Solid Waste Management Expert

Introduction

Within the framework of the SECOND LIFE Project, funded by AICS and implemented by CIFA in partnership with Ethiopian and Italian institutions, CIFA is recruiting a Solid Waste Management Expert. 

The selected candidate will provide both technical expertise in Solid Waste Management (SWM) and operational project management support, ensuring the effective implementation of activities across the two target cities. The position is based in Addis Ababa, with frequent travel to Dire Dawa.

The SWM Expert supports the Project Manager in ensuring the overall technical quality, coordination and implementation of the SECOND LIFE project. The position combines advanced expertise in industrial solid waste management and circular economy with strong project management capacities, contributing to planning, implementation, monitoring, stakeholder engagement and technical assistance activities.

Organization

CIFA is an international NGO with over 40 years of experience in protecting vulnerable children and youth. Active in Ethiopia for more than 20 years, CIFA promotes access to quality education, gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusive livelihoods. Through its integrated approach, CIFA has developed strong expertise in solid waste management and circular economy initiatives, linking environmental sustainability with socio-economic inclusion. CIFA currently operates in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa City Administration, Amhara (South Wollo), Harari, and Oromia Region.

Project

The Second Life project aims to strengthen solid waste management (SWM), circular economy approaches, and socio-economic inclusion through coordinated technical, institutional, and community-based actions in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. The project is implemented through a multi-disciplinary team and in close coordination with the Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa City Administrations, local authorities, and partners.

The SWM Expert & Project Management Officer will work under the supervision of the Project Manager and in close collaboration with CIFA’s technical staff, local authorities, TVET institutions, Industrial Parks, private sector actors and project partners.

Position

Solid Waste Management Expert – Second Life Project

Duration Contract

Until December 2027, renewable subject to performance and project needs  contract with a 60-day probation period and the possibility of extension

Key Tasks & Responsibility

1. Technical Leadership (SWM)

• Provide technical guidance on industrial solid waste management and circular economy interventions.
• Support the development and implementation of innovative SWM solutions within Industrial Parks and TVET institutions.
• Provide technical inputs for feasibility studies, assessments, technical guidelines and operational plans.
• Supervise technical consultants and ensure the quality of technical outputs.
• Ensure alignment of project interventions with Ethiopian legislation, national SWM strategies and international best practices.
• Support the design and review of SWM curricula, training materials and practical learning activities.

2. Project Management Support

• Support the Project Manager in planning, coordinating and monitoring all project activities in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa.
• Monitor implementation against workplans, budgets and project indicators.
• Identify implementation risks and propose mitigation measures.
• Coordinate technical inputs from project partners and consultants.
• Support procurement processes by preparing technical specifications and evaluating technical proposals.
• Ensure timely implementation of activities according to donor requirements.

3. Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with MoLS, TVET Colleges, IPDC, municipal authorities and environmental agencies.
• Maintain regular coordination with project partners, private sector actors and local institutions.
• Represent CIFA during technical meetings, workshops and coordination platforms.
• Facilitate collaboration between training institutions and industries.

4. Monitoring, Reporting and Knowledge Management

• Contribute to narrative reports, technical reports and donor documentation.
• Support monitoring of project indicators and technical achievements.
• Document lessons learned, best practices and innovative approaches.
• Prepare technical presentations and briefing notes.

5. Capacity Building

• Deliver or coordinate technical trainings on SWM and circular economy.
• Mentor project staff on technical aspects related to waste management.
• Support institutional capacity development of TVETs and Industrial Parks.

6. Other Responsibilities

• Participate in project meetings, coordination activities and field visits as required.
• Perform any other duties requested by management related to project implementation and the Organization’s needs.

Remuneration

The employee’s Gross Salary will be € 743.81 [ Euro Only] based on the salary scale of the Organization (Grade 5 -Step 1) and will be paid at the end of each month to the employee’s bank account.

This gross salary included monthly transport allowance, 11% pension fund and 20% of hardship allowance as per the law of the Country. Medical and life insurance are also provided as additional benefits under CIFA’s policy.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related technical discipline.
• A Master’s degree (M.Sc.) or specialized post-graduate qualification in Solid Waste Management, Environmental Management, Circular Economy, or Sustainable Development, Development studies, Political science is considered an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in Solid Waste Management, industrial waste management or circular economy.
• Proven experience in donor-funded development projects.
• Previous experience working with government institutions and private sector stakeholders.
• Experience in TVET, green economy or livelihood projects is considered a strong asset.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of industrial solid waste management systems.
• Knowledge of circular economy principles and resource recovery.
• Familiarity with environmental legislation and waste management regulations.
• Experience in project planning, logical frameworks and results-based management.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and project documentation.
• Good understanding of procurement processes and technical specifications

Skills:

• Excellent project coordination and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong facilitation and training skills.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Knowledge of Amharic is mandatory

Other Requirements:

• Good knowledge of MS Office.
• Willingness to be based in Addis Ababa and travel locally if needed.