About the Organization
The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) serves as a cornerstone of democratic advancement in Ethiopia. As a leading consortium partner, CECOE works tirelessly alongside Bright Future and Ethiopian Women Rights Advocates (EWRA) to implement transformative initiatives that strengthen the fabric of civic life. Our mission is to cultivate a society where every citizen is empowered to participate meaningfully in governance, peacebuilding, and the protection of human rights.
The organization is currently spearheading the “Promoting Democracy, Civic Engagement, and Human Rights in Ethiopia” project. This multi-year initiative is designed to bolster grassroots civil society, promote inter-regional peace, and elevate the voices of women in leadership roles. We believe that a resilient democracy is built from the ground up, and our work is dedicated to providing the tools and platforms necessary for this growth to flourish across all regions of the country.
Our contribution to the industry is defined by our commitment to high-impact, sustainable development. By operationalizing regional civic engagement hubs known as “Bqu Zega” and launching digital e-learning platforms, we are bridging the gap between national policy and local action. Our legacy is rooted in the success of the communities we serve, fostering a culture where civic duty and human rights are at the forefront of the national conversation.
CECOE is an organization that deeply values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We operate on the principle that diverse perspectives are essential for authentic democratic engagement and effective conflict resolution. Our workplace and our projects are designed to be inclusive spaces where individuals from all ethnic backgrounds, religions, and regions are respected and given the opportunity to lead and innovate.
We are particularly committed to redressing gender imbalances in leadership and civic participation. CECOE strongly encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for this position. We believe that empowering women leaders is a fundamental necessity for achieving a peaceful and democratic Ethiopia, and we strive to reflect these values in our hiring practices and organizational culture.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Project Officer is a high-impact role essential to the successful delivery of our consortium’s strategic goals. This position is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and implementation of project activities across a wide geographic scope, including regions such as Tigray, Somali, Amhara, and Oromia. Your work will be the primary link between high-level project strategy and the tangible results achieved on the ground.
Strategically, this role is vital for operationalizing our “Bqu Zega” civic engagement hubs and supporting the sub-granting processes that empower emerging local organizations. By facilitating the Inter-Regional Peacebuilding Initiative (IRPI), the Project Officer directly contributes to the stability and unity of the nation. Your efforts will ensure that the project’s 36-month vision is executed with precision and local relevance.
A “day-in-the-life” in this position involves a dynamic blend of regional travel, stakeholder engagement, and project monitoring. You will be organizing “Innovate for Democracy” marathons, facilitating capacity-building workshops for youth and journalists, and documenting success stories that measure the impact of our initiatives. This role offers the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the transformation of civic life in Ethiopia.
Career development at CECOE is grounded in the scale and significance of our mission. As a Project Officer, you will gain unparalleled experience in consortium management, donor compliance, and multi-regional coordination. We provide a platform where your analytical skills and adaptive learning are nurtured, preparing you for senior leadership roles in the international development and human rights sectors.
The strategic impact of your work will be felt in the increased capacity of CSOs and the heightened engagement of citizens in local governance. By joining our team, you become a key architect of democracy in Ethiopia. We offer a professional environment where your dedication to human rights and gender equality will have a measurable and lasting influence on the country’s future.
Job Positions and Requirements
Project Officer
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Law, Human Rights, Development Studies, Gender Studies, or a related field (Master’s Degree is a distinct advantage).
Work Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of relevant professional experience in project coordination, civic engagement, peacebuilding, or human rights advocacy.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, with frequent travel to project regions (Tigray, Harar, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambela, Afar, Somali, Amhara, and Oromia).
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale.
No. Required: 1.
Required Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate must possess exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. High cultural sensitivity and excellent interpersonal skills are required for working effectively with diverse inter-regional groups. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and fluency in English and Amharic are mandatory. Demonstrated experience in sub-grant management, monitoring and evaluation (MEL) frameworks, and organizing large-scale community dialogues is essential. Knowledge of additional local languages such as Oromiffa, Tigrigna, or Somali is a strong asset.
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a full-time, project-based position with an initial duration of one year. There is a strong possibility of extension based on performance and funding, aligned with the overall 36-month project duration. CECOE offers a competitive compensation package that reflects the high level of expertise and the strategic nature of the role.
We provide a growth-oriented environment where employees are encouraged to take personal ownership of their results. Our compensation philosophy is designed to attract professionals who are deeply committed to democratic values and who seek a career path that offers both stability and the opportunity to make a significant social impact.
How to Apply
To ensure an efficient and accessible recruitment process, CECOE utilizes an online application system. Please be clearly informed that scanned certificates or heavy attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. We encourage you to focus your application on your professional journey and your alignment with our project goals.
Original documents and academic credentials will be required only for physical verification during the interview stage. This allows us to maintain a streamlined digital workflow while ensuring the integrity of our selection process. Candidates should ensure their resumes and cover letters clearly highlight their experience with grassroots CSOs and peacebuilding methodologies.
Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Following the application deadline, our recruitment committee will conduct a thorough review, and candidates will be updated on the next steps in a timely manner. We appreciate the interest of all applicants in supporting our mission.
Interested candidates should submit their application via the official CECOE website.
Application Deadline
May 18, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
Apply online at: https://cecoe.org/jobs/job-posting-project-officer/