Terms of Reference – Project Officer

Background

The Network of Ethiopian Women’s Associations (NEWA) is a pioneer, non-partisan, not-for-profit national coalition of women’s associations and organizations that has been working to realize gender equality and women empowerment in Ethiopia for the last couple of decades. As per the five years strategic plan (2020-20024), NEWA, among others, is engaged in generating gender data, in order to promote evidence-based advocacy for a better policy response. Currently, in collaboration with OXFAM GB, NEWA is implementing a research project that seeks to understand the situation of Ethiopian women in several dimensions.

Currently, NEWA is implementing an action research project titled: “Determining Ethiopian Women’s Status and Priorities: An Action Research Project” with financial support from the EUD-EU- External Action Services, jointly implemented with OXFAM GB. The overall objective of the research project is to contribute to the improvement of equality and women’s empowerment through evidence generation. The specific objectives of the action are to a) generate evidence for effective response and broader gender equality concerns during and after the crisis in Ethiopia, and b) Promote the research and advocacy capacity of women’s associations and structures. Further, the expected outcomes of the project are 1) Research (national survey and qualitative research) on the current status, priorities, needs, and asks of Ethiopian women conducted, and a report produced and 2) Research and advocacy capacity of women associations and structures enhanced.

Under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator, NEWA is therefore seeking to recruit a full-time dedicated project officer to support the implementation of the project and its components in seven regional states.

Duties And Responsibilities

Provide Coordination and Program Management and Support

• Under the guidance of the Program Coordinator support the implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of programmatic activities of the project “Determining Ethiopian Women’s Status and Priorities: An Action Research Project”
• Support, coordinate, and provide technical assistance in the implementation of capacity building and advocacy activities under the project and ensure timely implementation;
• Liaise and collaborate with partner organizations (government agencies, Civil Societies (CSOs), and offices at different levels);
• Contribute in the activity  and budget planning and ensure funds are utilized in line with the project agreed plan and budgets; 
• Represent the organization and the project at various forums, such as membership and  partner meetings, workshops, seminars, etc;
• Prepare briefing notes to the program coordinator regularly on monthly basis, to inform program/project progress and performance;
• Provide Administrative and Financial Management Support to the project
• Develop budget revisions and update the operational and financial status of the project as deemed necessary
• Provide administrative support in monitoring budget preparation and the finances of the project; including the finalization of the budget form
• Facilitate payment and timely settlement of financial plans as per agreements as deemed necessary. 
• Maintain internal expenditures control system
• Perform other duties as assigned by the program coordinator and the organization

Facilitation of Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing:

• Contribute to documentation and dissemination of knowledge products related to the project;
• Contribute to content development for the project’s MEAL initiatives;
• Facilitate dialogue platforms and document lessons learned and widely share with key partners
• In collaboration with the project team, support the facilitation of trainings and community-based focus group discussions at the different project sites
• Closely engage with the region-based Women Right Organizations and the target community groups for the research project interventions
• Develop and share case stories from the target women in the seven regions and share for lessons learning and advocacy purposes.

Location: Afar, Amhara, Addis Ababa, Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, SNNP, and Somali for European union project 

Career Level: Mid-Level (5 years’ experience)

• Professional/ Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in social sciences fields, preferably, gender, sociology or law, political science and international relations, Law etc.

Desirable 

• Master’s Degree in the field of social sciences, preferably, gender development, sociology, social work, or law, development studies etc

• Proven experience participation in project design, implementation and follow up 
• Experience in administration or program management/support;
• Experience in multiple office software packages;
• Experience in managing funds for projects
• Experience working on gender and women’s empowerment projects and programs Knowledge about CSO landscape in the country is an advantage  
• Analytical and advocacy skills on gender equality, women’s rights and empowerment of women issues especially on women in leadership and political participation is desirable; 

• At least 5 years for BA

• At least 3 years for MA 

• Well-developed oral and written reporting skills;
• Good communication skills and ability to work well in a team;
• Ability to work well under pressure 

• Pleasing & convincing capabilities 

Competencies

Core Values

• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Corporate competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the NEWA’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of NEWA
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Promotes knowledge management in NEWA and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan, and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness: 

• Ability to coordinate the work of others, work on tight deadlines, and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities
• Strong analytical and organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong IT skills
• Knowledge of financial rules and regulations, accounting

Leadership and Self-management

• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
• Ability to make decisions under pressure and to deal with matters that are politically and culturally sensitive.
• Good interpersonal and diplomacy skills

Technical/Functional Competencies:

• Substantive knowledge and understanding of gender, development and governance issues;
• Substantive knowledge and experience in the provision of coordinated support and management of rights-based programs to advance gender equality;
• Ability to think conceptually, strategically, and analytically;
• Good knowledge of program management;
• Ability to administer and execute administrative processes and transactions; 
• Ability to create, edit and present information in clear and presentable formats;
• Ability to manage documents, correspondence and reports information and workflow; 

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in Amharic and English is required
• Knowledge of the other local language is an asset