Conference Center Management Officer

This is an excellent opportunity to lead the operational management of a state-of-the-art conference center, contributing to the advancement of the agricultural sector in Ethiopia. The position offers a unique blend of strategic leadership, financial management, and operational excellence, with the potential to make a significant impact on knowledge sharing and sustainable development.

Location: Addis Ababa

Organization: UNOPS

Deadline: 23-Dec-2025

Job Description

General Information

Job Category: Project

Seniority Level: Associate

ICS Level: ICS 08

Contract Type: ICA – LICA – Specialist – Regular

Contract Level: LICA 8

Duration: One year

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governments and development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driven initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024, new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions.

HAMCO also provides human resource management services, supporting the effective implementation of development initiatives. Key efforts include equipping research facilities, strengthening education and health systems, building vaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communities affected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributes to inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.

Job Specific Context

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture of Ethiopia has established a modern, purpose-built Conference Center to serve as the national hub for agricultural knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Designed and constructed with support from UNOPS, the Center is expected to operate as a financially self-sustaining entity through professional facility rental, event services, and ancillary revenue streams while delivering world-class experiences to government institutions, development partners, NGOs, academic bodies, and private agri-businesses.

The Conference Center Management Officer will report to UNOPS Project Manager and is the senior operational leader responsible for the day-to-day management, financial sustainability, and strategic positioning of the Ministry of Agriculture Conference Center. The post holder will ensure the Center achieves its dual mandate of (a) delivering excellent public service to the agricultural sector and (b) operating as a profitable, self-financing business unit.

Role Purpose

The Conference Center Management Officer who reports to the UNOPS Project Manager will apply fundamental concepts to gather and analyze data in support of the strategic positioning, financial sustainability, and day-to-day management of the Ministry of Agriculture Conference Center. The role involves performing rudimentary analysis of operational parameters and data sets, interpreting rules and procedures to identify problems, and making initial recommendations based on straightforward analysis.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Support to Business Development

Gather and aggregate data for the development and execution of a 3–5-year strategic plan and annual business plans aligned with the Center’s objectives of knowledge sharing, revenue generation, and conference tourism promotion.

Perform rudimentary analysis of market data to support market positioning and branding of the Center as Ethiopia’s premier venue for agricultural and rural development events.

Identify and analyze potential new revenue streams (corporate events, international conferences, training programs, catering partnerships, exhibition spaces, etc.).

Gather data to support the establishment and maintenance of strategic partnerships with hotels, transport companies, catering firms, and conference organizers to stimulate conference tourism.

Prepare inputs for quarterly performance and financial reports to the Steering Committee/Ministry leadership.

2. Financial Management & Sustainability

Analyze cost data to support the achievement of full operational cost recovery and progressive profit generation.

Gather and clean data related to budgeting, cost control, pricing strategy, invoicing, and debt collection.

Apply basic conceptual models to support the implementation of robust financial management systems, inventory control, and procurement procedures in compliance with Ethiopian public finance regulations and international best practices.

Interpret basic rules and procedures to support the negotiation of contracts with suppliers and service providers to optimize cost-efficiency without compromising quality.

3. Operations & Service Excellence

Gather data on facility uptime and readiness (conference halls, breakout rooms, ICT/AV systems, catering areas, parking, etc.).

Prepare inputs for the development and enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for event management, housekeeping, maintenance, security, and health & safety.

Support the management of the full event lifecycle from initial inquiry, site visits, and contracting to post-event evaluation and client feedback.

Contribute to maintaining international-level service standards in hospitality, technical support, and client relationship management.

4. Organizational Development

Gather data to support the finalization and implementation of the approved organogram and the recruitment, training, and retention of a high-performing team.

Prepare inputs for the establishment of performance management systems, staff development plans, and a positive organizational culture focused on service excellence.

Support the implementation of gender mainstreaming and inclusive hiring practices in line with government policy.

5. Maintenance, Safety & Compliance

Gather data to support the development and implementation of preventive and corrective maintenance programs for all building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, ICT infrastructure, audio-visual equipment).

Interpret building codes and safety regulations to ensure full compliance with national building codes, fire safety regulations, occupational health & safety standards, and environmental requirements.

Support the oversight of 24/7 security operations and emergency response protocols.

6. Marketing & Client Relations

Gather data to support marketing and communication efforts (website, social media, brochures, participation in trade fairs).

Contribute to building and maintaining a client database and implementing a Client Relations Manager system.

Analyze occupancy and revenue data to support the achievement of minimum annual occupancy and revenue targets to be agreed with the Steering Committee.

Skills

Client Relations, Contract Negotiation, Data Analysis, Finance, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Budgeting.

Education Requirements

Required

First level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, Project Management, Hotel Management, Facility Management or related field.

Desired

An advanced degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, Project Management, Hotel Management, Facility Management or related field.

Experience Requirements

Required

Minimum 2 years of progressive experience in facility/conference center/hotel management is required.
One year experience in managing a conference, convention, or large training center with multiple halls and revenue generation responsibility is required.
One year experience in budgeting, cost control, pricing, and revenue management is required..

Desired

Experience working with government institutions in Ethiopia.
Experience with green/sustainable building operations, hospitality sector and conference tourism sector.