Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant – SNV Vacancy 2026

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is seeking a qualified and experienced Executive Assistant to support its Ethiopia Country Office in Addis Ababa. The successful candidate will provide high-level administrative and executive support to the Country Director and senior leadership team, ensuring effective coordination, communication, decision-making and follow-up on organizational priorities.

Job Overview

• Organization: SNV Netherlands Development Organisation
• Position: Executive Assistant
• Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Job Category: Administrative
• Department: Business Development and Partnerships
• Career Level: Mid-Senior Level
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Contract Type: National Contract
• Contract Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability
• Expected Start Date: January 11, 2027
• Application Deadline: November 23, 2026

About SNV

SNV is a global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. With approximately 1,600 staff members and 60 years of experience, the organization works with partners to strengthen capacities and transform agri-food, energy and water systems.

SNV focuses on strengthening institutions and governance, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and supporting climate adaptation and biodiversity protection. Its work is guided by the values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion.

Job Summary

The Executive Assistant will serve as a trusted partner to the Country Director and the Directors of Finance, Operations, Programmes, and People & Culture. The role involves anticipating leadership needs, coordinating information and schedules, managing executive priorities, and ensuring decisions and commitments are followed through.

The successful candidate is expected to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and handle confidential information with discretion.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Country Management Team (CMT), including maintaining forward meeting agendas, distributing meeting materials on time, and preparing minutes, decisions and action points.
• Manage the Country Director’s calendar and coordinate the schedules of other Directors, protecting priorities and resolving or escalating scheduling conflicts.
• Monitor leadership decisions and commitments, follow up with responsible individuals, and identify overdue or delayed actions.
• Draft and review professional correspondence, briefings and presentations in accordance with SNV standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Coordinate engagement and protocol with government institutions, donors, partners, and regional and global colleagues.
• Organize travel arrangements, official visits, workshops and leadership events.
• Maintain secure, version-controlled executive and governance records and protect confidential information.
• Use Microsoft 365 tools and approved artificial intelligence applications to improve executive-office workflows and support continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent higher vocational qualification in Business Administration, Office Management, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience and Skills

• Substantial experience providing executive or administrative support to senior leaders, preferably within a complex and multicultural organization.
• Demonstrated discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Excellent English language proficiency, including strong drafting, editing and minute-taking skills.
• Knowledge of local languages is an added advantage.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Excel and Copilot.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with a proactive, flexible and service-oriented approach.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Contract and Employment Details

• Contract Type: National
• Contract Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and budget availability.
• Expected Start Date: January 11, 2027
• Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

SNV offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Employees have opportunities to work in a challenging environment, lead and innovate, develop professional skills, and contribute to an international network of experts.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants should apply online through SNV's official SmartRecruiters recruitment platform.

Applicants are required to submit:

• An updated CV.
• A motivation letter.

Application Deadline: November 23, 2026.

Apply for the Executive Assistant Position

Important Notice

SNV is committed to integrity, neutrality, professional conduct and an inclusive working environment. The organization does not discriminate on the basis of disability, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation or other protected characteristics.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. SNV conducts background and reference checks, including safeguarding-related checks. Applicants will be asked to provide contact details for two referees, who will only be contacted with the candidate's explicit permission. Reference checks may also include a Statement of Conduct questionnaire sent to previous employers under the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

SNV does not accept third-party mediation in connection with this vacancy.

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