Background

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) is an Ethiopian civil society organization that was re-registered on September 19, 2019, with the FDRE Civil Societies Organizations Agency in accordance with Proclamation No. 1113/2019. LHR’s mandate includes promoting and advocating for human rights by strengthening lawyers’ participation through training and capacity-building; litigating before courts and relevant organs to uphold rights recognized under the FDRE Constitution and international instruments ratified by Ethiopia; raising awareness among justice sector actors; providing free or low-cost legal services to victims of human rights violations, particularly disadvantaged communities; lobbying for legal reforms; and promoting the role of human rights defenders (HRDs).

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) implements various human rights programs in collaboration with local partners, government stakeholders, communities, and international partners. To strengthen program leadership, quality implementation, and strategic coordination of its interventions, the organization seeks to recruit a qualified and experienced Program Director.

2. Position Title: Program Director

3. Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with frequent travel to project implementation areas as required)

4. Reports to: Executive Director

5. Job Purpose: The Program Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the organization’s programs and projects. The position ensures effective program planning, implementation, monitoring, learning, reporting, resource mobilization, and compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements.

6. Key Responsibilities and Duties

A. Program Strategy and Leadership

• Provide strategic direction for the organization’s programs in line with its mission, vision, and strategic plan. 

• Lead the development, review, and implementation of program strategies and annual plans. 

• Ensure programs are aligned with human rights principles, national priorities, and international standards. 

• Identify emerging human rights issues and recommend appropriate program responses. 

B. Program Management and Implementation

• Provide overall leadership and supervision for program teams and project coordinators. 

• Ensure timely and quality implementation of projects according to approved plans, budgets, and agreements. 

• Strengthen program coordination among different departments, partners, and stakeholders. 

• Ensure effective risk management and mitigation measures. 

C. Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Reporting

• Oversee the development and implementation of program monitoring and evaluation systems. 

• Ensure quality documentation of program achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. 

• Review and provide guidance on donor reports, program reports, and internal performance updates. 

D. Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain effective relationships with government institutions, civil society organizations, human rights networks, communities, and development partners. 

• Represent the organization in relevant forums, meetings, and coordination platforms. 

• Support partnership development and collaboration opportunities. 

E. Fundraising and Proposal Development

• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts through identification of funding opportunities. 

• Lead or support the development of concept notes, proposals, and budgets. 

• Ensure program designs respond to donor requirements and organizational priorities. 

F. Team Leadership and Capacity Building

• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and coaching to program staff. 

• Promote teamwork, accountability, and professional development. 

• Participate in recruitment and performance management of program staff. 

G. Compliance and Accountability

• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, donor agreements, legal requirements, and ethical standards. 

• Promote safeguarding, gender equality, inclusion, and human rights-based approaches across programs. 

Job Requirements

7. Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in human Rights, Law, International Development, Social Sciences, Political Science, Public Administration, or related fields. 

• A bachelor’s degree with extensive relevant experience may also be considered. 

Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive experience in program management, preferably within human rights, governance, justice, democracy, or civil society organizations. 

• At least 2 years of experience in a senior program leadership or management role. 

• Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded projects and working with national and international partners. 

• Experience in proposal development, budgeting, reporting, and program monitoring. 

8. Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of human rights issues and the Ethiopian CSO operating environment. 

• Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills. 

• Strong project management and organizational skills. 

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and representation skills. 

• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. 

• Strong analytical, writing, and reporting skills. 

• Knowledge of donor compliance requirements. 

• Proficiency in English; knowledge of Amharic and other Ethiopian languages is an advantage. 

9. Salary: As per the organizational scale 

10. Type of Employment Condition: Full Time

Permanent employment/contract-based (depending on organizational policy and funding availability).

How To Apply

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit:

• Updated CV 

• Cover letter 

• Copies of relevant credentials 

• Contact details of referees 

Applications should be submitted to: ameha.mekonnen@lhrethiopia.org   Copy to: meseret.maeregu@lhrethiopia.org

Applications should be submitted to: ameha.mekonnen@lhrethiopia.org
Copy to: meseret.maeregu@lhrethiopia.org

Both internal and external applicants are invited to apply for this position and should submit their applications through the contact information provided above.

Kindly mention in the subject of the email ‘Application for Program Director’ Position.

Deadlines: Seven (7) working days after the opportunity is announced on ethiojobs.net.

LHR encourages capable women applicants. 

Only candidates who fulfil the requirements will be contacted for an interview.

Job Requirements Master’s degree in human Rights, Law, International Development, Social Sciences, Political Science, Public Administration, or related fields.  Competence:- - Strategic programming and partnership development and processes - Proven ability to lead multiple technical teams - Good experience in research; strong interpersonal, team work and proven people management skills - Solid knowledge of the country’s national frameworks and strategies - Excellent analytical and conceptual thinking; solid understanding of organizational program approach and strategies null How to Apply Interested applicants can submit their CV and relevant documents through the provided e-mail