The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Ethiopia is a pioneering women-led organization established in 1962. Since our re-establishment in 2000 as a licensed civil society organization, we have focused on promoting gender equality, influencing governance and policy, socio-economic empowerment, sexual and reproductive health, and rights (SRHR), access to education and youth leadership development in several regions in Ethiopia.

The Organization is excited to announce the opening for vacant position for Gender and Advocacy Coordinator/Lead within our organization. This role is critical to ensuring the success, transparency, and continuous improvement of our programs and initiatives.

The Gender and Advocacy Coordinator/Lead is responsible for:

Key Responsibilities

Gender Mainstreaming & Inclusion

• Lead the development and implementation of the organization’s gender strategy.
• Ensure gender analysis is conducted for all projects and used to inform design, implementation, and monitoring.
• Provide technical support to program teams to integrate gender‑responsive approaches and inclusive practices.
• Develop tools, guidelines, and training materials on gender equality, GBV prevention, and women’s empowerment.
• Monitor gender‑related indicators and ensure accountability to women, girls, and vulnerable groups.

Advocacy, Policy Engagement & Networking

• Design and implement advocacy strategies aligned with the organization’s mission and national priorities.
• Conduct policy analysis and produce evidence‑based advocacy materials (briefs, position papers, fact sheets).
• Coordinate engagement with government bodies, CSO networks, coalitions, and community groups.
• Represent the organization in advocacy platforms, consultations, and public dialogues.
• Support community‑led advocacy initiatives and strengthen grassroots voices.

Research, Learning & Evidence Generation

• Lead gender‑focused research, assessments, and documentation of best practices.
• Work with MEAL teams to collect and analyze gender‑disaggregated data.
• Facilitate learning sessions, reflection workshops, and knowledge‑sharing events.
• Ensure advocacy messages are grounded in credible evidence and community realities.

Capacity Building & Community Engagement

• Train staff, partners, and community groups on gender equality, advocacy skills, and rights‑based approaches.
• Strengthen women’s groups, youth networks, and community structures to participate in decision‑making.
• Support the development of safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue and community mobilization.

Coordination, Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure gender and advocacy components of projects are implemented on time and meet donor requirements.
• Prepare high‑quality reports, case stories, and documentation for donors and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, protection, and ethical standards.
• Contribute to proposal development, especially on gender and advocacy themes.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Law, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in gender programming, advocacy, or rights‑based work within Ethiopian CSOs/NGOs preferably holding similar position within CSO Sector in Ethiopia.
• Strong understanding of Ethiopia’s gender policy frameworks, civic space, and social norms.
• Experience designing and implementing advocacy campaigns and community mobilization initiatives.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and networking skills.
• Fluency in Amharic and English; knowledge of additional local languages is an advantage.