About the Job

Background

The Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Centre (EHRDC) was established in December 2019 and registered in November 2020, with registration number 5220, at the FDRE Authority for Civil Society Organizations. EHRDC focuses on advocacy, capacity building, and protection of human rights defenders in Ethiopia, ensuring their safety, security, and well-being, as well as promoting evidence-based advocacy in the country.

Position Summary

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership to the EHRDC, translating its established vision into effective and innovative actions. The Director oversees the day-to-day operations of EHRDC, ensuring that all activities align with the organization's mission and values. The role includes reporting on the overall operation of the Center to the board and the relevant authorities, guiding the development of organizational policies and strategies in consultation with the EHRDC Board. S/he evaluates the performance of staff members under her/ his direct supervision, initiates, develops, or creates partnerships with diverse stakeholders, and works to ensure the sustainability of EHRDC.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Vision Implementation
• Translate EHRDC’s established vision into actionable, inspiring strategies that unify and energize the organization.
• Develop and lead the implementation of organizational policies and strategies in consultation with the EHRDC board.

Organizational Development and Compliance

• Identify, recruit, train, and mentor a talented and high-performing team capable of leading core departments and managing strategic functions.
• Oversee organizational operations and ensure full compliance with organizational policies and laws of the country.

Partnerships and Resource Management

• Lead fundraising efforts and build a network with relevant stakeholders to realize EHRDC’s vision and mission.
• Allocate resources strategically to ensure staff and volunteers can complete their responsibilities to their highest potential.
• Cultivate a transparent and collaborative organizational culture throughout the organization.
• Represent EHRDC at local, regional, and international levels in ways that strengthen the profile, influence, and objectives of the organization.
• Supervise the financial accounts and project activities during the project lifecycle.

Oversee day-to-day activities at EHRDC

• Actively engage with human rights defenders in the community to ensure the promotion of human rights.
• Conduct regular staff performance reviews and ensure open, transparent, and effective communication with both staff and the board.

Governance and reporting

The Director will be supervised by and accountable to the EHRDC Board, in accordance with the Center’s bylaws

Terms of Payment

Based on the organization's salary scale or is negotiable.

About You

Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or above in Law, human rights, or related field of study from a legally recognized institution.
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in human rights, advocacy in local/or international civil society sector, of which 3 years must be in a senior leadership position.
• Must not be implicated in grave human rights violations, gender-based violence, or have any record that is inconsistent with human rights principles and safeguarding standards.
• Experience in fundraising and networking, advocacy, strategic management, project management, virtuous leadership skills, and team building.
• Strong empirical knowledge of human rights frameworks and advocacy strategies.
• Strong written, verbal, and listening communication skills.
• Proven record of personal integrity, trustworthiness, and interpersonal skills.
• Good understanding of local and international context regarding Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and their challenges.
• Excellent organizational skills, with strong attention to detail and pragmatic frameworks

Closing date: Fifteen working days from the publication of this post/ announcement.

Requirement Skill

Communication

Leadership

How To Apply

Interested applicants are required to submit their CVs along with two recommendation letters, at least one of which must be from a previous employer, and a Letter of interest/cover letter to EHRDCenter@ethdefenders.org and copy LeiltT@ethdefenders.org with the subject line “Executive Director Position – EHRDC.”