POST:Program Officer

International Development Law Organization (IDLO)
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Last Date: February 14, 2010

International Development Law Organization
Viale Vaticano, 106
00165 Rome, Italy
39 06 40403200
www.idlo.int
IDLO seeks to strengthen the rule of law and good
governance in developing countries and countries in
transition to provide security for the individual, to reduce
poverty by protecting individual rights and economic
activity, and by strengthening judicial and local
institutions to promote a viable legal framework for
commerce, trade, and investment.
Program Officer
Local Consultancy
IDLO Field Program Office
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) is an intergovernmental organization that
promotes legal, regulatory and institutional reform to advance economic and social development in
transitional and developing countries.
Founded in 1983 and one of the leaders in rule of law assistance, IDLO's comprehensive approach achieves
enduring results by mobilizing stakeholders at all levels of society to drive institutional change. Because
IDLO wields no political agenda and has deep expertise in all legal systems and emerging global issues,
people and interest groups of differing ideologies trust IDLO. It has direct access to government leaders,
institutions and multilateral organizations in developing countries, including lawyers, jurists, policymakers,
regulators, advocates, academics and civil society representatives.
Since its establishment, IDLO has worked with more than 20,000 legal professionals in 175 countries. Its
network of forty-four independent national alumni associations, with membership drawn from legal,
business, academic and civil society communities, gives it a unique ability to create opportunity for those
most in need.
IDLO is based in Rome, with regional offices in Cairo and Sydney, project offices in Afghanistan, Indonesia,
Kyrgyzstan, Ethiopia and Sudan, a permanent observer office at the United Nations in New York and a
resource development office in Seattle.
IDLO’s work with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission
IDLO has been working with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) since mid-2009. Established
in 2000, the work of the Commission is still being hampered by a lack of institutional capacity.
Through targeted institutional capacity building, technical assistance and mentoring activities, IDLO’s
efforts aim to further develop the EHRC into a more effective institution, able to better protect and enforce
human rights in line with Ethiopian laws, and international human rights norms and standards. IDLO’s
work intends to provide the Commission with the skills, knowledge and tools needed to carry out its
mandate to protect and enforce human rights more effectively and efficiently.
To ensure maximum impact, IDLO will involve the Commission’s legal and administrative staff members,
as well as senior management officials and appointees charged with managing the Commission, and
members of Ethiopian human rights NGOs. The Commission officials and appointees are recognized as a
vital constituency, as they are responsible for designing and implementing the strategy and operations of
the Commission.
About IDLO
For its Program with the EHRC, IDLO is seeking a suitably qualified Program Officer.
Based in IDLO’s Field Program Office in Addis Ababa and working in close consultation with, and reporting
directly to, IDLO’s Manager of Field Operations Unit (“FOU”) based at IDLO’s Headquarters in Rome, Italy,
the duties of the Program Officer will include:
• Managing and implementing the day-to-day activities of IDLO’s Program with the EHRC;
• Managing the day-to-day finances of IDLO’s Program with the EHRC;
• Managing the IDLO Field Program Office and team in Addis Ababa responsible for implementing IDLO’s
Program with the EHRC;
• Developing and strengthening the day-to-day relationships with the EHRC and other stakeholders, and
serve as the primary focal point in the relationship between IDLO and the EHRC;
The Position
Position Cont’d
• Serving as the primary focal point in Ethiopia for IDLO’s FOU;
• Working with the FOU in identifying appropriate and relevant experts to assist in the implementation of
the Program;
• Providing technical input into Program activities and providing support to relevant experts engaged by
IDLO for the Program, as required;
• Ensuring that Program deliverables are achieved in accordance with IDLO and donor standards;
• Preparing reports (narrative, financial, and other forms) to the FOU and to the donor, as per IDLO and
donor requirements;
• Organizing and participating in trainings, roundtables and meetings as required by the Program;
• Representing IDLO in Ethiopia and maintaining relations with partners, government departments, country
delegations, development agencies, donors and NGOs working in similar areas as IDLO;
• Representing IDLO at external meetings, seminars, workshops, and other events in Ethiopia and elsewhere,
which are relevant to the Program or to IDLO more generally;
• Identifying and pursuing opportunities for increasing IDLO’s work in Ethiopia, including providing assistance
in drafting technical and financial proposals.
IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome and
encourage diverse applications. To apply, please visit IDLO’s employment website at www.idlo.int/jobs
How to Apply
Ideal Candidate Profile and Minimum Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a legal and/or human rights background, and at least 10 years of professional
experience relevant to the position. The candidate will have highly developed project/program management
skills and a good knowledge of related tools and techniques.
The candidate will have demonstrated experience developing and managing relationships with high-level
officials, government institutions, international organizations, NGOs and community organizations, preferably
in Ethiopia.
The Program Officer will be required to engage and work closely with staff at various levels within the EHRC,
creating an environment of cooperation and fostering relationships based on mutual respect and trust. It is
therefore essential that the candidate demonstrates well developed interpersonal, diplomatic and negotiation
skills, and experience working and interacting with various and diverse personalities.
He/she will have a good understanding of the political, legal and human rights context in Ethiopia, as well as
of related international frameworks and conventions. The ideal candidate will have some professional experience
in these areas.
The candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, ability to supervise and work with a small team, and some
financial management skills. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required. Experience working
for an international organization or United Nations agency will be highly regarded. As this is a local hire, the
position is open to Ethiopian nationals only. The contract period is for a six months, renewable, with a probation
period of two months.
The successful candidate will be required to commence as urgently as possible in February, and will receive a
competitive salary within Ethiopian standards. First review of applicants will start as of January 25, 2010.