About WEEMA:
Founded in 2011, WEEMA International is a nonprofit organization working in Southwestern Ethiopia. WEEMA centers its work on women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), believing that collective action by women transforms families, strengthens local systems, and creates lasting change. The organization is evolving from an implementer to a facilitator, investing in local leadership, digital innovation, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Position Summary:
The Self Help Group and Gender Advisor will provide technical and strategic leadership to strengthen WEEMA’s SHG-based institutional structures (SHG–CLA–FLA), ensuring they are inclusive, sustainable, and capable of driving women’s leadership and community transformation. The Advisor will also champion gender equality across all programs, promoting women’s voice, agency, and decision-making power while improving access to livelihoods, finance, and governance.
Responsibilities:
The Advisor will lead the design and implementation of strategies to strengthen SHG, CLA, and FLA structures and provide technical support to community offices. They will develop manuals, training roadmaps, and tools to build the capacity of facilitators, SHGs, and FLAs. The role includes gender integration and empowerment activities, conducting gender analyses, audits, and training to promote women’s leadership and equitable participation. The Advisor will also support the SHG Web-based Information System (SWIS), facilitate learning exchanges, document best practices, and collaborate with the PMERL team to enhance decision-making quality. Additionally, they will build partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, and financial institutions, represent WEEMA in local and national forums, and ensure high-quality reporting and knowledge management. The Advisor is responsible for maintaining compliance with organizational policies, promoting safeguarding principles, and serving as WEEMA’s PSEAH focal point in Addis Ababa.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Work, Rural Development, Economics, or a related field.
- 6–8 years of experience in SHG promotion, gender equality, women’s empowerment, or community development.
- Strong knowledge of gender-transformative approaches, livelihoods, microfinance, and financial inclusion programming.
- Proven skills in institutional development (SHG–CLA–FLA), participatory training, partnership coordination, facilitation, writing, and reporting.
- Fluency in English and Amharic; local languages desirable.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and thrive in a digitally enabled, learning-oriented environment.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV (max 3 pages) via email to assefa@weema.org with the subject line Self Help Group and Gender Advisor. Applications are accepted from January 1 to January 15, 2026. Only applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be shortlisted. For additional information, contact 0116683160.
Note: WEEMA International is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.