Research and Advocacy Officer
Research and Advocacy Officer Job at WaterAid in Ethiopia
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Organization: WaterAid
Deadline: July 13, 2026
Job Description
- Contract type: Fixed Term
- Salary: Competitive with excellent benefits
Change starts with water. Change starts with you.
Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.
About WaterAid
We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.
About the team
You will be part of the Addis Ababa and North Mecha team to advance evidence bases advocacy, research and influencing within the Country Program and be part of the broader organization dedicated to advancing WaterAid’s mission—to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to clean water and safe sanitation.
About the role
The Advocacy and Research Officer will lead the implementation of evidence-based advocacy, research, and influencing initiatives under the Tap to Policy Project and the CLIMB Project, with the overall objective of strengthening national and sub-national policies, increasing prioritization and financing of WASH and climate-resilient services, and promoting systems-strengthening approaches for sustainable and inclusive position will also ensure that programme learning, research findings, innovations, and evidence from both projects are effectively documented, communicated, and leveraged to influence decision-makers and amplify impact at national, regional, and global levelswater resource management.
The post holder will generate, synthesize, and translate evidence into actionable policy messages, facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement, and support strategic advocacy efforts targeting government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, private sector actors, and other key influencers. The role will contribute to shaping policy and financing decisions related to climate-resilient WASH, water security, post-construction management, private sector engagement, and the integration of WASH and water resource management within national climate and development frameworks, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
Under the CLIMB Project, the position will support advocacy and evidence-generation efforts that advance climate-resilient and inclusive water governance, strengthen partnerships, and promote policies and investments that enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities to climate-related water risks.
Requirements
To be successful, you will need:
- BSc degree or higher in Development Studies, Public Policy, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Economics, Public Health, WASH-related fields, or other relevant disciplines.
- Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience for MSc holders and 7 years for BSc holders, with strong experience in advocacy, policy engagement, research, and/or WASH programming within development or governance-focused projects.
- Demonstrated experience in evidence generation, policy analysis, and advocacy, including developing policy briefs, research reports, and influencing strategies.
- Proven experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement, organizing policy dialogues, and working with government, civil society, and development partners.
- Strong understanding of WASH sector dynamics, public policy processes, and financing mechanisms, including exposure to climate-related frameworks (e.g., NDC/NAP) as an advantage.
- Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and translating findings into policy-relevant recommendations.
- Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical information for diverse audiences.
- Strong skills in relationship building, negotiation, and influencing.
- Results-oriented, with strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and coordination skills.
- Familiarity with WaterAid systems, policies, and Quality Programme Standards is an added advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Amharic.
View the full job description >> HERE
Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM on July 13, 2026. Interviews are expected to take place on early August 2026.
How to Apply
Click: >> HERE to Apply and upload your CV only and Cover Letter.
Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?
At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.
Pre‑employment screening
To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Benefits
As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies.
Our People Promise
We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding
We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
