Royal Norwegian Embassy Vacancy 2026

Organization: Royal Norwegian Embassy, Addis Ababa
Position: Controller – Development Cooperation
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Full-time (fixed contract, 6 months probation)
Career Level: Senior (5–8 years)
Application Deadline: May 4, 2026
Number of Positions: 1

About the Embassy

The Royal Norwegian Embassy represents the Government of Norway in Ethiopia and serves as the Permanent Mission of Norway to the African Union. The Embassy has 12 diplomats and 26 local employees and manages an annual development assistance portfolio of USD 35–50 million. The Embassy provides grants to partners including government institutions, the World Bank, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and universities.

Role Overview

The Controller will provide financial advice and quality assurance for the Embassy’s development assistance portfolio. The role supports programme officers and the Head of Development Cooperation in ensuring compliance with Norway’s regulations, financial risk management, and quality assurance of financial documents.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and assure quality of grant agreements, budgets, disbursement requests, financial reports, and audits
• Support programme officers with audit issues, including analysis and recommendations
• Conduct financial capacity assessments of partners and advise on risk mitigation
• Carry out field visits and spot-checks with partners
• Participate in donor group meetings on financial management and audit issues
• Serve as focal person for Ethiopia’s Aid Management Platform, reporting quarterly disbursements
• Provide quality assurance in procurement processes related to consultancy contracts for grants
• Assist in financial planning and forecasting for development cooperation portfolio

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Master’s in Finance/Business Administration preferred; Bachelor’s acceptable with extensive experience
• Experience: Minimum 5 years in project financing/accounting/controller roles, including 3 years in financial management; experience in embassies or international organizations advantageous
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of development cooperation and grant recipients (civil society, UN, World Bank, ministries)
  • Excellent English and Amharic (spoken and written)
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure
  • Corporate Finance & Valuation skills

Terms of Employment

• Full-time fixed contract with 6 months probation
• Salary package based on experience and qualifications
• Limited domestic travel expected

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should send:

• A motivational statement (max 500 words)
• Updated CV

By email to: emb.addisabeba@mfa.no by May 4, 2026

Subject line: Application – Controller

Applicants must also answer the following in their email:

1. Minimum annual salary requirement
2. Confirmation of more than five years’ experience, including financial management in embassy/international organization
3. Confirmation of Master’s degree in Finance or MBA

Note: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and possible written examination. Results will be announced on the Embassy’s website.