East Africa Programme Officer

Job Title: East Africa Programme Officer
Reports To: Africa Regional Manager
Status: Full-Time
Direct Reports: Interns/volunteers, where relevant. (At present, this role doesn’t have direct reports)
Contract duration: Two years (with the possibility of extension depending on funding)
Compensation: ETB 2,093,000–2,898,000 annually
Location: This post is based in Addis Abba, Ethiopia. Please note that IDC is unable to support relocation and the postholder needs to have the ability to work in Ethiopia. 

Background

International Detention Coalition (IDC) is a unique global network, of over 200 civil society organisations and individuals in more than 75 countries, that coordinates with members and partners on advocacy, research, coalition and capacity building, to eliminate immigration detention and advance rights-based alternatives to detention. 

Role Purpose

We are seeking a highly organized and motivated individual with a solid background in advocacy on migration and human rights. The ideal candidate will coordinate projects, initiatives and events efficiently, contribute to strategic advocacy efforts and support the development of the capacity of IDC members. Strong communications, organizational, planning, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential.

Role Summary

The Africa Programme Officer will play a key role in supporting IDC’s mission in the region by combining strong organizational and coordination skills with a solid understanding of advocacy on migration and human rights. Working closely with the Africa Regional Manager and other team members, the Programme Officer will contribute to the design and implementation of regional programs, events, initiatives and advocacy strategies. The role involves providing operational, administrative, research, and communications support, as well as helping to strengthen networks with members, partners, decision makers and other key stakeholders across the Africa region and specifically in Eastern Africa. The Programme Officer should be available to travel within the region as needed.

Role Responsibilities

Project implementation, admin support and support to IDC members and partners

• Contribute to the implementation of national and regional projects and events by providing technical, administrative, and logistical support to the Africa Regional Programme and in collaboration with relevant IDC staff and members
• Support the overall implementation of IDC’s mission and strategic priorities in the Africa region (with a priority focus on Easter Africa) through a balance of operational efficiency and advocacy engagement.
• Support IDC’s members in the region and support in network building.
• Maintain a high level of organization in managing project timelines, deliverables, and follow-ups in coordination with the Africa Regional Manager and other relevant team members.
• Support administrative processes related with finances in the Africa Programme.

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Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the development and implementation of advocacy strategies related to immigration detention, alternatives to detention, and broader migrant and refugee rights.
• Engage effectively and in coordination with the Africa Regional Manager and other relevant team members with a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society actors, UN agencies, and regional networks, to build partnerships and advance shared objectives.
• Contribute to drafting and disseminating advocacy materials, briefing notes, and strategic communications tailored to diverse audiences across the Africa region.
• Maintain regular contact with IDC members and partners to identify policy gaps, advocacy opportunities, and spaces for support, partnership and coordinated action.
• Assist in the planning and facilitation of stakeholder consultations, trainings, and regional events that promote rights-based alternatives, pathways and regional dialogue.

Communication

• Assist with developing print and digital communication materials for the region, including social media material for different platforms.
• Disseminate and share resources among members and other stakeholders through different platforms.
• Contribute to monitoring media platforms and keep track of reports and updates on relevant developments in the region.

Internal Systems, Monitoring, Fundraising, and Institutional Support

• Actively contribute to IDC’s fundraising efforts by providing background research, identifying potential funders, coordinating inputs, and play an active role in the drafting of proposals aligned with regional priorities
• Ensure accurate and timely monitoring and reporting of programmatic activities, supporting internal evaluation processes and donor accountability in line with IDC’s MEL systems.
• Maintain organized records of project outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and communications to support institutional memory and knowledge sharing.
• Assist in the preparation of high-quality reports, updates, and documentation for internal use, funders, and external dissemination.
• Support budget tracking, planning, and financial monitoring processes in collaboration with the Regional Manager, Executive Director, and relevant IDC staff.

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Core Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and support within the IDC team.
• Demonstrate a passion for and alignment with the IDC’s mission, vision and core values of innovation, collaboration, respect, representation and being solutions-focused
• Demonstrate an understanding of IDC policies including IDC Children and Vulnerable Adults Safeguarding policy to ensure a positive and safe working environment for all.
• Actively engage with organisational systems, processes, and infrastructure to ensure sustainability and appropriate safeguarding of institutional knowledge, assets and core activities over time

Key Selection Criteria      

Essential Criteria

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• Demonstrated understanding of the Africa contexts, particularly related to migration, human rights, and advocacy.
• A university degree in a relevant field such as international relations, law, migration studies, political science, or social sciences.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience, including project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy in the migration and/or human rights sectors.
• Proven experience in reporting and follow-up, including contributions to monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) processes and reporting experience.
• Strong communication, writing, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a remote setting.
• Experience engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders, including civil society, government actors, and international organizations, to advance advocacy and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and facilitate events such as meetings, workshops, and advocacy activities.
• Excellent organizational and coordination including good attention to detail. The ability to take initiative and to work remotely and autonomously, to manage competing deadlines, prioritise workload appropriately and work in a flexible manner. Proficiency in using digital communication tools and platforms, including social media.
• Ability to undertake travel in the region for the role
• Residing in Ethiopia with the legal right to work.
• Fluency in both English and Amharic (written and spoken) is mandatory. Fluency in Somali and/or Arabic is an added advantage.
• Strong commitment to IDC’s mission and values, including its safeguarding and child protection principles.

Application Process

To apply for this role, please upload your resume and a cover letter in English on IDC Careers’ Webpage, by 8th November 2026. Please ensure that you clearly address all of the key selection criteria in your application. If you have enquiries, please write to jobs@idcoalition.org, please note that no application will be accepted if sent by email. 

All applications must be submitted in English including cover letter & CV.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selected candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible. 

We envision a world where immigration detention no longer exists. And we work with everyone to make that vision a reality.

We believe people should be able to live freely while they await the outcome of their immigration case, and we advocate for the human rights and dignity of everyone impacted by immigration detention.

IDC is solutions-focused, meaning that we work with lived experience leaders, governments, decision-makers, civil society, UN agencies and other actors to deliver alternatives that benefit migrants, communities and society at large.

We are truly global, uniting a coalition of civil society organisations, community groups and individuals from all over the world. While the movement spans continents, we all have a clear purpose: to reduce and ultimately end immigration detention and to promote alternatives.

IDC values diversity, equality and inclusivity. Applications are welcome from all backgrounds. We especially encourage applications of those from underrepresented backgrounds, including but not limited to gender, race, age, sexual orientation, disability and religion. In particular, we highly encourage leaders with lived experience of the impacts of detention to apply. If potential candidates require any adaptations to usual recruitment processes, please do not hesitate to note this in your application.