ActionAid Ethiopia Job Vacancy 2025: Country Director

🌍 ActionAid Ethiopia Job Vacancy 2025: Country Director

Organization: ActionAid Ethiopia
Position Title: Country Director
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Contract Type: Fixed-term (Full-time)
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
Encouragement: Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply

About ActionAid Ethiopia

ActionAid Ethiopia (AAE) is a gender justice and poverty eradication organization working to challenge structural inequalities and empower women, girls, and marginalized communities.
We believe that gender justice and sustainable development can be achieved through collective action that drives social and economic transformation — from the household to the global stage.

ActionAid’s programs focus on feminist leadership, climate justice, youth empowerment, humanitarian response, and governance, empowering communities to demand accountability and lead change.

Role Purpose

ActionAid Ethiopia is seeking a visionary and transformative Country Director to provide strategic leadership, high-level representation, and effective management of the country program.

The Country Director (CD) will:

• Lead strategic planning and program implementation.
• Strengthen partnerships and external engagement.
• Promote feminist leadership principles and safeguarding.
• Ensure accountability, innovation, and sustainability across all areas of operation.

The role reports directly to ActionAid International’s Head of Africa and represents Ethiopia within the global federation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Representation

• Lead the development and execution of ActionAid Ethiopia’s Country Strategy Paper (CSP).
• Ensure strategic alignment with ActionAid International’s Global Strategy.
• Represent ActionAid Ethiopia in national and international forums, building strong partnerships with government, donors, and civil society.
• Strengthen ActionAid’s influence through high-level advocacy and public engagement.

2. Program Development & Delivery

• Oversee design and implementation of high-quality, gender-responsive programs.
• Champion gender justice, youth engagement, climate resilience, and humanitarian action.
• Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems.
• Promote documentation and dissemination of best practices.

3. Policy, Advocacy & Research

• Lead feminist policy and advocacy initiatives that influence public policy and social norms.
• Drive research and evidence-based learning to inform programming and advocacy.
• Strengthen ActionAid’s digital and media presence to amplify its mission.

4. Fundraising & External Relations

• Develop and implement a diversified fundraising strategy.
• Strengthen relationships with donors and funding partners.
• Ensure grant compliance, timely reporting, and transparent resource management.
• Build ActionAid’s public profile through digital storytelling and campaign visibility.

5. People Leadership & Culture

• Lead and mentor the Senior Management Team (SMT) to achieve organizational excellence.
• Promote feminist leadership, inclusivity, transparency, and staff wellbeing.
• Encourage innovation, staff development, and cross-learning across programs.

6. Finance, Operations & Risk Management

• Oversee financial management, budgeting, and donor compliance.
• Ensure strong risk mitigation systems and internal controls.
• Promote efficient procurement, asset management, and financial reporting.

7. Governance & Federation Engagement

• Maintain effective collaboration with ActionAid International and federation governance bodies.
• Ensure full compliance with Ethiopian legal and regulatory requirements.
• Represent AAE in regional and global ActionAid initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Management, or International Studies (or related field).

Experience:

• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in the development sector.
• At least 10 years in senior leadership roles (preferably as Country Director or equivalent).
• Proven record in program management, fundraising, advocacy, and external representation.
• Strong understanding of Ethiopian social, political, and economic context.
• Experience in leading feminist organizations, social movements, or youth-led initiatives.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and diplomatic skills.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

Core Competencies:

• Strategic leadership and vision
• Fundraising and partnership development
• Financial and risk management
• Team development and performance management
• Policy advocacy and gender equality leadership

How to Apply

Interested candidates meeting the above requirements are invited to apply no later than October 31, 2025 via one of the following methods:

1. Online: Apply through the Ethiojobs portal.
2. By Email: Send your CV and cover letter (clearly stating salary expectations) to
   📩 hrod.ethiopia@actionaid.org
   Subject line: Country Director – Ethiopia
3. By Post:
   ActionAid Ethiopia
   P.O. Box 1261, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Note:

• This position is open only to Ethiopian Nationals.
• ActionAid conducts safeguarding and reference checks on successful candidates.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
• Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.