Job Purpose

The Head of Disability Inclusion Advisory Unit (DIAU) will be responsible for supporting and enabling Light for the World to strengthen its position as a leading expert organization on disability inclusion, with the Disability Inclusion Facilitator (DIF) Model as a key feature. The position holder will, among others, play a leading role in supporting the country implement its Mastercard Foundation supported multi-country and multi-year We Can Work Project in Ethiopia that seeks to enable young women and men with disabilities to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030.

Major Roles and responsibilities: 

• Lead the strategic development of Disability Inclusion programs planning, budget and partnerships and support the implementation, ensuring alignment with the LFTW’s Disability Inclusion framework and overarching goal

• Oversee integrating disability inclusive approaches evidence-based practices and innovative approaches in program design and implementation.

• Guide and mentor disability Inclusion teams in country, facilitating the co-creation of partnerships and providing comprehensive support throughout program lifecycles

• Organize and manage workshops, meetings, and retreats to foster team engagement and advance strategic partnerships.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including program, finance/Operation, impact and MERLA, and communications, to ensure cohesive management of the disability inclusion portfolio.

• Support the development of new partnerships on disability inclusion and assisting in proposal development in potential partnerships.

• Oversee the disability Inclusion portfolio, participating in narrative reviews, annual planning, and monitoring visits to enhance learning and impact.

• Share insights on emerging trends and issues in disability Inclusion, contributing to the LFTW‘s thought leadership in the sector.

• Serve as advocacy focal point for disability inclusion for the country office.

• Build networks, collaborations, and partnerships with organizations led by youth with disabilities, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, and other stakeholders to advance interventions aligned with the Disability Inclusion strategy.

• Participate in relevant external disability inclusion working groups, such as funder collaboratives, to build the LFTW's thought and initiative like We Can Work on disability inclusion

• Build the Disability Inclusion Team’s culture and engagement and drive oneness.

• Support Disability Inclusion teams in growing and being successful in their roles (performance, capability, and careers) by leveraging We Can Work intervention intensively

• Ensure continuous quality and consistency of all the activities of the pool of Disability Inclusion Facilitators by monitoring, facilitation of continuous learning and refresher trainings. 

• Support Disability Inclusion Advisors to gather and disseminate relevant information regarding disability inclusion and mainstreaming including documentation of lessons learned, case studies, and stories of change on disability inclusion.

• Together with the program team and in consultation with the Technical Advisory Services team and leadership, engage in resource mobilization through identifying disability inclusion advisory service opportunities and together with the team develop narrative and financial proposals, ensure quality and timely deliverables. 

• Ensuring close linkages with disability structures in Ethiopia at national, regional and local levels 

Job Requirements

Master’s/BA degree in development studies, Sociology, Disability Studies, Social Sciences, Program Management, International Development or related field. 

Minimum of 10/8 years respectively in project management experience in a similar INGO or recognized NGO role which explicitly involved donor-funded projects out of which at least Five (5) years of progressive experience in disability inclusion, with significant exposure to disability inclusion programing and policy development and implementation in diverse contexts, particularly in INGOs

• Professional certification in disability inclusion, accessible design, or similar is highly preferred.

• Proven track record in partnership management, including capacity assessment, training, and networking.

• Extensive experience with local, national, and regional disability organizations and networks.

• Experience in leading project management, including design, monitoring, and evaluation, with multi-stakeholder projects and large-scale funding.

• Experience working directly with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and understanding the barriers they face, with practical solutions to overcome them.

• In-depth knowledge of global, national, and local disability inclusion contexts and policy landscapes.

• Excellent people skills with experience in collaborating in a diverse and dynamic team. 

• Knowledge and experience of disability inclusion and/or working with organizations of persons with disabilities

• Impeccable management, presentation and communication skills 

• Experience in partnership management, including government liaisons. 

•  Proven effectiveness in leading and coaching professionals.

• Expertise in developing and applying disability inclusion lens for multi-sectoral programs or environments.

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to serve as a thought partner in disability inclusion.

• Ability to form cohesive teams and provide clear directions for impact.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and experience with grant-management systems.

• Exceptional communication skills, capable of articulating complex information to diverse audiences, including leadership from government, donors, NGOs, and DPOs.

• Fluency in English is required

• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Professional maturity, sensitivity to different cultures, and impeccable integrity.

• Professional intensive experience and hands-on knowledge on broader capacity building, with excellent facilitation skills.

• Innovative and strategic thinkers are always ready to adapt and learn.

•  Technology ability with proficiency in the use of MS Office software packages.

• High levels of integrity, accountability, and honesty. 

• Commitment to Light for the World’s mandate and values

• To Abide by LFTW’s Code of Conduct, Safeguarding and other organizational internal policies

• What we offer

• an outstanding opportunity to bring about change through an international development organization and to extend your professional experience

• a highly motivated, professional and diverse team that strives towards continuous development. We believe in participatory leadership and expect you to contribute your expertise and ideas. 

• a competitive salary for the NGO sector, incl. full social insurance & other benefits

• flexible working hours with remote working options

• a friendly, dynamic and inclusive working environment 

How To Apply

We’re looking forward to sending your non-returnable CV and letter of motivation to show how your experiences match the job advertisement, your salary expectation, any type of disability you have on your applications and 3 professional references into your CV until May 16, 2026, to www.ethojobs.com

Note: Light for the world strives for inclusion and diversity and therefore considers all job applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, age, marital status, and disability. Qualified Persons with disabilities and female applicants are highly encouraged to apply. Light for the World is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse work force and does not ask for money at any stage of recruitment.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

 

Job Requirements Candidates must hold a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields and have at least ten years of project management experience in INGOs, with five years specifically focused on disability inclusion. The role requires advanced skills in partnership development, program design, policy analysis, and team leadership, as well as fluency in English and proficiency with Microsoft Office. How to Apply Apply using the provided link below.