About the Organization

Amhara Women’s Association (AWA) is a distinguished nonprofit, nonpolitical, and non-religious civic organization established in 1998. For over two decades, AWA has been at the forefront of empowering women and girls across the Amhara Regional State and the Addis Ababa City Administration. By focusing on both social and economic empowerment, the association works to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent women from achieving their full potential, ensuring they have a voice in their communities and control over their own lives.

The organization is currently launching a vital 12-month humanitarian project funded by UN-OCHA, specifically designed to support internally displaced people (IDPs) and vulnerable households in the North Shoa Zone, including Merhabetie woreda and Shoa Robit town. This initiative provides a comprehensive suite of life-saving services, ranging from survivor-centered case management and mental health support (MHPSS) to the distribution of dignity kits and targeted cash for protection. By addressing the immediate needs of conflict-affected populations, AWA safeguards the fundamental rights and dignity of those most at risk.

The culture within AWA is built on a foundation of empathy, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the "Do No Harm" principle. Staff members operate in a multidisciplinary environment where collaboration between social workers, health professionals, and community leaders is essential for holistic care. This integrated approach ensures that every intervention is tailored to the unique cultural and social context of the region, maximizing the impact of the humanitarian assistance provided.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just values but operational imperatives for AWA. The association recognizes that the complex challenges faced by women and girls in humanitarian contexts require a diverse set of skills and perspectives. By fostering an inclusive workplace, AWA empowers its staff to innovate and adapt to the fluid security and social dynamics of the project areas, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the specialized care they require.

AWA maintains a strong commitment to gender equality and the protection of the most marginalized. The organization serves as a beacon of hope for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection (CP) risks. In line with this mission, AWA highly encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for these roles, as their lived experiences and expertise are invaluable to the success of this survivor-centered initiative.

Job Description and Strategic Impact

The roles of Project Coordinator, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer, and Protection Officer are the technical and operational backbone of AWA’s humanitarian response. These positions are designed to create a seamless system of leadership, oversight, and direct intervention. While the Coordinator ensures strategic alignment and the M&E Officer tracks program quality, the Protection Officer works directly with the community to provide life-saving support to children and survivors of GBV.

For the Project Coordinator, the focus is on high-level management and ensuring that all project components—from case management to cash distribution—are executed on time and within budget. The M&E Officer provides the evidence base for this work, systematizing data collection to prove that interventions are meeting the needs of IDPs. Meanwhile, the Protection Officer translates these strategies into action by managing referral pathways and facilitating safe spaces for vulnerable groups.

The strategic impact of these roles lies in their ability to reduce protection risks in conflict-affected areas. By identifying separated children, conducting awareness sessions on rights, and providing individualized action plans for survivors, the team creates a protective environment that safeguards human dignity. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that AWA does not just provide aid, but builds resilient community structures that can protect women and children in the long term.

Career development within AWA offers exposure to international humanitarian standards, including PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) and survivor-centered case management. Professionals gain unique experience in working with UN-OCHA funding and coordinating with various regional and zonal government bodies. This experience is essential for anyone looking to advance in the fields of social science, humanitarian protection, or international development.

Ultimately, the work of this project team helps restore hope to those displaced by conflict. By providing dignified access to services and ensuring that every child and woman is accounted for and protected, AWA staff contribute to the healing and stabilization of the North Shoa Zone. This is an opportunity to perform high-impact work where technical skills in project management and social work directly translate into saved lives and protected rights.

Job Positions and Requirements

1. Project Coordinator

Educational Qualification: Master’s or BA degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Gender and Development, Child Protection, or Public Health.

Work Experience: Typically 5+ years of experience; at least 3 years in international or humanitarian coordination.

Job Location: North Shoa Zone (Merhabetie woreda and Shoa Robit town)

Salary: Per Scale

No. Required: 1

2. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer

Educational Qualification: Master’s or BA degree in M&E, Economics, Statistics, Social Work, Psychology, or Public Health.

Work Experience: 3 years for Master's or 5 years for BA degree; at least 3 years of dedicated M&E experience in an NGO setting.

Job Location: North Shoa Zone (Merhabetie woreda and Shoa Robit town)

Salary: Per Scale

No. Required: 1

3. Protection Officer

Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Law, or Development Studies.

Work Experience: 3-5 years of experience in Child Protection and/or CP-GBV programming.

Job Location: North Shoa Zone (Merhabetie woreda and Shoa Robit town)

Salary: Per Scale

No. Required: Multiple Positions

4. Community Outreach Worker /COW/

Educational Qualification: BA degree in Social Work, Sociology, Gender Studies, Psychology, Public Health, or related field.

Work Experience: 2 years for BA holders; 1 year for MA holders.

Job Location: North Shoa Zone (Merhabetie woreda and Shoa Robit town)

Salary: Per Scale

No. Required: Multiple Positions

5. CP-GBV Case Worker

Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Nursing, Sociology, or related discipline.

Work Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in CP-GBV case management.

Job Location: North Shoa Zone (Merhabetie woreda and Shoa Robit town)

Salary: Per Scale

No. Required: Multiple Positions

6. MHPSS Counselor

Educational Qualification: Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Clinical, Counseling, Social), Social Work, or Psychiatric Nursing.

Work Experience: 3 years for MA holders; 5 years for BA holders in counseling.

Job Location: North Shoa Zone (Merhabetie woreda and Shoa Robit town)

Salary: Per Scale

No. Required: Multiple Positions

Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a strong academic background in social sciences or health to navigate the complexities of protection and psychosocial support.

Work Experience: Proven experience in humanitarian settings or conflict-affected areas is highly valued, as the roles require the ability to work under pressure.

Job Location: All positions are based in North Shoa, specifically serving IDP populations and vulnerable households in Merhabetie and Shoa Robit.

Salary: AWA provides a competitive salary package as per the NGO scale, recognizing the technical expertise and dedication required.

No. Required: The recruitment aims to build a full project team for a 12-month UN-OCHA funded initiative.

Employment Type and Compensation

All positions are offered on a contract basis for the 12-month project cycle. This timeframe allows professionals to see a project through from its launch to its final evaluation, providing a sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to document long-term impact. While the roles are contract-based, AWA is a stable and long-standing organization that frequently manages multi-year initiatives.

The compensation package is designed to be competitive within the Ethiopian NGO sector. It reflects the technical nature of CP-GBV and MHPSS work, acknowledging the emotional and professional demands placed on staff. AWA ensures that its employees have the necessary support systems in place, including clear reporting lines and professional supervision, to maintain their well-being.

Beyond the financial package, AWA offers significant intangible benefits. Employees are part of a mission-driven organization that values ethical conduct and professional integrity. The organization provides regular training on PSEA and safeguarding, ensuring that every staff member is equipped with the knowledge to uphold the highest humanitarian standards.

Growth within the organization is encouraged through peer-to-peer learning and multidisciplinary collaboration. A counselor might work alongside a project coordinator and a legal expert, gaining a 360-degree view of how humanitarian aid is delivered and managed. This exposure is invaluable for those looking to advance their careers in international development.

Finally, the organization fosters a culture of recognition where best practices and success stories are documented. By working for AWA, individuals join a community of professionals who are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of women and children, supported by a fair and transparent compensation structure.

How to Apply

To apply for these positions, candidates are informed that scanned copies of academic and experience credentials are NOT required during the initial application stage. Applicants should focus on submitting a high-quality, up-to-date CV (maximum 4 pages) and a tailored cover letter (maximum 1 page). These documents should clearly demonstrate how the candidate’s background aligns with the requirements.

Original documents and authenticated certificates will be required only for physical verification if a candidate is invited for an interview. This approach minimizes the administrative burden on applicants while ensuring a rigorous verification process for finalists. All candidates should be prepared to present their original credentials at the AWA office during the interview phase.

Applicants must follow the specific instructions for submission based on their preferred method. For email applications, please send your documents to fasikabizuayehu@gmail.com and clearly state the position and location you are applying for in the subject line. For in-person applications, visit the AWA main office in Bahir Dar, Kebele 13, located in the Supreme Court compound.

Please be aware that all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory reference and background checks. In line with PSEA standards, AWA will request information from previous employers regarding any history of misconduct. By submitting an application, the candidate confirms their understanding and acceptance of these ethical recruitment procedures.

Candidates should ensure their application reaches the organization before the stated deadline to be considered. One concise paragraph: Interested and qualified applicants should submit their CV and cover letter via email to fasikabizuayehu@gmail.com or in person at the AWA office in Bahir Dar by the specified closing date.

Application Deadline

May 15, 2026

Official Application Link / Contact

Email: fasikabizuayehu@gmail.com

Physical Office: Bahir Dar, Kebele 13 (Supreme Court compound)

Webpage: https://amharawomenasso.org.et