Internship

Sep 18, 2025

I. Background

CECOE is a non-profit and non-governmental civil society organization with more than 175 member organizations. CECOE was licensed by the F.D.R.E. Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) in 2019 with registration number 4748 under the Civil Society Organizations Proclamation 1113/2019, to enhance and coordinate the role of Ethiopian CSOs in election observation, voter education, preventing electoral conflicts, and providing capacity building and support for its member organizations.

CECOE is a committed member of the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN), African Election Observers Network (AfEONet), and a member of the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM), which connects regional networks and individual monitoring organizations across more than 88 countries worldwide. Since 2019, CECOE has observed seven electoral events, deploying both Long-Term Observers (LTOs) and Short-Term Observers (STOs) for referendums and general elections. CECOE is currently implementing a project titled “Enhancing the Credibility, Transparency, and Inclusiveness of the Seventh General Elections of Ethiopia through systematic citizens’ election observation.” This initiative, supported by the Embassy of Ireland in Ethiopia, is focused on the planning and preparation for observing the upcoming 7th General Election.

II. The Position

CECOE is seeking to hire interns to support its election observation activities for the upcoming 7th General Election. The interns will operate under the auspices of the CECOE Secretariat, working closely with the CECOE staff, Member organizations, Regional Focal Persons, Zonal coordinators and observers. They will assist in processing data from observers to ensure accurate and timely reporting.

III. Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Interns will be responsible for, among other things:

1. Assisting in the recruitment of observers in coordination with Regional Focal Persons and Zonal coordinators.
2. Verifying data accuracy from observer reports, checklists, and forms submitted by Regional Focal Persons, Zonal coordinators, and observers.
3. Performing basic data cleaning, including identifying and correcting errors, duplicates, or inconsistencies in observation data.
4. Supporting the generation of reports by organizing cleaned data, assisting with basic analysis, and preparing summaries.
5. Contributing to the timely processing of observer reports to facilitate the quick dissemination of findings.
6.  Assisting with data entry, digitization, and archiving of information.
7. Providing administrative support for data-related activities, such as maintaining contact management forms and tracking resources.
8. Participating in quality control checks for training materials and simulation exercises as needed.
9. Reporting any critical data discrepancies or issues to the Management Team.
10. Undertake additional tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

IV. Required Qualifications and Experiences

1. Minimum of a diploma or Bachelor’s degree in fields such as law, political science, information technology, statistics, social sciences, or a related area.
2. Basic proficiency in data handling tools such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or similar software; familiarity with data cleaning techniques is an advantage.
3. Amharic and English fluency, both spoken and written, are required. Knowledge of local languages relevant to assigned regions is preferred.
4. At least 3 months of experience or relevant internships in data entry, administrative support, or CSO-related activities; experience in election or rights-related work is a plus.
5. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work under supervision in a team environment.
6. Excellent basic oral and written communication skills in English.

V. Duration

The positions are short-term internships for 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.

Project Officer

Aug 26, 2025

Position Title: Project Officer

Duty Station: Addis Ababa with frequent travel to project regions (Tigray, Harari, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambela, and other target areas)

Reports to: Project Manager/Program Coordinator

Contract Type: Full-time (Project-based)

Duration: 1 year with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding

1.  Background

The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Elections (CECOE) is implementing a multi-year project aimed at enhancing citizens’ engagement in human rights, democratic processes, civic rights, duties, and peacebuilding; improving the implementation of best practices among civil society; and strengthening women’s leadership in local governance. The project will be implemented in partnership with CECOE, Bright Future, and Ethiopian Women Rights Advocates (EWRA) across multiple regions of Ethiopia, through civic engagement hubs, digital learning platforms, sub-grants, training, and advocacy initiatives.

To support the effective implementation of the project, CECOE seeks to recruit a qualified Project Officer who will be responsible for day-to-day coordination, implementation of activities, monitoring, and reporting.

2.  Purpose of the Position

The Project Officer will ensure the smooth execution of project activities, working closely with consortium partners and regional civic engagement hubs. The officer will contribute to citizen education, capacity development of civil society organizations, women’s leadership initiatives, peacebuilding interventions, and documentation of best practices.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The Project Officer will perform the following key tasks:

Project Implementation and Coordination

• Support the implementation of activities, including digital civic education, establishment of civic engagement hubs, peacebuilding initiatives, women’s leadership programs, and civil society capacity building.
• Coordinate with consortium partners (CECOE, Bright Future, and EWRA) to ensure timely and effective delivery of activities.
• Facilitate trainings, workshops, and civic engagement events in target regions.
• Provide technical and logistical support for sub-granting processes and mentorship initiatives.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Track progress of project activities against work plans and results framework.
• Collect and compile data, case studies, and success stories from project regions.
• Contribute to outcome-level monitoring on citizen engagement, civil society best practices, and women’s leadership.
• Assist in organizing lesson-learning workshops, peer-to-peer forums, and conferences.

Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with civic engagement hubs to enhance the capacity of CSOs, women’s groups, and youth networks.
• Support mentorship, training, and grant management for emerging CSOs and community-based initiatives.
• Facilitate dialogues, forums, and campaigns to promote civic education, peacebuilding, and women’s rights.
• Establish strong working relationships with local government bodies, CSOs, media, and community leaders.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare periodic progress reports, activity briefs, and updates for internal and donor reporting.
• Ensure proper documentation of activities, financial compliance (in collaboration with finance staff), and lessons learned.
• Support the dissemination of communication materials, including policy briefs, commentaries, media campaigns, and advocacy content.
  
  

4. Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, Human Rights, Development Studies, Gender Studies, or related fields (Master’s degree is an advantage).
• Minimum of 3–5 years’ relevant experience in project coordination, civic engagement, human rights, or peacebuilding.
• Demonstrated experience working with CSOs, women’s rights organizations, or governance initiatives.
• Knowledge of civic education, peacebuilding, and women’s leadership programming in Ethiopia.
• Strong skills in organizing trainings, workshops, and community dialogues.
• Experience with sub-grant management, capacity development, and monitoring & evaluation.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
• Proficiency in English and Amharic; knowledge of additional local languages is an asset.
  
  

5. Competencies

• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.
• Commitment to human rights, democratic values, gender equality, and peacebuilding.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and adaptive learning skills.
  
  

6. Deliverables

• Timely implementation of activities in line with work plans.
• Monthly/quarterly progress reports and documentation of activities.
• Effective coordination of civic engagement hubs and CSO partners.
• Contributions to project outcomes on citizen engagement, civil society best practices, and women’s leadership.
  
  

7. Duration and Duty Station

The Project Officer will be based in Addis Ababa, with frequent travel to regional hubs (Tigray, Harari, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambela, and others). The contract duration is 12 months, renewable based on performance and availability of funds.