The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is a leading national institution dedicated to promoting and protecting fundamental human rights and freedoms across Ethiopia. As part of its commitment to ensuring justice and equality, EHRC is expanding its efforts to enhance the rights and protection of women and children. In light of this mission, the organization is currently seeking a qualified and passionate Human Rights Officer specializing in Women’s and Children’s Rights to join its team in Hawassa City.
This role presents an opportunity for professionals who are dedicated to advocating for the protection of vulnerable groups, enforcing international human rights standards, and strengthening legal frameworks that safeguard women’s and children’s rights. The selected candidate will be responsible for monitoring compliance, conducting research, and leading awareness campaigns to ensure that national institutions and policies align with international and regional human rights standards.
EHRC offers a competitive salary and benefits package for the right candidate, making this an attractive career opportunity for individuals with a background in law, human rights, gender studies, or related fields. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact in Ethiopia’s human rights landscape and have the qualifications to drive meaningful change, this is your chance to contribute to a significant cause. The deadline for application submission is February 17, 2025.
Human Rights Officer – Women’s and Children’s Rights
Human rights are the foundation of a just and equal society, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring that the rights of women and children are fully protected. The Human Rights Officer will be tasked with conducting investigations, monitoring activities, and advocacy efforts that directly contribute to the improvement of policies and practices affecting these vulnerable groups. The individual will work closely with government agencies, civil society organizations, and international human rights bodies to promote compliance with human rights laws and principles.
This role involves conducting regular institutional assessments to ensure that policies and procedures align with human rights standards. The Human Rights Officer will prepare detailed reports with actionable recommendations, ensuring that organizations uphold their responsibilities in protecting and promoting the rights of women and children. The candidate will also engage in capacity-building initiatives, raising awareness through education programs, campaigns, forums, and dialogues aimed at strengthening legal protections and societal understanding of women’s and children’s rights.
Additionally, the officer will play an integral role in investigating human rights violations related to women and children, ensuring that appropriate action is taken to address injustices. This includes supporting victims, providing legal recommendations, and working with relevant stakeholders to implement corrective measures. The ability to analyze complex legal cases, provide well-researched recommendations, and maintain strong collaborations with key stakeholders will be essential for success in this role.
Responsibilities and Key Duties
At the heart of this position is a commitment to upholding international and national human rights laws. The Human Rights Officer will be responsible for conducting in-depth research and analysis on human rights violations, identifying legislative gaps, and recommending policy improvements to ensure a stronger legal framework for women’s and children’s rights in Ethiopia.
The officer will regularly monitor institutions to assess whether their procedures and operations comply with international human rights standards. If gaps or violations are identified, the officer will document findings, draft reports, and propose remedial actions to ensure accountability. These reports will be presented to EHRC leadership, policymakers, and relevant organizations to facilitate the implementation of better legal protections and policies.
In addition to monitoring, the Human Rights Officer will be responsible for leading advocacy campaigns and awareness programs aimed at educating both institutions and the public on the importance of protecting the rights of women and children. The officer will also provide support in organizing forums, conferences, and discussions that encourage dialogue between human rights organizations, policymakers, and community representatives.
Moreover, this role includes assisting in the investigation of complaints related to human rights violations. The officer will analyze case reports, collect evidence, and coordinate with legal experts to address violations in a manner that aligns with both Ethiopian laws and international human rights frameworks. The individual will also track human rights trends, evaluate the effectiveness of existing laws, and contribute to long-term strategies for the protection of women and children in Ethiopia.
Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must hold a degree in Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, Gender Studies, or a related field. A Master’s degree (LLM) is preferred but not mandatory. Applicants with an LLB degree must have at least four years of relevant experience, while those with an LLM degree require a minimum of two years of professional experience in human rights work.
A strong understanding of human rights law, gender issues, and child protection policies is essential. Candidates should also be computer literate and proficient in legal research and documentation. Fluency in Amharic is required, and knowledge of additional Ethiopian languages is considered an advantage. The ability to analyze complex legal frameworks, communicate findings effectively, and collaborate with multiple stakeholders is crucial for success in this role.
The position is based in Hawassa City, and the selected candidate will receive a competitive salary ranging from ETB 20,400.00 – ETB 23,683.00, depending on qualifications and experience. In addition, EHRC offers a housing allowance of ETB 8,640.00 and a transport allowance of ETB 3,300.00 per month. This is an indefinite-period contract, providing long-term career stability for the right candidate.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants who meet the qualifications should submit a detailed cover letter explaining their interest in the role along with an updated CV. Applications must be sent to the EHRC email address: [email protected]. It is important to include the job title and location (Human Rights Officer, Hawassa City) in the subject line of the email.
Only applicants who strictly follow the application instructions will be considered. Those who fail to meet the specified requirements will be automatically disqualified. Candidates should not respond to the automatic reply email, as it is for confirmation purposes only. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for a written exam and an interview as part of the selection process.
EHRC strongly encourages women and candidates with disabilities to apply for this position. Diversity and inclusion are key values of the organization, and priority will be given to individuals who can bring unique perspectives and experiences to the role.
The application deadline is February 17, 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to be considered for this critical role in advancing human rights in Ethiopia.
Final Thoughts
This position offers a unique opportunity for dedicated human rights professionals to make a meaningful impact in Ethiopia’s legal and advocacy landscape. By joining the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, successful candidates will be part of a team that works tirelessly to protect women and children’s rights, promote legal reform, and ensure justice for the most vulnerable members of society. If you are passionate about human rights, legal advocacy, and social justice, this is your chance to contribute to positive change in Ethiopia. Submit your application before February 17, 2025, and take a step towards a rewarding career in human rights.