About the Organization
Self Help Africa (SHA) is an international development organization that has been a leading force in rural transformation since 1984. Dedicated to ending hunger and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, SHA works at the intersection of agriculture, agri-enterprise, and social equality. The organization believes that sustainable, equitable economic development is the most powerful tool for empowering rural communities. By addressing the root causes of poverty—including social inequality and climate change—SHA helps families grow more food, diversify their incomes, and build a better quality of life.
The organizational culture at Self Help Africa is defined by a commitment to technical excellence and social justice. The team operates with a profound respect for the communities they serve, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. SHA is an equal opportunities employer that maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding safeguarding violations and misconduct. Personnel work in a collaborative environment where cross-cutting themes like gender equality and nutrition are not just “add-ons” but are integrated into the core of every project design.
Professional growth at SHA is driven by the organization’s holistic approach to development. As a technical advisor, you will have the opportunity to shape national-level policies and represent the organization in high-level humanitarian clusters. Staff members are encouraged to become champions for Accountability to Affected People (AAP) and experts in nutrition-sensitive agriculture. The role provides a platform to lead gender analyses along complex agricultural value chains, providing unique insights into women’s economic advancement.
Joining Self Help Africa means joining a dedicated global team that balances field-level impact with strategic advocacy. The organization provides the infrastructure and support necessary for professionals to bridge knowledge gaps through mentoring and capacity building. For those committed to transformative development practices, SHA offers a dynamic environment where professional expertise directly contributes to the resilience and empowerment of rural Ethiopia.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Gender & Nutrition Advisor (Maternity Cover) serves as the primary technical authority for ensuring that SHA’s programs in Ethiopia are both gender-transformative and nutrition-sensitive. This role is essential for ensuring that agricultural interventions do not just increase yields, but also improve the dietary diversity and social standing of the most vulnerable households. The Advisor ensures that every stage of the project cycle—from the first proposal draft to the final impact evaluation—is grounded in technical excellence.
Daily responsibilities include advising program teams on the implementation of humanitarian and development projects and conducting rigorous gender analyses along agricultural value chains. The Advisor plays a critical role in capacity building, mentoring SHA staff and partners to ensure that nutrition and gender policies are effectively localized. Beyond technical support, the role involves serving as the Safeguarding Focal Point, managing disclosures, and maintaining referral pathways to ensure the safety and dignity of all project participants.
The strategic impact of this position is felt through improved health and social outcomes across SHA’s project areas. By representing the organization in national clusters and coordination forums (such as the MANTF and Protection Working Groups), the Advisor influences broader humanitarian standards in Ethiopia. Their advocacy efforts with government ministries and UN agencies help ensure that national laws and policies become more responsive to the needs of rural women and malnourished populations.
Career development in this role offers deep exposure to the “Nexus” of humanitarian and development programming. The incumbent will refine their expertise in policy advocacy and multi-sectoral coordination, skills that are highly sought after in the international NGO sector. Managing a technical portfolio that covers both nutrition and gender provides a unique competitive edge, allowing the professional to lead complex, integrated programs that address the multidimensional nature of poverty.
Ultimately, the Gender & Nutrition Advisor ensures that SHA’s mission is realized with integrity and impact. Through documenting success stories and promoting innovative practices like nutrition-sensitive agriculture, the Advisor helps transform “business as usual” into a more equitable and food-secure future for Ethiopia.
Job Positions and Requirements
1. Gender & Nutrition Advisor (Maternity Cover)
Education: Master’s Degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Social Science, or Gender Studies OR a Bachelor’s Degree in the same fields.
Work Experience: With a Master’s, at least 4 years of relevant experience is required; with a Bachelor’s, at least 6 years. A minimum of 2 years must be specifically in designing or implementing nutrition or gender-focused projects.
Required Skills: Demonstrated track record in national/sub-national cluster coordination, excellent written and oral English communication, and strong administrative database management skills.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, with frequent travel to field offices.
No. Required: 1.
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a full-time contract position for a duration of 6 months, specifically providing maternity cover. The role requires a commitment of 37.5 hours per week. While the contract is short-term, it offers a high-level technical entry point into one of the most respected NGOs in the agriculture sector.
Compensation is provided according to the Self Help Africa salary scale, which is competitive within the international NGO community in Ethiopia. The organization offers a professional and supportive work environment that values work-life balance while maintaining high standards of delivery. Benefits and terms of employment are designed to attract seasoned technical experts capable of stepping into the role with minimal orientation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should download and complete the official SHA Application Form from the careers portal. Once completed, the form, along with a CV and a cover letter, should be submitted through the [official SHA application link](https://selfhelpafrica.org/ie/careers-apply/?jbcd=500QD00000uS2hr%20-%20Gender%20&%20Nutrition%20Advisor%20(93960). Incomplete applications or those missing the specific SHA application form may not be considered.
Please note that scanned certificates or physical attachments are NOT required at the initial application stage. SHA prioritizes the information provided in the digital application form and CV to assess technical suitability. Physical verification of original academic credentials and professional documents will be conducted only for candidates who progress to the interview stage.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. Self Help Africa maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding safeguarding violations; all selected personnel will undergo thorough background and reference checks, including a commitment to the Code of Conduct and PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse). Early applications are encouraged as the review process is conducted on a rolling basis.
The primary channel for application is the online portal provided in the job listing. Ensure your cover letter highlights your specific experience in cluster coordination and nutrition-sensitive project design.
Application Deadline
May 15, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
[Self Help Africa Careers Portal](https://selfhelpafrica.org/ie/careers-apply/?jbcd=500QD00000uS2hr%20-%20Gender%20&%20Nutrition%20Advisor%20(93960) | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia