Job vacancies at Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF), Ethiopia

• Vacancy Number: HRF-CSCET-PO-001/2026
• Number of Positions: One (1)
• Program: Climate Smart Conservation and Ecotourism (CSCET)
• Immediate Supervisor: Chief of Climate Smart Conservation and Ecotourism Program
• Duty Station: Maze National Park Project Management Unit (PMU), Morka Town, Gamo Zone (with frequent travel to field sites)
• Application Deadline: Monday, March 13, 2026 (before 5:00 PM)

1. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF) is a non-profit international NGO established by the Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, and the Former First Lady of Ethiopia, H.E. Mrs. Roman Tesfaye. It strives to support the government, communities, and partners in driving socioeconomic transformation in Ethiopia and across Africa.

With its programmatic focus areas, maternal and child health and nutrition, climate-smart conservation and ecotourism, agricultural transformation, and economic empowerment of women and youth, synergizing with each other, the Foundation envisions “A healthy and economically empowered community in a well-conserved environment.” Geographically, its support focuses on areas with the highest disparities where the Foundation could add value.

2. PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Climate Smart Conservation and Ecotourism Program (CSCET) of HRF is a flagship initiative with the main goal of ensuring collaborative and community-based response measures towards addressing the two interrelated problems of biodiversity loss and lack of secure community livelihoods. This is done in a way that mitigates the persistence of both anthropogenic and climatic impacts on the biodiversity stock.

To attain this goal, the program adheres to a community-based, sustainable conservation approach, in which local communities and their institutions work closely with park officials to ensure sustainable benefits from their conservation efforts through the creation of various alternative livelihoods, including ecotourism. Ultimately, the program aims to create as many alternative livelihood strategies as possible for community members around national parks who depend on these resources to support their living (food, fuel, fodder, etc.) and empower them to be in full charge of protecting the resources from further depletion.

The Maze Conservation and Community Livelihoods Project, entitled “The Preservation of Maze National Park and its Watershed in Ethiopia,” is a five-year (2024-2028) project fully funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and implemented by Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF). The project is aimed at ensuring the long-term integrity of Maze National Park for the benefit of nature and communities around the park with three key components:

1. Maze National Park is functional and achieves its conservation objectives;
2. A win-win approach regarding natural resources management is in place between communities and the park;
3. The water flow in the park’s rivers is ensured and sufficient.

For the implementation of this project, HRF has established a Project Management Unit (PMU) located in Maze National Park, Morka Town, Gamo Zone. The PMU coordinates the implementation of the five-year project by mobilizing and engaging local communities, park management, local government offices, and other relevant partners to realize the stated project goal.

3. JOB PURPOSE

The Project Coordinator (PC) of the PMU is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities and human and physical resources of the PMU. The designated coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing effective and efficient project implementation by working harmoniously with the PMU staff, Maze National Park (MzNP) management, local government, local communities, and other relevant stakeholders.

The PC position holder officially represents HRF’s field office (the PMU) and serves as HRF’s focal person in the project area. The PC is entitled to establish effective communication channels with all relevant decision-makers and stakeholders to ensure the smooth and effective implementation and attainment of project outcomes throughout the project period.

Directly reporting to the Chief of the Climate-Smart Conservation and Ecotourism Program (CSCET) of HRF, the Project Coordinator guides overall project implementation, monitors, evaluates, and records project performance in line with the project document and action plan, and provides timely reports to the program office. The PC also receives feedback and communicates with the PMU and relevant stakeholders to further improve project performance.

4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

4.1. Planning and Coordination

• Prepare an annual plan of action in line with the project document and guide its implementation by coordinating the PMU staff and relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure the acquisition, deployment, and duty-bound performance of all PMU staff and guide their day-to-day performance as per the project implementation manual and relevant guidelines.
• Set up or establish associations, committees, or other relevant platforms for project implementation and expedite the implementation of the three project components.

4.2. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership

• Create smooth and collegial working relationships and communication channels with park management, community representatives, local stakeholders, and government officials to materialize joint activities specified in the project document.
• Mobilize stakeholders and communities towards the attainment of the project goals.
• Work closely with the Maze National Park management to coordinate the effective implementation of project activities that ensure the proper implementation of the Maze National Park General Management Plan (GMP).
• Work closely with local Agriculture and Water Offices, relevant bodies, communities, and private actors to ensure effective implementation of soil and water conservation work in the landscape.

4.3. Technical Implementation

• Plan and undertake continuous and organized awareness-raising activities among local communities and stakeholders regarding the necessity of conserving the park and its biological resources for long-term community and ecosystem benefits.
• Ensure the implementation of alternative livelihood plans as specified in the project document.
• Put in place effective and binding water governance frameworks that guarantee fair and equitable use of water resources for downstream users and livelihood associations while securing the sustainable flow of water into Maze National Park.
• Plan and undertake all project activities vis-à-vis the three project outcomes.

4.4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance

• Based on internal reports from project staff and field-based ongoing monitoring, prepare periodic performance reports and submit them to the HRF Program Office.
• Undertake performance appraisals of PMU staff as per HRF’s Human Resource Policy Manual.
• Partake in line management responsibility, ensuring financial management and procurement within the limits of the PMU.

4.5. Other Responsibilities

• Undertake other relevant and specific activities assigned by the HRF Program Chief.

5. QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES

5.1. Education

• Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Environment and Development, Rural Development and Livelihoods, or any other related fields.

5.2. Professional Experience

• Minimum of 12 (Twelve) years of relevant work experience, most of which is related to project coordination, particularly in an NGO setting.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in protected areas management or community-based natural resource conservation.

5.3. Technical Competencies

• Articulated knowledge of government policies and strategies regarding biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and tourism development.
• Proven experience communicating and collaborating with local communities, the private sector, and local, national, and regional stakeholders to achieve agreed collective outcomes.
• Ability to compile large amounts of information succinctly into coherent documents for conservation practitioners and government officials.
• Excellent facilitation and coordination skills with the ability to manage timely and effective delivery of quality work.
• Proficiency in Office 360 and other project management software.

5.4. Behavioral Competencies

• Communication: Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to prepare appropriate and timely reports for various audiences and cultures.
• Time Management: Proven ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Language Proficiency: Proven command of written and spoken English; conversing in the local language of the project area community and culture is mandatory.
• Teamwork: A team player who can contribute effectively to collaborative issues and demonstrate innovation and leadership as appropriate.

6. WORKING ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

• Duty Station: Maze National Park Project Management Unit (PMU), Gamo Zone, Kucha Woreda, Morka Town.
• Travel: Frequent travel to field sites and project implementation areas is required.
• Working Hours: The job holder shall work in line with the New Labor Proclamation – Proclamation No. 1156/2019, at least eight hours daily (Monday to Friday).
• Nature of Supervision: The position holder is directly responsible to the Program Chief of HRF and will be supervised per the Foundation’s HR Policy and in line with the Project Implementation Manual.

7. CONTRACT DURATION AND BENEFITS

• Contract Type: One (1) year contract with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding.
• Salary and Benefits: In accordance with the Hailemariam & Roman Foundation’s salary scale and benefits package.

8. COMMITMENTS AND COMPLIANCE

HRF promotes equality and inclusion and works with women and men, people with disabilities, and employees of various ages, including youth, to support their empowerment and to continually appreciate their achievements.

HRF promotes equal opportunity and encourages applications from diverse candidates, including women, people with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, and youth. Both male and female candidates are encouraged to apply.

HRF has zero tolerance for fraud, corruption, abuse, and discrimination on the basis of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, etc.

HRF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety of people involved in its work and demands that all staff exhibit the highest commitment. HRF will verify the candidate’s skills and commitment during the assessment process and conduct pre-employment background checks, including reference checks.

All staff are expected to adhere to HRF’s:

• Code of Conduct
• Safeguarding Policy
• Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy

9. SELECTION PROCESS

Shortlisted candidates shall appear for two rounds of rigorous selection examinations:

1. Written Examination
2. Face-to-Face Job Interview

The selection will be conducted by the program team.