Project Line Lead

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organization: MERSA Media Institute

Deadline: September 24, 2026

Job Description

Employment Type: Contract

Duration: 6 Months

Organizational Profile

MERSA Media Institute (MMI) is a nonprofit media support and development institute registered as a local organization by the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Authority. MMI works on several key areas, including media reform and law, professional development, and strengthening the institutional capacity of media organizations. The institute’s overarching goal is to promote a professional, independent, and vibrant media landscape in Ethiopia.

Position Summary

The Project Line Lead will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and delivery of a project line, working under the overall supervision of the Project Manager. The Line Lead will translate project plans into action, coordinate activities and stakeholders, oversee data and information management, track progress and deliverables, and ensure timely and quality implementation.

The Line Lead will directly supervise and work closely with the Project Associate, providing direction and ensuring effective division of responsibilities. The position will also support the Project Manager with project planning, reporting, problem-solving, and overall project management.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day planning, implementation, coordination, and tracking of activities under the assigned project line.
Translate project plans and workplans into actionable tasks, timelines, responsibilities, and deliverables.
Monitor implementation progress, identify delays or challenges, and work with the Project Manager and team to develop timely solutions.
Lead the development, maintenance, and regular updating of project databases, tracking tools, and information systems.
Oversee the collection, organization, classification, digitization, and management of data generated or sourced through project activities.
Maintain and oversee data repositories, ensuring information is accurate, well-structured, accessible, and regularly updated.
Lead the tracking of activities, outputs, targets, participants, and other project indicators using appropriate data management tools.
Review and verify data collected by project staff, partners, and other sources and support basic analysis, visualization, and interpretation of data.
Ensure project information and data are readily available to support planning, reporting, learning, and decision-making.
Supervise and provide day-to-day guidance to the Project Associate and coordinate the division of tasks and responsibilities.
Coordinate project meetings, workshops, trainings, stakeholder engagements, and other activities, ensuring effective preparation and follow-up.
Lead the preparation of meeting agendas, minutes, action points, correspondence, and other project documentation.
Coordinate travel, accommodation, transportation, field movements, and event logistics with support from the Project Associate and relevant teams.
Lead or support procurement processes, including preparation of ToRs, collection and review of quotations, bid evaluation, and related documentation.
Support project budget tracking, activity-level financial planning, field advances, payment documentation, and expense settlement processes.
Maintain organized project records, contracts, official documents, resources, and digital archives.
Contribute to project progress reports, donor updates, and other reporting requirements by providing accurate and timely information and analysis.
Coordinate communication and working relationships with partner organizations, civil society organizations, government offices, community stakeholders, and other relevant actors.
Identify opportunities for improving project systems, processes, data management, and implementation efficiency.
Perform other project-related responsibilities as assigned by the Project Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Medicine (Medical Doctor), Economics, Law, Social Studies, Development Studies, Management, or a related field.
1–2 years of relevant work experience in project coordination, program implementation and management, research, or a related field.
Strong organizational, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver results.
Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or Google Workspace.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Strong data management and documentation skills.
Knowledge of project management, administrative, and financial procedures is an advantage.

Desired Characteristics

Takes ownership of responsibilities and moves work forward without constant supervision.
Focuses on getting things done, meeting deadlines, and producing quality results.
Identifies challenges early and looks for practical solutions rather than waiting for instructions.
Curious, adaptable, and willing to learn new tools, systems, and areas of work.
Able to coordinate others, provide guidance, and work effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
Has demonstrated initiative through academic, professional, volunteer, extracurricular, or community activities.
If you have a track record of taking responsibility and getting things done, you will enjoy working with us.

Key Skills

Project management
Communication
Excellent analytical, communication and leadership skills.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should fill out the: >> Application Form.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MERSA Media Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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