Senior Localization and Branch Capacity Building Officer

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: Senior Localization and Branch Capacity Building Officer

• Work Unit: Localization and NSD division
• Reports to: Localization & NSD Division Manager
• Terms of employment: Permanent after probation period
• Salary:                             as per the organization salary scale

Job Summary

The Senior Expert under the supervision of Localization and NSD division, Support the effective implementation of the organization’s Localization and National Society Development (NSD) strategies, aimed at strengthening branch-level capacity, governance, and locally-led service delivery. Maintain a consistent and proactive field presence to provide technical support, assess operational realities, and ensure alignment with localization and NSD objectives. Contribute to the development of a comprehensive transformation plan for the National Society, providing field-based insights and recommendations on becoming more localized, community-driven, and self-sustaining. Assist in the negotiation and administration of partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and community needs.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the effective implementation of the organization’s Localization and National Society Development (NSD) strategies, aimed at strengthening branch-level capacity, governance, and locally-led service delivery.
• Assist in the development, rollout, and monitoring of governance frameworks that uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in all branches.
• Coordinate and deliver leadership and governance capacity-building initiatives, including structured training programs, workshops, and mentorship activities for branch managers and governing boards.
• Maintain a consistent and proactive field presence to provide technical support, assess operational realities, and ensure alignment with localization and NSD objectives.
• Represent the organization at local and regional forums, fostering constructive relationships with community leaders, local authorities, and relevant development and humanitarian actors.
• Plan, coordinate, and contribute to the reporting of all NSD activities, ensuring accurate data collection, progress tracking, and timely submission to the Manager.
• Assist in the management of the NSD budget, monitoring expenditure, preparing financial updates, and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational requirements.
• Collaborate closely with ICRC, IFRC, and Partner National Societies (PNS) to plan, implement, and review joint initiatives that support localization and institutional development.
• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive transformation plan for the National Society, providing field-based insights and recommendations on becoming more localized, community-driven, and self-sustaining.
• Support the establishment & maintenance of strategic local partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, community-based organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
• Assist in the negotiation and administration of partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and community needs.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments such as finance, HR, logistics, and programs to facilitate timely and effective delivery of NSD-related activities.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of NSD initiatives, identifying challenges and proposing practical, evidence-based solutions to the Manager.
• Document best practices, lessons learned, and case studies for internal knowledge sharing, donor communication, and advocacy purposes.
• Provide targeted operational support to branches requiring specific interventions to improve governance, leadership effectiveness, or service delivery.
• Promote and advocate for localization principles and community engagement during branch visits, training sessions, and stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure the integration of localization and NSD priorities into branch-level strategic and operational planning processes.
• Support the Manager in coordinating the division’s activities, preparing meeting briefs, and ensuring administrative follow-up.
• Maintain full compliance with organizational policies, applicable national laws, and donor requirements in all assigned tasks.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Job Specification

• Management, International Development, Public Administration, governance, Regional and Local development, Development studies, Business Administration, Leadership, Organizational development, Community Development, Political Science and International relation
• 6/8 years of relevant work experience, out of which 3/5 years in Senior position/s/