Job opportunities at Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) Ethiopia

Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) is an Ethiopian civil society organisation working towards a world where freedom thrives.

NGI works to end exploitation, restore dignity and create job opportunities through trafficking prevention and protection, survivor reintegration, livelihoods and employment, safe migration, youth development, advocacy and systems change.

NGI is entering an important stage of institutional growth. We are strengthening our systems, expanding our programme portfolio and building a high-performing organisation capable of delivering evidence-based programmes across Ethiopia in partnership with government institutions, donors, civil society organisations and international actors.

Open Positions:

01. Programme Manager

Deadline: October 9, 2026 | Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Job Description

Employment type: Full-time, continuing core position
Duty station: Addis Ababa, with regular travel to NGI programme locations
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Purpose of the role

The Programme Manager will provide overall leadership and management of NGI’s programme and grant portfolio.

The postholder will translate NGI’s strategy, grant agreements and programme commitments into clear implementation plans, well-managed teams, timely delivery, strong donor reporting and measurable results.

The Manager will provide practical leadership across programme planning, implementation, grants management, staff supervision, quality assurance, risk management, proposal development and donor engagement.

This is a senior and highly operational role. NGI is seeking a person who can bring structure, discipline and follow-through while working effectively in a growing organisation.

Key responsibilities

Programme leadership and delivery

Lead the planning, coordination, implementation and review of NGI’s programmes and projects.
Translate proposals, grant agreements, budgets and results frameworks into practical workplans, implementation schedules, milestones and staff responsibilities.
Ensure that programmes are implemented on time, within approved budgets and in accordance with donor, organisational and safeguarding requirements.
Establish clear systems for tracking activities, deliverables, risks, decisions and follow-up actions.
Coordinate implementation across NGI’s Addis Ababa office and programme locations in Ethiopia.
Ensure that programme design and implementation remain survivor-centred, safeguarding-sensitive, gender-responsive, disability-inclusive and conflict-sensitive.
Identify implementation delays, quality concerns and emerging risks early, and lead timely corrective action.

Grants management and donor compliance

Lead the programme side of grant management, including start-up, implementation reviews, monitoring of activities and targets, narrative reporting, and programme close-out. Work with the Finance, People and Operations Manager to review expenditure against approved budgets and coordinate donor reporting.
Ensure that programme teams understand their contractual obligations, approved targets, budgets, timelines and reporting requirements.
Lead the preparation and quality assurance of narrative reports, donor updates, workplans, amendments and programme documentation.
Ensure programme information and evidence are accurate, complete and submitted on time.
Work closely with the Finance, People and Operations Manager to align programme implementation, budgets and expenditure.
Ensure that programme records, evidence and supporting documentation are complete, accurate and properly maintained.
Support donor due diligence, grant reviews, partner coordination and compliance processes.

Team leadership and supervision

Supervise, support and develop programme staff, project coordinators and field teams.
Establish clear performance expectations, workplans and reporting arrangements for programme staff.
Hold regular programme review meetings and ensure that agreed actions are followed through.
Strengthen teamwork, accountability, communication and professional standards across the programme function.
Identify capacity gaps and support staff development, coaching and succession planning.
Promote a respectful, inclusive and learning-oriented working environment.

Proposal development and resource mobilisation

Lead or make substantial contributions to the development of concept notes, proposals, logframes, budgets, implementation plans and donor responses.
Identify opportunities to strengthen NGI’s programme model, partnerships and funding position.
Support the CEO and Partnerships function with accurate programme information, evidence, budgets and donor communications.
Ensure that new proposals are realistic, properly costed and aligned with NGI’s capacity and strategic priorities.

Programme quality, learning and impact

Work closely with colleagues responsible for programme quality, research, monitoring, evaluation and learning to strengthen evidence and adaptive management.
Ensure that programme teams use data to monitor progress, identify challenges and improve implementation.
Promote learning from survivor engagement, reintegration, employment, prevention and systems-change work.
Ensure that programme results and lessons are documented for internal learning, donor reporting, advocacy and future programme design.

Leadership reporting and representation

Provide concise monthly management updates to the CEO covering programme progress, grant performance, risks, decisions required and support needed.
Present clear recommendations rather than only reporting problems.
Contribute to organisational planning, budgeting, risk management and strategic decision-making.
Represent NGI professionally with government institutions, donors, partners, service providers and communities when delegated.

About You

A master’s degree in development studies, social sciences, public policy, international development, management or a related field. A relevant bachelor’s degree with substantial and exceptional experience may be considered.
At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, grants management or a related NGO or development role.
Demonstrated experience managing multi-partner, multi-donor or geographically dispersed programmes.
Strong experience in programme planning, implementation management, proposal development, results frameworks, donor reporting, budget coordination and grant compliance.
Demonstrated experience supervising staff and coordinating teams across different locations.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred: anti-trafficking, survivor protection, migration, forced labour, reintegration, livelihoods, employment, human rights or systems change.
Experience working with international donors, government institutions and civil society partners.
Excellent written and spoken English. Strong Amharic is required. Knowledge of another Ethiopian language is an advantage.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly within Ethiopia and undertake occasional international travel when required.

Core competencies

Strong programme leadership combined with practical, hands-on execution.
Excellent writing, editing, planning, prioritisation and problem-solving skills.
Ability to convert strategy into clear action, ownership and measurable delivery.
Strong people-management skills and the ability to develop staff.
Sound judgement, initiative and accountability.
Ability to manage multiple priorities without compromising quality or deadlines.
Confidence working with donors, government counterparts, partners and field teams.
Strong commitment to survivor dignity, confidentiality, safeguarding and ethical practice.
Ability to work effectively in a growing organisation where systems are still being strengthened.
High emotional intelligence, professionalism and respect for colleagues and communities.

Safeguarding, integrity and working requirements

Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, survivor-centred practice, confidentiality, professional boundaries and the protection of children and adults at risk.
Willingness to comply with NGI’s safeguarding, code of conduct, anti-fraud, anti-corruption and confidentiality policies.
The successful candidate will be required to provide professional references and complete NGI’s safeguarding and integrity screening process before appointment.
Candidates must disclose any relevant substantiated safeguarding concern, serious disciplinary finding, conflict of interest that may affect their suitability for the role.
Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality and accuracy.
Willingness to work beyond normal office hours when urgent programme, donor or organisational requirements arise.

Terms and application

This is a full-time, continuing core position based in Addis Ababa.
The role requires regular travel to NGI programme locations and occasional international travel when necessary.
Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience and NGI’s approved salary structure.

Required Skills

Communication
Attention to detail
Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Development Studies, Project Management, Economics, Business Administration.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV of no more than four pages and a concise cover letter explaining your suitability for the role and stating your expected gross salary. Send your application to: careers@nigatglobal.org by 9 October 2026, using the subject line “Application: Programme Manager“.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

02. Finance, People and Operations Manager

Deadline: October 9, 2026 | Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Job Description

Employment type: Full-time, continuing core position
Duty station: Addis Ababa, with occasional travel to NGI programme locations
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Purpose of the role

The Finance, People and Operations Manager will lead the systems that keep NGI financially sound, operationally efficient, legally compliant and ready to deliver its programmes effectively.

The postholder will provide management oversight across finance, grants finance, budgeting, human resources, administration, procurement, logistics, contracts, office management and internal controls.

The Manager will ensure that NGI’s resources are used responsibly, staff systems are fair and functional, operational support is timely, and the organisation is able to grow without compromising accountability or quality.

This is a senior and highly practical role. NGI is seeking a person who combines strong technical knowledge with sound judgement, integrity and the ability to build simple systems that staff can use consistently.

Key responsibilities

Financial management and reporting

Lead NGI’s financial planning, budgeting, cash-flow management, financial reporting and financial compliance.
Oversee the preparation, review and monitoring of organisational and project budgets.
Ensure that financial transactions are properly authorised, documented, recorded and reconciled.
Review monthly financial reports, budget variances, cash forecasts and expenditure trends, and provide clear management advice.
Ensure that financial records are complete, accurate, well organised and available for internal and external review.
Oversee bank reconciliations, payments, payroll coordination, advances, retirements and financial filing.
Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and effective internal financial controls.
Support the CEO with reliable financial information for decision-making.
Work closely with the Senior Finance Officer to strengthen financial quality assurance and oversight.
Coordinate audit preparation, audit follow-up and implementation of agreed recommendations.

Grants finance and donor compliance

Lead grant financial management, including budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, financial reporting and financial compliance. Work with the Programme Manager to ensure that financial reports align with approved budgets and programme implementation.
Work closely with the Programme and Grants Manager to align programme plans, budgets, expenditure and reporting.
Prepare or oversee donor financial reports and supporting documentation, and coordinate with the Programme Manager to reconcile financial and narrative reporting before submission.
Ensure that grant expenditure is eligible, reasonable, properly allocated and supported by adequate documentation.
Support grant start-up, budget revisions, financial reviews, close-out and donor due diligence.
Contribute to proposal budgeting, cost recovery, staffing plans and financial risk assessments.
Maintain a clear record of donor requirements, reporting deadlines, budget restrictions and compliance obligations.
Ensure that project and unrestricted funds are properly distinguished and managed.

Human resources and people management

Lead the administration and continuous improvement of NGI’s human resource systems.
Ensure that staff contracts, personnel files, leave records, onboarding documents and other HR records are complete and properly maintained.
Coordinate recruitment processes, including job descriptions, vacancy announcements, interview arrangements, reference checks and appointment documentation.
Support the CEO and supervisors in performance management, probation reviews, staff development and employee relations.
Coordinate payroll and staff benefits in collaboration with the Finance and Grants Officer.
Promote fair, consistent and legally sound application of NGI’s HR policies.
Support the implementation of staff orientation, safeguarding, code of conduct and mandatory policy briefings.
Help strengthen staff wellbeing, professional development and a respectful organisational culture.
Identify HR risks and advise the CEO on appropriate and timely action.

Operations, administration and logistics

Lead office administration, procurement, logistics, travel arrangements, asset management and general operational support.
Ensure that programme and field teams receive timely, cost-effective and compliant operational support.
Manage procurement processes, supplier relationships, quotations, purchase documentation and vendor records.
Maintain appropriate systems for office equipment, assets, inventory, vehicles and other organisational resources.
Coordinate travel, accommodation, field logistics, meetings and other operational arrangements.
Ensure that the office environment is functional, safe, professional and adequately supported.
Develop practical systems for routine administration, approvals, filing and communication.
Support the establishment and operation of project offices or field arrangements when required.
Ensure that operational decisions are properly documented and consistent with NGI policies and approved budgets.

Policies, compliance and risk management

Maintain and periodically review NGI’s finance, HR, procurement, administration and operations policies.
Identify weaknesses in internal systems and lead practical improvements.
Maintain an organisational risk register covering financial, operational, HR, compliance and safeguarding-related risks.
Ensure that NGI complies with applicable Ethiopian requirements and relevant donor obligations.
Work with the Legal and Compliance Advisor on contracts, policies, employment matters and regulatory issues.
Support the CEO in preparing for Board reviews, due diligence processes and institutional assessments.
Promote a culture of accountability, confidentiality, ethical conduct and responsible stewardship.

Leadership and management reporting

Provide regular management updates to the CEO on finance, staffing, operations, compliance, risks and decisions required.

Present clear recommendations and practical solutions rather than only reporting challenges.
Coordinate effectively with the Senior Programme and Grants Manager and other functional leads.
Supervise and support finance, administration, HR and operations staff as assigned.
Contribute to organisational planning, staffing decisions, budgeting and strategic decision-making.
Represent NGI professionally with banks, auditors, suppliers, government offices, donors and partners when delegated.