Project Officer Job at Development for All (DFA) Ethiopia

About Us

Development for All (DFA) is an independent civil society organization established in 2016 and licensed under Ethiopian law (Registration No. 3610). Guided by the vision of an inclusive and sustainable society where everyone lives in dignity, DFA works to advance minority rights and foster equitable and sustainable development. The organization focuses on empowering marginalized and minority communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected. For more information, visit www.developmentforall.org.

DFA’s core focus areas include minority rights advocacy, peacebuilding, youth and women empowerment, access to quality education and health services, and sustainable socio-economic development. Using a participatory, community-centered approach, DFA collaborates with local stakeholders to design and implement programs that address systemic inequalities, strengthen local capacities, and generate lasting social, economic, and environmental impact. The organization is guided by values of equity, human dignity, sustainability, empowerment, and transparency, aiming to build an Ethiopia where all individuals can live with dignity, access opportunities, and participate fully in society.

Since its establishment, DFA has positively impacted the lives of over 1.5 million people across Ethiopia through integrated, multi-sectoral interventions. The organization has played a pivotal role in expanding access to quality education and essential healthcare services for marginalized and underserved communities and has provided life-saving humanitarian assistance to populations affected by displacement and conflict.

Through transformative socio-economic programmes–including livelihood development, inclusive peacebuilding, and community resilience initiatives–DFA has helped individuals and families, including children, recover from crises and rebuild their lives with dignity. All interventions are underpinned by a strong commitment to social justice, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Programs are designed and implemented with a conflict-sensitive and inclusive lens, ensuring no one is left behind and that all interventions contribute to long-term peace, stability, and community well-being.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Project Officer to join our team in Assosa. The successful candidate will be responsible for the effective implementation, coordination, and monitoring of project activities, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with our organizational goals and donor requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Project Implementation & Coordination:

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of field-level project activities in strict adherence to the approved project document, work plan, and organizational standards.
• Ensure the timely and quality achievement of project milestones and deliverables, directly contributing to the program’s strategic goals.

Monitoring, Evaluation, & Reporting:

• Systematically monitor and track project progress against established indicators, using both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Prepare comprehensive and timely reports on project performance, including achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and strategic recommendations for management and donors.

Financial & Resource Management:

• Manage the project budget, tracking expenditures and ensuring financial accountability and compliance with donor regulations.
• Forecast financial needs and support the procurement of goods and services necessary for successful project implementation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for project partners, government counterparts, and community stakeholders at the field level.
• Proactively build and maintain strong collaborative relationships to ensure effective partnership and local ownership of project outcomes.

Risk Management & Problem-Solving:

• Proactively identify potential operational, financial, or contextual risks to the project and lead the development of practical mitigation strategies.
• Address project-related issues and challenges decisively as they arise, escalating critical concerns to management when necessary.

Documentation, Learning & Proposal Development:

• Establish and maintain a robust system for all project documentation, including agreements, reports, and success stories.
• Contribute to organizational learning and the development of new project proposals by synthesizing field experience and results.

Capacity Building & Supervision:

• Lead and participate in capacity-building initiatives for community members, local partners, and project staff.
• May provide technical supervision and guidance to field assistants or volunteers, ensuring a cohesive and effective team.

Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a field related to the core functions of this role. Relevant areas include, but are not limited to, Social Work, Sociology, Development Studies, Business Administration, Project Management, Law, or other social sciences.
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination or management, preferably within civil society or development sectors.
• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and prioritize tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with project management software.
• Commitment to principles of inclusion, gender equality, and human rights.
• Fluency in Amharic and English is essential.

Additional Attributes:

• Experience in stakeholder engagement and advocacy is an advantage.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and fast-paced environment.