Vacancy Announcement for Executive Directress & Deputy Executive Directress Positions

Job by: Ethiopian Women Lawyers’ Association (EWLA)

Job Description

The Ethiopian Women Lawyers’ Association (EWLA) invites competent and qualified candidates of females with law background to apply for the vacant post of which the detail requirements are mentioned here below.

Brief Highlight of EWLA: Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association has been established at the federal level in 1995 by a group of women lawyers and re-registered as local organization in accordance with the Civil Society Organization Proclamation No. 1113/2019. EWLA has been working for more than 29 years to promote women’s social, economic, political and legal rights to help women exercise their constitutional and other rights.

The aim of the association is to promote equal participation of women in all sectors and to prevent gender based violence l  perpetrated against women and girls, create a safe environment for women through its three programs: Legal Research and Advocacy, Public Education and Capacity Building, and Free Legal Aid service.  

The association is head quartered in Addis Ababa and has opened its regional offices in seven regions and one city administration namely Adama, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, Gambella, Asosa, Jigjiiga, Semera regions and city administration of Dire Dawa. In order to make the service accessible to all, the association is working to continue its service in the zones and woredas under its regional and city administration branches and has so far established 55 volunteer committee centers across the country. Besides, it has established a hotline service (7711) which operates in 3 local languages: Amharic, Afan Oromo and Tigrigna.

Staff under supervision: Deputy Executive Directress, Administration and Finance Manager, Senior Management Team, Public Relations Officer, and Internal Auditor

Job Summary

The Executive Directress is the chief executive officer of EWLA and is responsible for the overall strategic direction, management, and performance of the organization. She provides visionary leadership to advance EWLA’s vision and mission and ensure effective program implementation, financial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. The Executive Directress works closely with the Board of Directors to set the strategic priorities and policies, and is accountable for delivering against the organization’s goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision to guide the organization towards its mission and long-term goals,
• Oversee the implementation of EWLA’s programs and projects to ensure alignment with the strategic plan and donor requirements,
• Monitor the external environment and organizational performance, and make strategic adjustments as needed,
• Ensure sound financial management, resource mobilization, and financial sustainability of the organization,
• Represent EWLA externally and build strong partnerships with donors, government, civil society, and other stakeholders,
• Lead and manage the Senior Management Team and regional branch offices providing guidance, support, and performance oversight,
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and donor requirements,
• Cultivate a positive organizational culture and promote staff development and well-being
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for EWLA,
• Report to the Board of Directors on the organization’s performance and progress and other tasks assigned to her as per the needs of the organization.

Job Details:

Position Information

Job Position: Executive Directress

Required Number: one (1)

Location: Addis Ababa, Head Office

Employment Type: Contractual Basis

Sex: Female with Law background

Salary: As per the Associations Scale

Application Deadline: 7 consecutive days

Work Unit: Executive Management

Reports to: Board of Directors

About You

Position Requirements

Academic Qualification:

• Minimum of First degree LLB or Master’s degree or PhD

Work Experience: 

• Minimum of 13 years of experience for LLB or 5 Years of Experience for Masters Degree or 3 years’ experience for PhD holders
• Experience should be in strategic leadership experience in civil society organizations or public sector, specifically working on promoting gender equality, women empowerment, mitigating gender-based violence, legal aid provision, policy advocacy, development, or public sector; proven track record in strategic planning, program management, fundraising, and organizational management, and experience working with boards of directors and multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Desirable Trainings

• Training in nonprofit leadership, policy advocacy, resource mobilization, strategic management, financial management, and organizational development; familiarity with donor policies and procedures.

Other Requirements

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English language, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders,
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make evidence based decisions,
• Demonstrated commitment to EWLA’s mission and values,
• Demonstrated passion and track record for the promotion of  gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights protection,
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate challenges, and lead the organization through change
• Flexible and adaptable, with a high tolerance for ambiguity and manage conflicting opinions, schedules and workloads as well
• Integrity, ethical conduct, and a commitment to transparency