About the Organization

The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Addis Ababa stands as a vital diplomatic link between Norway and Ethiopia, serving a dual role as the official representative of the Norwegian Government and the Permanent Mission to the African Union. With a dedicated team of 12 diplomats and 26 local employees, the Embassy fosters a workspace where international diplomacy meets local expertise. Our mission is built upon the principles of partnership, transparency, and sustainable development, ensuring that the cooperation between our nations leads to meaningful, long-term impact across the region.

As a key player in the development sector, the Embassy manages a significant annual portfolio ranging from USD 35 million to USD 50 million. While the Embassy does not implement projects directly, we act as a strategic donor, providing essential grants to a diverse array of partners. Our network includes national government bodies, the World Bank, various United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. Through these collaborations, Norway contributes to stability, education, health, and economic growth within Ethiopia and the broader African continent.

The core values of the Royal Norwegian Embassy include a commitment to ethical financial management and the pursuit of excellence in all cooperative endeavors. We believe that development assistance is most effective when it is accompanied by rigorous quality assurance and expert financial advice. By maintaining high standards of accountability, we ensure that every dollar contributed by the Norwegian people reaches its intended destination and achieves the highest possible developmental return for the communities we serve.

Our organizational culture is characterized by a friendly, informal, and inclusive working environment. We value the unique perspectives that each team member brings, fostering a space where professional dialogue and innovation are encouraged. We believe that our local staff are the backbone of our operations, providing the essential contextual knowledge and technical skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of international development and diplomacy.

The Royal Norwegian Embassy is a champion of diversity and equal opportunity. We recognize that a balanced and inclusive workforce is essential for tackling the world's most pressing challenges. We explicitly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for this position. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and advance their professional career regardless of their background.

Job Description and Strategic Impact

The position of Controller for Development Cooperation is a newly established and critically important role within the Embassy’s development team. This role represents a strategic shift toward even greater financial oversight and quality assurance within our multi-million dollar portfolio. As the Embassy continues to manage complex agreements with international giants like the UN and the World Bank, the Controller will be the primary guardian of financial integrity, ensuring that grant management processes are robust and compliant.

For the successful candidate, a day in the life will involve providing high-level financial advice that shapes the direction of our development assistance. You will not just be looking at numbers; you will be analyzing the viability of projects and the capacity of partners to deliver results. This role offers the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of high-finance and international humanitarian aid, providing a bird's-eye view of how global development priorities are translated into local action.

The strategic impact of the Controller is profound, as this individual will be responsible for the quality assurance of a USD 35-50 million annual portfolio. By identifying financial risks and streamlining reporting processes, the Controller ensures the sustainability of the Embassy’s programs. Your work will directly influence the Embassy’s ability to maintain trust with both the Norwegian government and our diverse implementation partners, effectively acting as a bridge that ensures transparency and accountability.

Career development at the Royal Norwegian Embassy is a journey of continuous learning and international exposure. In this role, you will engage with global financial standards and participate in high-level discussions with international organizations. The Embassy supports professional growth through a collaborative environment where you can refine your analytical skills and expand your expertise in grant management and diplomatic protocols. This position is an ideal stepping stone for those aspiring to high-level roles in international finance or global policy.

Ultimately, the Controller will have the satisfaction of knowing their work underpins projects that improve lives across Ethiopia. Whether it is a government-led initiative or a grassroots civil society program, your financial oversight ensures these projects remain solvent and effective. This role provides the opportunity to build a legacy of fiscal responsibility within one of the most respected diplomatic missions in Addis Ababa, contributing to a future where development aid is synonymous with efficiency and impact.

Job Positions and Requirements

1. Controller Development Cooperation

Educational Qualification: Higher Degree (Master’s or MBA) in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Work Experience: Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in project financing, accounting, or controller roles, including at least 3 years in a financial management function. Experience with international organizations or embassies is required.

Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Based on experience and qualifications)

No. Required: 1

Employment Type and Compensation

The Royal Norwegian Embassy offers a full-time, fixed-term contract for this position, providing a stable and professional base for the right candidate. To ensure a mutual fit and a smooth transition into our diplomatic environment, the initial employment period includes a six-month probation phase. This role is designed for a dedicated professional looking for a long-term commitment within the international development sector, offering the security of a well-established governmental mission.

Our compensation package is highly competitive and growth-oriented, tailored to reflect the high level of responsibility and expertise required for this new position. We offer a salary that honors your years of experience in financial management and your specialized knowledge of development cooperation. Beyond the base salary, employees at the Embassy enjoy a collaborative workspace, domestic travel opportunities to project sites, and the prestige of working for a mission that is at the forefront of ethical financial practices.

How to Apply

In the initial phase of the application process, the Royal Norwegian Embassy does not require the submission of scanned certificates, degrees, or other heavy attachments. We prefer to focus on your professional narrative and qualifications as presented in your curriculum vitae and motivational statement. We encourage you to focus on the quality of your writing and the clarity of your experience to demonstrate your fit for this high-level role.

Please be advised that original documents and academic credentials will be required for physical verification only for those candidates who reach the interview stage. This practice streamlines the preliminary review process and respects the time of our applicants. Short-listed candidates may also be required to sit for a written examination to further demonstrate their analytical and financial management capabilities before a final selection is made.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted by the Embassy for interviews and further assessments. If you do not hear from us after the short-listing period, please assume that your application was not successful on this occasion. The final result of the application process will be announced publicly on the Embassy’s official website, maintaining our standard of transparency in all administrative procedures.

We value the time and effort invested by all candidates and look forward to reviewing applications from dedicated professionals who share our commitment to development and accountability. Following the deadline, our recruitment committee will conduct a methodical review of all submissions. We aim to identify a candidate who not only meets the technical requirements but also thrives in our informal and friendly working culture.

Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit a motivational statement of up to 500 words and their CV directly via email. To be eligible, your email must include direct answers to our mandatory screening questions regarding salary requirements, years of experience in international organizations, and your master's degree status.

Application Deadline

May 4, 2026

Official Application Link / Contact

emb.addisabeba@mfa.no