As part of our executive search and talent acquisition partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ethiopia, The Talent Firm is inviting applications from qualified professionals for the position of Team Leader – Democratic Governance & Peacebuilding.

Job Title	Team Leader- Democratic Governance & Peacebuilding
Work location	Addis Ababa
Contract Type	National Position (NOD)

About the role

UNDP Ethiopia is seeking an experienced and politically astute leader to head its Democratic Governance and Peacebuilding portfolio. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for advancing governance reform, peacebuilding, rule of law, human rights, conflict prevention, and institutional strengthening initiatives that contribute to Ethiopia’s sustainable development and democratic transformation.

The Team Leader will provide strategic direction, policy advice, programme oversight, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership while working closely with government institutions, development partners, civil society, and the wider UN system.

Key responsibilities

– Lead the design, implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance of UNDP’s Democratic Governance and Peacebuilding portfolio.
– Provide high-level policy analysis and technical advisory support on governance, peacebuilding, institutional reform, rule of law, and democratic governance.
– Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and UN agencies.
– Facilitate policy dialogue, consensus-building processes, and multi-stakeholder engagement on key governance and peacebuilding issues.
– Lead resource mobilization efforts, donor engagement, and partnership development.
– Ensure effective programme performance, risk management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
– Promote knowledge sharing, innovation, and learning across governance and peacebuilding initiatives.
– Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team while fostering collaboration across the UNDP Country Office.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring:

– Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Governance Studies, Law, Political Science, Sociology, Public Policy, Peace and Security Studies, Development Studies, or equivalent social science field.

– At least 7 years of professional experience (with a Master’s degree or equivalent) advising governments and development partners on governance and public sector issues—including programme support, capacity development, policy advice, governance assessments, and monitoring and evaluation—with strong contextual knowledge of Ethiopia’s political and social environment, demonstrating political and contextual acumen.
– Proven expertise in results-based project management, preferably within governance or peacebuilding programmes, ensuring effective planning, implementation, and evaluation to achieve measurable impact.
– Demonstrated ability to provide inclusive policy advisory services, supporting legal and institutional reforms that promote equitable governance and foster participation of marginalized groups.
– Strong experience in stakeholder engagement and consensus building, working collaboratively with high-level government officials, civil society, donors, and other partners to build trust and coordinated action.
– A solid track record of advancing gender equality and social inclusion through mainstreaming gender-responsive approaches and empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups within governance and peacebuilding interventions.
– Excellent organizational and communication skills, with proven ability to oversee and ensure the technical quality of research, analysis, and policy products.
– Skilled in facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and consensus-building processes in complex and sensitive environments.
– Prior experience collaborating effectively with government institutions and donor partners on governance initiatives is an advantage.
– Proficient in computer literacy, including internet research and Microsoft Office applications.
Language requirements (Required / Desired)
– Excellent knowledge English and Amharic, both spoken and written is required
– Fluency in the local language of the duty station

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