. My role as a Development Outreach and Communications Specialist at USAID has allowed me to lead media efforts for high-level U.S. visitors and collaborate with various teams to enhance public understanding of U.S. support for democracy and human rights. I take pride in my ability to mentor others and train communications staff on effective storytelling and media engagement, ensuring that our outreach efforts resonate with the right audiences.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Development Outreach and Communications Specialist

Current

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Jun 2022 - Present (3 years)

Led media efforts for high-level U.S. visitors, including Secretary Antony Blinken’s meeting with local civil society groups in Ethiopia, helping to increase public understanding of U.S. support for democracy and human rights. Collaborated with the U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy team to organize a 10-day press tour on healthcare modernization and digitization for treating Tuberculosis. Served as Ac

Media Relations Brand Management Content Creation Photography Social Media Management Event Management

Board Member

Ethiopian Media Women Association

Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 5 months)

Led the development of EMWA’s five-year plan to set clear goals and guide the organization’s growth and work. Created strategies to bring in more funding from different sources so EMWA could become more financially stable and less dependent on two donors. Built strong partnerships and worked closely with stakeholders like media groups, government offices, and other organizations to support women i

Partner Engagement Event Management Social Media Management Content Creation Brand Management Cross Cultural Communication

Strategic Content Coordination Specialist

U.S. Mission to the African Union (USAU)

Nov 2019 - Present (5 years 7 months)

Arranged interviews with African journalists for the Ambassador through the Africa Media Hub, including coverage of the U.S.–Africa High-Level Dialogue, to strengthen U.S.-Africa relations and highlight key diplomatic issues. Led media efforts for the Ambassador and senior officials, ensuring all messages aligned with U.S. goals and reached the right audience. Updated the Mission’s media policy to

Media Relations Social Media Management Content Creation Partner Engagement Cross Cultural Communication Crisis Management

Information Assistant/Webmaster

U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa

Feb 2011 - Present (14 years 4 months)

Planned and led major press events with top U.S. officials, including the President, Secretary of State, Ambassadors, and other senior leaders, to raise awareness of U.S. policies and programs. Wrote and shared key communication materials, such as press releases, speeches, and official statements, to inform the public and media. Launched and grew the Embassy’s social media pages (Facebook and Twit

Media Relations Social Media Management Content Creation Crisis Management Graphic Design Event Management Brand Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Addis Ababa University

Master of Fine Arts, Journalism and Communications

Completed a Master of Fine Arts in Journalism and Communications. This program provided advanced knowledge and skills in media and communication strategies.