IDC Job Vacancy in Ethiopia 2026 – East Africa Programme Officer

The International Detention Coalition (IDC) is inviting qualified applicants to apply for the position of East Africa Programme Officer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This full-time opportunity is suitable for professionals with experience in migration, human rights advocacy, programme coordination, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring and reporting.

The successful candidate will support regional programmes, advocacy initiatives, partnerships, and capacity-building activities that promote human rights and alternatives to immigration detention across East Africa.

Job Overview

• Organization: International Detention Coalition (IDC)
• Position: East Africa Programme Officer
• Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Contract Duration: Two years, with the possibility of extension depending on funding
• Required Experience: Minimum of 5 years
• Required Education: University degree in a relevant field
• Annual Salary: ETB 2,093,000–2,898,000
• Application Deadline: November 8, 2026
• Reports To: Africa Regional Manager

Important: Applicants must reside in Ethiopia and have the legal right to work in the country. IDC is unable to provide relocation support.

About the International Detention Coalition (IDC)

The International Detention Coalition is a global network of more than 200 civil society organizations and individuals across over 75 countries. IDC works with members and partners on advocacy, research, coalition building, and capacity development to end immigration detention and advance rights-based alternatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Programme Implementation and Coordination

• Support the implementation of national and regional projects, programmes, and events through technical, administrative, and logistical assistance.
• Coordinate project timelines, deliverables, follow-ups, and programme activities with the Africa Regional Manager and other team members.
• Support IDC members and partners in East Africa and contribute to regional network development.
• Assist with financial administration and programme budget monitoring.

2. Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support advocacy strategies on immigration detention, alternatives to detention, and migrant and refugee rights.
• Engage with government representatives, civil society organizations, UN agencies, regional networks, and other stakeholders.
• Draft advocacy materials, briefing notes, and strategic communications.
• Identify policy gaps, advocacy opportunities, and areas for collaboration with IDC members and partners.
• Help organize and facilitate stakeholder consultations, training sessions, workshops, and regional events.

3. Communication and Knowledge Sharing

• Assist in developing print and digital communication materials, including social media content.
• Share resources and relevant information with members and stakeholders.
• Monitor media platforms and track developments related to migration, human rights, and immigration detention in the region.

4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Fundraising

• Contribute to fundraising activities, including donor research, proposal development, and coordination of inputs.
• Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities and ensure timely programme reporting.
• Maintain accurate records of project outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and communications.
• Prepare reports, programme updates, and documentation for internal and external audiences.
• Assist with budget planning, tracking, and financial monitoring in collaboration with relevant IDC staff.

5. Organizational Responsibilities

• Promote collaboration, teamwork, and a supportive working environment.
• Uphold IDC’s mission, vision, and values, including innovation, respect, inclusion, and a solutions-focused approach.
• Follow organizational policies, including safeguarding policies for children and vulnerable adults.
• Maintain effective organizational systems, records, and processes.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must meet the following essential criteria:

• A university degree in International Relations, Law, Migration Studies, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least five years of professional experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy within the migration and/or human rights sectors.
• Demonstrated understanding of African contexts, particularly migration, human rights, and advocacy.
• Experience in reporting, follow-up, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL).
• Strong written and verbal communication, research, planning, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to engage with civil society organizations, government representatives, international organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Experience planning and facilitating meetings, workshops, training sessions, and advocacy activities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, work independently in a remote setting, and use digital communication tools and social media platforms effectively.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the East Africa region as required.
• Current residence in Ethiopia and legal authorization to work in the country.
• Fluency in English and Amharic, both written and spoken, is mandatory.
• Strong commitment to IDC’s mission, values, safeguarding, and child protection principles.

Additional Advantage: Fluency in Somali and/or Arabic.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants should submit their CV/resume and cover letter in English through the official IDC careers portal.

Application Link: Apply on IDC Careers’ Webpage

Applicants should clearly address all the key selection criteria in their application.

• Application Deadline: November 8, 2026
• Application Language: English
• Required Documents: CV/resume and cover letter
• Inquiries: jobs@idcoalition.org

Applications sent by email will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and the selected candidate is expected to start as soon as possible.

IDC welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and particularly encourages applications from underrepresented groups and individuals with lived experience of immigration detention. Applicants who require adjustments to the recruitment process may indicate their needs in their application.