Partnership and Policy Advisor-(Re-advertised)

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) wants to recruit employees in the following vacant position the details of which are mentioned below.

About the Ethiopian Red Cross Society

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) was established in 1935 and is one of the oldest and largest humanitarian organizations in Ethiopia. ERCS provides services to communities affected by natural and manmade disasters through the provision of emergency responses, ambulance and first aid, family reunification, essential drugs, water and sanitation, and other humanitarian services. ERCS also runs disaster risk reduction programs with the aim of creating resilience households and communities. Currently the ERCS has a structure consisting of 15 Regional Offices, Zonal Branches and District/Woreda Branches, Woreda Red Cross Committee and Kebele Red Cross committees.

ERCS also runs disaster risk reduction programs relating to food security, climate change adaptation, livelihood diversification, and institutional capacity building interventions, with the aim of creating resilience households and communities. ERCS works in partnership with the Ethiopian Government, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), partnering National Societies, members, volunteers and the communities we serve.

1. Details of the vacant position

Job Title:  Partnership and Policy Advisor

• Work Unit:            Office of the Secretary General
• Reports to:             Secretary General
• Terms of employment: Permanent after probation period
• Salary:        as per the organization salary scale

1. Job Summary

Under the general direction and supervision of the Secretary General the Partnership and Policy Advisor will play a critical role in driving the development and implementation of strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and organizational influence within the humanitarian sector in Ethiopia. The role focuses on fostering relationships with local, national, and international stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, donors, and NGOs, while ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives and priorities. This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, policy expertise, and strong relationship-building skills to support the organization’s goals in providing effective humanitarian assistance.

• Specific Duties and Responsibilities
• Identify, develop, and advise the executive team strategic partnerships with governmental bodies, humanitarian organizations, development agencies, and relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop partnerships that align with organizational goals and governance standards.
• Develop partnership frameworks, guidelines, and checklists applicable across the National Society (NS).
• Monitor and assess the performance of partnerships, recommending improvements or adjustments where necessary.
• Ensure that all partnership engagements align with the fundamental principles of the RCRC movement and contribute to the institutional development of the NS.
• Represent the organization at coordination meetings, forums, and events to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new opportunities.
• Support the organization’s resource mobilization efforts through effective partnership coordination.
• Lead the development of policy positions and advocacy strategies aimed at influencing national and international humanitarian policies.
• Conduct analysis on national and regional policy trends to identify advocacy opportunities and key issues impacting the organization’s strategy.
• Provide technical advice to the Secretary General (SG) and Executive team on policy and partnership matters.
• Develop policy briefs, reports, and advocacy materials to communicate the organization’s position on critical issues.
• Support the executive team in maintaining and enhancing the organization’s reputation within the international humanitarian and development sectors.
• Advise the executive team on possible engagements with government officials, donor agencies, and stakeholders to advocate for policy changes that benefit vulnerable populations in Ethiopia.
• Regularly track and report on policy developments and humanitarian trends in Ethiopia and the broader region to ensure the organization stays responsive to emerging challenges.
• Provide technical guidance to program teams, ensuring policy and partnership considerations are integrated into programmatic work.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance staff and partner understanding of humanitarian policies, partnership dynamics, and strategic advocacy.
• Build internal capacity for policy analysis, partnership engagement, and advocacy within the organization.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align policy development with organizational goals and governance standards.
• Regularly debrief the executive team on external communications to track clarity and consistent engagement with partners and stakeholders.
• Prepare regular updates, presentations, and reports for senior management and stakeholders, ensuring the organization’s work is well communicated and understood.
• Advise the executive team on ways to Advocate for the organization’s policies and positions in external forums and negotiations.
• Ensure alignment of policy documents and procedures with the Charter of ERCS and relevant national laws.
• Support the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, ensuring it reflects the evolving humanitarian context and operational priorities.
• When required, represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and external events to promote its mission, objectives, and values.
• Reports periodically his/her performance to the SG and Administratively accountable to the Chief of Staff.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned by the Secretary General.

1. Job Specification

• Second/First degree in Public policy, DRM, Humanitarian diplomacy, international relation, IHL, Law, International Cooperation, Governance and Development studies and 10/12 years’ relevant work experience out of which 5/7 years’ managerial positions.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in a senior advisory role within a humanitarian or development organization.
• Familiarity with the workings of UN agencies, INGOs, and local NGOs in Ethiopia.
• Experience working with multi-stakeholder platforms and intergovernmental bodies.
• Proven experience in fundraising, resource mobilization, or donor relations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

HOW TO APPLY:

We invite candidates meeting the required qualifications to fill out online employment application form with the indicated link https://ee.ifrc.org/x/fqTf4qqW   before the closing date of this announcement on November 28, 2025.