Localization & National Society Development (NSD) Division Manager

About the Ethiopian Red Cross Society  

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) was established in 1935 and is one of the oldest and largest humanitarian organizations in Ethiopia. ERCS provides services to communities affected by natural and manmade disasters through the provision of emergency responses, ambulance and first aid, family reunification, essential drugs, water and sanitation, and other humanitarian services. ERCS also runs disaster risk reduction programs with the aim of creating resilience households and communities. Currently the ERCS has a structure consisting of 14 Regional Offices, Zonal Branches and District/Woreda Branches, Woreda Red Cross Committee and Kebele Red Cross committees.

ERCS also runs disaster risk reduction programs relating to food security, climate change adaptation, livelihood diversification, and institutional capacity building interventions, with the aim of creating resilience households and communities. ERCS works in partnership with the Ethiopian Government, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), partnering National Societies, members, volunteers and the communities we serve.

Details of the vacant position  

Job Title: Localization & National Society Development (NSD) Division Manager

• Work Unit: Branch Operations & Localization Department
• Reports to: Director Branch Operations & Localization Department
• Terms of employment:  Permanent after probation period
• Salary:                             as per the organization salary scale

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Director, Localization & National Society Development (NSD) Division Lead the organization’s Localization and National Society Development (NSD) strategies to strengthen institutional capacity, promote branch-level autonomy, and enhance service delivery nationwide. Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of governance frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective leadership across branches. Strengthen leadership and governance capacity through targeted training, mentorship programs, and structured capacity-building initiatives for branch managers and governing boards. Establish, maintain, and strengthen strategic partnerships with local government bodies, NGOs, community organizations, the private sector, and other key stakeholders to enhance operational impact. Integrate localization and NSD objectives into all organizational policies, operational guidelines, and strategic plans. Lead, mentor, and supervise the Localization & NSD Division team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional development. Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, national laws, and donor regulations in all NSD-related work.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the organization’s Localization and National Society Development (NSD) strategies to strengthen institutional capacity, promote branch-level autonomy, and enhance service delivery nationwide.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of governance frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective leadership across branches.
• Strengthen leadership and governance capacity through targeted training, mentorship programs, and structured capacity-building initiatives for branch managers and governing boards.
• Maintain a strong field presence to assess branch realities, provide hands-on support, and ensure alignment with localization and NSD priorities.
• Serve as a high-profile representative of the organization in national, regional, and community-level engagements, enhancing credibility and influence in the humanitarian and development sectors.
• Plan, coordinate, and report on all NSD activities, ensuring alignment with organizational strategies, measurable outcomes, and timely submission of progress updates to senior leadership.
• Prepare and manage the NSD program budget, ensuring efficient resource utilization, financial accountability & compliance with both organizational and donor requirements.
• Work directly with ICRC, IFRC, and Partner National Societies (PNS) to design, implement, and monitor joint initiatives that advance localization and NSD objectives.
• Develop a comprehensive transformation plan detailing how the National Society will evolve into a more localized, community-driven, and self-sustaining institution, with clear milestones and measurable targets.
• Negotiate, formalize, and manage partnership agreements to expand resources, improve service delivery, and ensure sustainable impact
• Establish, maintain, and strengthen strategic partnerships with local government bodies, NGOs, community organizations, the private sector, and other key stakeholders to enhance operational impact.
• Coordinate with internal units including finance, HR, logistics, and programs to ensure timely support for all NSD-related activities.
• Monitor and evaluate NSD progress, documenting best practices, lessons learned, and success stories for organizational learning, advocacy, and donor reporting.
• Provide targeted interventions and tailored support to underperforming branches to address operational gaps and governance challenges.
• Advocate for localization principles in humanitarian coordination platforms, national policy dialogues, and development forums.
• Integrate localization and NSD objectives into all organizational policies, operational guidelines, and strategic plans.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise the Localization & NSD Division team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, national laws, and donor regulations in all NSD-related work.
• Perform other duties assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Job Specification

• Second/ First degree in International Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field
• 8/10 years of relevant work experience, out of which 4/6 years in managerial position/s