ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Sowing the Seeds of Change is a three-year, internationally funded Program implemented by Development Expertise Center (DEC) as the Ethiopia country partner, in collaboration with Wilde Ganzen (Netherlands) and the global Change the Game Academy (CtGA) Alliance. The Program aims to empower 20 youth-led organizations across Ethiopia to design and implement biodiversity conservation initiatives, mobilize local resources, and position young people as credible advocates in national environmental governance.

DEC’s role encompasses training delivery, mentorship and coaching, match funding coordination, monitoring and learning, partnership management, and donor reporting within the Ethiopia component of the Program.

JOB PURPOSE / POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Coordinator will serve as the primary responsible person for the day-to-day planning, implementation, coordination, and reporting of the Sowing the Seeds of Change Program in Ethiopia. The coordinator will lead the selection, training, and sustained coaching of 20 youth organizations through the Change the Game Academy Green (CtGA Green) methodology, ensuring the quality, timeliness, and impact of all Program activities.

The role requires a hands-on, field-oriented professional with strong Program management competencies and a commitment to youth empowerment and biodiversity conservation. The coordinator will be the primary interface between DEC Ethiopia, the global Program team, youth partners, and other relevant stakeholders.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1. Program Coordination & Technical Implementation

Lead the comprehensive planning and execution of the program in Ethiopia.
Facilitate the transparent, criteria-based selection of 20 youth-led organizations.
Coordinate the delivery of intensive Change the Game Academy (CtGA) Green training and workshops.
Provide ongoing technical mentorship and coaching to youth organizations throughout the project cycle.
Manage the distribution and accountability of ICT equipment (laptops) provided to partners.
Mainstream gender-sensitive, inclusive, and youth-centered approaches across all activities.

4.2. Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

Develop detailed annual and quarterly work plans.
Execute robust MEL activities, including baseline/endline assessments and field monitoring.
Produce high-quality progress reports, success stories, and case studies.
Contribute evidence-based inputs to global program reviews and cross-country learning exchanges.

4.3. Match Funding & Resource Mobilization

Oversee the match funding process and provide guidance on local fundraising and community resource mobilization.
Manage the disbursement and documentation of match funds in compliance with policies.
Monitor youth-led fundraising campaigns and fund utilization to mitigate financial risks.

4.4. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Management

Act as the primary liaison for the Ethiopia component with global leads and international stakeholders.
Represent DEC and the program in national and international forums and policy events.
Strengthen strategic relationships with regional government bureaus and local authorities.

4.5. Communication, Visibility, and Storytelling

Empower youth organizations to enhance public visibility through digital storytelling and social media.
Coordinate multimedia content production for global communication strategies.

4.6. Financial Stewardship, Compliance & Safeguarding

Monitor program expenditures against approved budgets and ensure cost-effectiveness.
Uphold full compliance with Ethiopian NGO regulations and donor frameworks.
Implement strict Safeguarding and PSEAH standards across all youth engagements.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Project Coordinator — Sowing the Seeds of Change
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with regular field travel)
Reports To: Program Lead, DEC
Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract
Duration: 1 Year, with possibility of extension

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Project Management, Development Studies, or related field.
Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an advantage.

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Program coordination or project management within an NGO.
Demonstrated experience working with youth organizations or grassroots civil society groups in Ethiopia.
Proven experience in training facilitation and capacity building.
Experience in biodiversity conservation or climate change adaptation is a strong advantage.

Technical Competencies

Strong knowledge of the project management cycle (planning, implementation, MEL).
Ability to develop high-quality reports in English and Amharic.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital collaboration tools.
Familiarity with Ethiopia’s environmental policy landscape and civil society sector.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Travel: Regular travel within Ethiopia to field sites.
Safeguarding: Must sign and adhere to DEC’s Safeguarding and PSEAH policies.
Language: Proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required.

Skills Required: Environmental sciences, Natural Resource Management, Project Management.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates should submit:

A cover letter (maximum 1 page)
An updated curriculum vitae (maximum 4 pages)
Contact details of three professional references

Applications should be submitted to: pcs@decethiopia.org with the subject line: “Application — Project Coordinator, Sowing the Seeds of Change.”

Application Deadline: May 18, 2026

Project Coordinator -Sowing the Seeds of Change

Job Description