About the Organization
Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI) is a distinguished international Italian non-governmental organization that has been a beacon of humanitarian aid since its founding in 1965. With over six decades of experience, COOPI is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable communities across the globe. Our presence in Ethiopia dates back to 1995, where we have become a vital partner in national development, specializing in emergency relief, early recovery, and sustainable programs within the water, hygiene, sanitation (WASH), food security, livelihood, nutrition, and protection sectors.
Currently, COOPI manages a robust portfolio of 10 active projects in Ethiopia, supported by a dedicated workforce of over 100 professionals and eight strategic field bases. Our mission is built on the belief that sustainable change is possible when communities are given the tools and knowledge to lead their own development. We operate with a deep respect for local contexts while maintaining international standards of humanitarian excellence, ensuring that our interventions are both impactful and culturally appropriate.
We pride ourselves on a professional culture that emphasizes accountability, technical precision, and human dignity. Working with COOPI means joining a team that values agile problem-solving and collaborative planning. We strive to create an environment where technical expertise meets on-the-ground reality, allowing our staff to grow as humanitarian leaders while making a tangible difference in the lives of those residing in regions facing complex challenges.
Inclusivity is a fundamental pillar of our recruitment and operational philosophy. We are committed to promoting diversity and gender equality across all levels of our organization. We recognize that diverse teams are more innovative and effective in reaching all members of a community, particularly the most vulnerable. Our workplace is designed to support the professional growth of all individuals, regardless of their background.
Consistent with our values, Cooperazione Internazionale explicitly encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for these supervisory and officer roles. We believe that increasing female leadership in technical fields like engineering and humanitarian coordination is essential for the holistic success of our missions in Tigray and across Ethiopia.
Job Description
The available positions—WASH Supervisor, Project Officer, and ESNFI Expert—are critical to the success of our humanitarian interventions in Northern Ethiopia. These roles serve as the technical and operational bridge between strategic project goals and local community impact. Whether managing water infrastructure projects or overseeing emergency shelter and non-food item (ESNFI) distributions, these professionals ensure that aid is delivered effectively, safely, and according to the highest international standards.
For the WASH Supervisor and Project Officer roles, the strategic impact lies in the provision of life-sustaining water and sanitation services. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of infrastructure development, from reading complex technical drawings to supervising the physical construction of wells, boreholes, and distribution systems. These roles provide a “day-in-the-life” experience that combines high-level engineering oversight with direct community engagement and team management of skilled masons and plumbers.
The ESNFI Expert/Work Supervisor role focuses on the urgent need for safe and dignified living conditions for displaced populations. This position involves managing project cycles for shelter rehabilitation, tracking budgets, and ensuring that temporary and permanent structures meet SPHERE standards. The impact is immediate: providing security and protection to families in need while coordinating with international clusters to ensure a cohesive humanitarian response.
Career development at COOPI is a continuous journey. By working in high-pressure, emergency, and recovery contexts, our staff gain unparalleled experience in project management, technical site planning, and stakeholder coordination. We provide the platform for engineers and humanitarian experts to sharpen their skills in software like AutoCAD and QGIS while mastering the complexities of humanitarian logistics and community mobilization.
Ultimately, these roles offer the opportunity to be at the forefront of Ethiopia’s recovery efforts. Your work will directly contribute to building resilient communities and restoring dignity to thousands of people. COOPI offers a professional path where technical competency is matched by humanitarian purpose, providing a unique environment for those who seek to apply their professional skills to the most pressing global challenges.
Job Positions and Requirements
WASH Supervisor
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Specialization in Water/Civil Works)
Work Experience: Minimum 5 years supervising construction teams for water works
Job Location: Shire Area, North Western Zone of Tigray
Salary: 64,323 ETB (plus 30% Hardship Allowance)
No. Required: 1
Project Officer/WASH Supervisor
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Specialization in Water/Civil Works)
Work Experience: Minimum 5 years in humanitarian water works and team management
Job Location: Setit-Humera and Kafeta-Humera Woredas
Salary: 64,323 ETB (plus 30% Hardship Allowance)
No. Required: 1
ESNFI Expert/Work Supervisor
Educational Qualification: University Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management
Work Experience: 3–6 years in humanitarian/emergency contexts (Shelter/NFI)
Job Location: Shire Area, North Western Zone of Tigray
Salary: 64,323 ETB (plus 30% Hardship Allowance)
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
Cooperazione Internazionale offers a contract-based employment model, typically starting with a six-month duration. However, we view our staff as long-term partners; contracts are frequently extended based on satisfactory performance and the continued availability of project funding. This structure allows for a dynamic and performance-driven professional environment where excellence is recognized and rewarded through continued career opportunities within the global COOPI network.
The compensation package is designed to reflect the high level of technical expertise and the challenging environments in which our supervisors operate. In addition to a competitive gross monthly salary of 64,323 ETB, we provide a 30% Hardship Allowance for positions located in project implementation areas. This ensures that our staff are supported and compensated for the commitment required to work in demanding field sites.
Beyond the financial benefits, COOPI provides a comprehensive framework for professional insurance and medical support as per organization policy. We believe that our team members deserve a safety net that matches the vital nature of their work. Our goal is to ensure that while you are caring for the community, the organization is caring for you, providing a sustainable balance for a long-term career in the NGO sector.
The stability of your role is also tied to our robust pipeline of 10 active projects. This diversity of programming means that staff members often have the opportunity to transition between different thematic areas or geographical sites, further broadening their professional expertise. We offer a compensation structure that is growth-oriented, with clearly defined responsibilities and a path toward senior project management.
How to Apply
To facilitate a smooth application process, COOPI emphasizes that scanned certificates or heavy attachments are NOT required during the initial submission phase. Interested applicants should focus on providing a clear and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter that highlights their specific experience relevant to the water works or shelter projects they have completed. Please include locations and your specific role in previous projects within your CV.
Original documents and academic credentials are not needed for the first round of review. These original documents will only be required for physical verification if you are invited to the interview stage. This approach helps protect your original documents from unnecessary handling while speeding up our initial screening process.
Please note that due to the competitive nature of these roles and the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates who meet the specific technical requirements will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within a few weeks of the deadline, you may assume that your application has not progressed to the next stage for this specific vacancy.
The selection process at COOPI is thorough, involving technical assessments of your engineering or management skills followed by interviews with the project management team. We follow an Agile system for project management, and we look for candidates who can demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving abilities during the evaluation phase.
Interested candidates should submit their application via email to recruitment.ethiopia@coopi.org. It is essential to write the specific position name and your location of interest in the subject line of the email and the cover letter to ensure your application is routed to the correct department.
Application Deadline
April 30, 2026