Application Cycle Concluded
The listed deadline for this opening was August 15, 2026. Application criteria, required documents, and preparation guidelines below remain active for upcoming academic cycles. Explore active live openings below.
About this opportunity
Ayuda en Acción is hiring a Country Director to lead its operations in Ethiopia, based in Addis Ababa. The application deadline is August 15, 2026. This is a senior leadership role for someone with deep experience managing development programs in complex environments. The organization has been fighting poverty, inequality, and exclusion since 1981. It works across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, and has operated in Spain since 2013. Ayuda en Acción focuses on territories and populations with the greatest vulnerability and least access to opportunities. The organization is non-denominational and non-partisan, grounded in respect for human rights and a commitment to addressing the root causes of social injustice. As Country Director, you would oversee the entire Ethiopia portfolio. That means managing program strategy, budgets, staff, and relationships with government and donors. You would represent Ayuda en Acción to partners and stakeholders across the country. The role requires someone who can navigate the realities of working in Ethiopia, where development needs are significant and coordination with local authorities is essential. Addis Ababa is a bustling capital at roughly 2,355 meters above sea level, with a mild climate year-round. The city is the diplomatic hub of Africa, hosting the African Union and numerous UN agencies. Cost of living is moderate compared to Western capitals, though housing in expat-friendly neighborhoods can be pricey. Work culture in the NGO sector is professional and collaborative, with frequent coordination meetings among international and local organizations. International staff typically need a work permit, which the organization usually arranges.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage Ayuda en Acción's country program in Ethiopia, ensuring alignment with the global strategy
- Oversee program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation across all projects
- Manage the country budget, ensuring financial accountability and compliance with donor requirements
- Supervise and develop national and international staff, a positive work environment
- Build and maintain relationships with government ministries, local authorities, NGOs, and community organizations
- Represent Ayuda en Acción in coordination forums, donor meetings, and public events
- Identify funding opportunities and support proposal development for new projects
- Ensure compliance with Ethiopian law, organizational policies, and donor regulations
- Report regularly to regional and global headquarters on program progress and challenges
- Lead risk management and security planning for the country team
Benefits
- Competitive international salary based on experience and organizational scale
- Housing allowance or provided accommodation
- Health and life insurance coverage
- Annual leave and home leave travel
- Professional development opportunities within a global organization
Requirements & Qualifications
- Proven experience in a senior management role within an international development organization
- Strong track record managing programs in areas such as food security, education, livelihoods, or child rights
- Experience managing budgets of significant size and multiple donor grants
- Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, multicultural teams
- Excellent understanding of project cycle management, from design to evaluation
- Strong representational and advocacy skills, with experience engaging government and donors
- Fluency in English; knowledge of Spanish is an advantage given the organization's roots
- Willingness to live and work in Addis Ababa, with travel to field sites
- Master's degree in development studies, international relations, management, or a related field
- Commitment to human rights and social justice values
How to Apply
- Prepare your CV and a cover letter that highlights your relevant experience in country leadership and development programming.
- Review the requirements carefully and ensure your application demonstrates how you meet each one.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in Ethiopia to Ayuda En Acción Ethiopia's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
