About ESSSWA

The Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists (ESSSWA) was founded in June 1996 as a professional society and re-registered with the Charities and Societies Agency in 2009. Its mission is to strengthen the contribution of sociology, social work and anthropology to Ethiopia’s socio-economic development and the social well-being of its people through basic and applied research, policy briefs and impacts, training, capacity development activities, and the dissemination of research findings.

Position Summary

The Executive Director is ESSSWA’s most senior executive and provides strategic and operational leadership to the professional association. The role is central to advancing ESSSWA’s mission, achieving its goals and supporting its sustainable growth. The Executive Director will build and maintain effective relationships with government institutions, non-governmental organizations, development partners, donors and other stakeholders.

The successful candidate will bring a credible record in program and project design and management, resource mobilization, human resource management, financial management and professional networking. The Executive Director reports to the ESSSWA Board.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. Representation and visibility: Represent ESSSWA in relevant government, non-governmental and international forums; promote the organization’s mission; and strengthen its visibility through policy analysis, lesson documentation, policy briefs and working papers.

2. Resource mobilization: Develop and implement fundraising strategies; identify potential funding sources; cultivate donor relationships; expand the membership base; prepare proposals; and secure grants to support and expand ESSSWA’s programs.

3. Organizational coordination: Use a strategic planning approach to periodically plan and coordinate the work of ESSSWA staff and regional chapters.

• Coordinate the activities of short-term assignments and manage interns, as required.

• Advance ESSSWA’s goals and objectives through participation in relevant national and regional planning and policy meetings.

• Support the Board by providing periodic updates and coordinating the submission of thematic or sectoral quarterly, semi-annual and annual program reports.

• Coordinate donor-funded projects and ensure compliance with donor requirements.

1. Program management: Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects and programs. Ensure timely reporting in line with government, donor and ESSSWA requirements and procedures, and maintain effective decision-making systems.

• Review and appraise project reports, proposals and plans on a routine basis.

• Lead and contribute to budget preparation and track the financial utilization of ESSSWA activities.

• Comply with ESSSWA policies and procedures concerning equal opportunity and other relevant human resource provisions.

• Ensure the effective and efficient use of ESSSWA resources, manage costs responsibly and safeguard staff security.

1. Financial and administrative management: Provide administrative and financial management oversight in accordance with ESSSWA policies and procedures, government rules and regulations, and donor requirements.

2. Human resource management: Develop and manage human resource functions in line with ESSSWA policies and procedures and Ethiopian law.

3. Liaison and partnerships: Build and maintain strong working relationships with donors, government bodies, NGOs, associations, academic and research institutions locally and abroad, and the private sector, as appropriate.

4. Other duties: Perform other responsibilities assigned by the ESSSWA Board.

POSITION
Executive Director

REPORTSTO
ESSSWA Board

DUTYSTATION
Addis Ababa

EMPLOYMENTTYPE
Contractual

DEADLINE
September 17, 2026

Job Requirements

Candidate Profile

• Education: MA/PhD in Sociology, Social Anthropology or Social Work

• Experience: Minimum of five years of working in similar positions in coordinating programs and projects, professional associations, CBOs, NGOs, etc.

• Core competencies: visionary, fundraising, stakeholder management and communication competencies, knowledge of the Ethiopian Social Policy Landscape

• Language and digital skills: Efficient in English and able to responsibly use emerging technologies

How To Apply

• Application documents: application letter, brief CV, academic credentials, and work experience.  Applicants are also encouraged to submit reference persons.

• Submission method and address: Use official email below and in person at the office during working hours from Monday to Friday, Office Address. Arat Kilo Holy Trinity University Old Building 5th Floor, Office No. 502

• Application deadline: September 17, 2026

• Organization email: essswa@gmail.com

• Salary negotiable

ESSSWA encourages qualified candidates who meet the stated requirements to apply.

Job Requirements MA/PhD in Sociology, Social Anthropology or Social Work or relative field of study with relevant work experience out of with Minimum of five years of working in similar positions in coordinating programs and projects, professional associations, CBOs, NGOs, etc. How to Apply Application documents: application letter, brief CV, academic credentials, and work experience.  Applicants are also encouraged to submit reference persons to at the office during working hours from Monday to Friday, Office Address. Arat Kilo Holy Trinity University Old Building 5th Floor, Office No. 502.