Ethiopian Catholic Church - Mekanissa Salesians of Don Bosco Ethiopia

Reports to: Administrator
4. Contract Duration: one year and possible extension

5. Background & Context

The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) is a worldwide Catholic religious congregation dedicated to the education and holistic development of young people, especially the poor and marginalized. In Ethiopia, the SDB mission is realized through technical and vocational colleges, academic schools, youth centers, feeding centers, and a street children rehabilitation center.

The SDB Mekanissa Community requires a Project Coordinator to ensure effective management, implementation, reporting, and follow-up of social and development projects.

6. Overall Objective

To manage assigned projects efficiently and transparently, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope and budget, and in full compliance with government, donors agreements and SDB values, thereby contributing to the transformation of young lives and communities.

7. Scope of Work & Key Responsibilities

The Project Coordinator shall perform the following duties:

A. Project Implementation & Management

• Lead day-to-day planning, execution, and monitoring of activities in education, vocational training, youth empowerment, and community development.

• Develop detailed work plans, procurement plans, and activity schedules.

• Monitor field activities, provide on-site technical support, and ensure adherence to technical quality standards and the project’s logical framework.

• Collaborate with the finance team to manage budgets, track expenditures, and ensure compliant use of funds.

• Proactively identify risks, challenges, and delays, and propose timely corrective actions.

B. Donor Reporting, Compliance & Relations

• Serve as the primary focal point for reporting and compliance of donor-funded projects.

• Prepare and submit high-quality, timely narrative and financial reports

• Ensure all activities comply with donor and government rules and contractual obligations.

• Maintain organized project documentation (contracts, reports, approvals, correspondence, audit evidence).

• Support the PDO in preparing new proposals.

• Follow up project renewals with the government via the Addis Ababa Diocesan Catholic Secretariat.

C. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)

• Implement the project’s MEAL plan, collecting quantitative and qualitative data against indicators.

• Use data to assess progress, measure impact, and document success stories, case studies, and lessons learned.

• Facilitate periodic project reviews and evaluations with stakeholders.

• Promote accountability to beneficiaries and ensure community feedback mechanisms function properly.

D. Coordination & Capacity Building

• Liaise closely with PDO and technical staff to ensure smooth project execution.

• Coordinate with government authorities and other stakeholders as required.

• Represent SDB Mekanissa at relevant meetings, workshops, and coordination forums.

8. Deliverables

• Monthly and quarterly activity progress reports

• Donor narrative and financial reports as per contract schedules

• Updated work plans, procurement plans, and risk registers

• MEAL data sets, success stories, and lessons learned documentation

• Complete and audit-ready project files

9. Reporting & Working Relationships

• Supervisor: Administrator, SDB Mekanissa Community

• Internal collaboration: PDO team, finance team, technical staff

• External coordination: Donors, government authorities, Addis Ababa Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, other stakeholders

Job Requirements

10. Qualifications & Experience (Essential)

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum 2 years of proven experience managing the full cycle of development/humanitarian projects (NGO setting preferred).

• Demonstrated experience in donor reporting (narrative and financial) for institutional or private donors.

• Strong financial management skills (budget tracking, forecasting).

• Excellent written and verbal communication in English.

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic data analysis.

• Personal commitment to the mission and values of the Salesians of Don Bosco. 

11. Personal Attributes Required

• Proactive, organized, meticulous with strong attention to detail

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Able to work effectively in a team and under pressure to meet deadlines

• Honest, transparent, high integrity

• Self-starter with a problem-solving attitude

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

A cover letter stating their motivation and relevant experience.

An updated CV with at least three professional referees.

Copies of academic and professional certificates.

Email subject: “Application for Project Coordinator – SDB Mekanissa”
Contact: alhareet@gmail.com, sdbmekanissaiseproject2023@gmail.com, surafelkebede01@gmail.com 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Job Requirements Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Development Studies or a related field and have at least two years of experience managing development projects. The role requires strong donor reporting, financial management, and MEAL skills, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data analysis. How to Apply Send a cover letter, CV with three referees, academic and professional certificates via email to the listed contacts, using the subject line “Application for Project Coordinator – SDB Mekanissa.”