Program Officer

Position Title: Program Officer
Work Unit: Program Department
Reports to: Program Manager
Staff Under Supervision: None

Background of the Organization

The Ethiopian Women Lawyers’ Association (EWLA) was established at the federal level in 1995 by women lawyers and re-registered as a Local Organization in accordance with the Civil Society Organization law. For more than 30 years, EWLA has been working to promote women’s social, economic, political, and legal rights, enabling them to fully exercise their constitutional and other rights.

The association aims to promote equal participation of women in all sectors, prevent sexual violence against women, and create a safe environment for women through its three core programs: Legal Research and Advocacy, Public Education and Capacity Building, and Free Legal Aid Service.

Headquartered in Addis Ababa, EWLA operates regional offices in seven regions and one city administration: Adama, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, Gambella, Asosa, Jigjiga, Semera, and Dire Dawa. To ensure accessibility of its services, EWLA has also expanded to zones and woredas through 56 volunteer committee centers nationwide. In addition, EWLA runs a dedicated hotline service (7711), available in three local languages: Amharic, Afan Oromo, and Tigrigna.

Job Summary

The Program Officer will play a key role in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of program initiatives in line with EWLA’s strategic plan. The position requires close collaboration with the Legal Aid Coordinator and other unit Coordinators to ensure the effective delivery of high-quality programs that achieve measurable results and contribute to EWLA’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage program work plans, budgets, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks.
• Coordinate and oversee program activities in collaboration with staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Conduct research, data collection, and analysis to inform program design and improvement.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including beneficiaries, government agencies, and partner organizations.
• Prepare regular program progress reports, identifying challenges and proposing recommendations for improvement.
• Contribute to knowledge management, learning, and organizational development.
• Represent EWLA at external events, meetings, and forums related to the program portfolio.

Contract Type and Duty Station

• Full-time, Addis Ababa, with occasional travel to regions

Amendment Clause

• This job description is subject to revision, update, and/or amendment as necessary, with or without any change in position category or grade level.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in law, international development, social sciences, program management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience for Bachelor’s holders, or 2 years for Master’s holders, in program management/implementation in the nonprofit or development sector.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, coordinate, and monitor complex activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated use of data to inform decisions.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools and methodologies.
• Commitment to EWLA’s mission and values.