Executive Director

Job Summary

Responsible for serving as ESSSWA's most senior executive, providing strategic and operational leadership to advance the association's mission, sustainable growth, and contribution to Ethiopia's socio-economic development. The role oversees program design and management, resource mobilization, donor relations, human resource and financial administration, and stakeholder representation under the guidance of the ESSSWA Board.

Key Responsibilities

• Representation & Visibility: Represent ESSSWA in national and international forums, promote the organization’s mission, and drive visibility through policy briefs, working papers, and lesson documentation.
• Resource Mobilization: Develop and implement fundraising strategies, cultivate donor relationships, expand the membership base, prepare proposals, and secure grants.
• Organizational Coordination & Program Management: Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects, ensure donor compliance, coordinate regional chapters, and manage short-term staff and interns.
• Financial & Administrative Management: Provide financial and administrative oversight in accordance with internal policies, government regulations, and donor requirements, while tracking budget utilization.
• Human Resource Management: Direct HR functions in line with ESSSWA policies and Ethiopian labor law, ensuring equal opportunity and safeguarding staff security.
• Liaison & Partnerships: Build and maintain strong working relationships with government bodies, donors, academic institutions, and peer organizations locally and abroad.

Educational Qualification & Experience Requirements

• Education: MA or PhD in Sociology, Social Anthropology, or Social Work.
• Experience: Minimum of five years of working in similar senior management, executive, or coordination positions within professional associations, CBOs, or NGOs.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Visionary leadership with strong fundraising, stakeholder management, communication competencies, and in-depth knowledge of the Ethiopian social policy landscape.
• Efficiency in English and the ability to responsibly use emerging digital technologies.
• Required Skill Tags: Sociology, Social Anthropology, Social Work, resource mobilization, project management, and strategic leadership.
• Desired Skill Tags: Financial management, donor relations, policy analysis, and human resource administration.