Project Manager
necessary for project implementation
Role description
Organizational Overview
Nexus Ethiopia is a national non-governmental and non-profit making humanitarian organization established and registered as a National NGO as per the new CSO's proclamation 1113/19 with the registration number of 6225. Nexus Ethiopia is mandated to operate in all regions and City Administration in Ethiopia.
In partnership with HELVETAS Ethiopia, Nexus Ethiopia is implementing the project entitled “Skills for Employment in Tigray (SET) Project piloting the project in Mekelle and expanding to other towns.
Job Summary
The Project Manager is responsible for providing overall leadership, coordination, and management of the Skills for Employment in Tigray (SET) Project in the assigned implementation area. The role oversees employment promotion, enterprise development, financial inclusion, skills development, and systems-strengthening interventions while ensuring alignment with labour market needs and project objectives. The Project Manager facilitates collaboration among government institutions, TVET providers, private sector actors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable employment opportunities for youth. The position ensures effective project implementation, results-based management, learning, advocacy, and compliance with donor and organizational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership and Project Management
Provide overall leadership and management of the SET Project, ensuring quality implementation and achievement of project outcomes.
Lead the development, implementation, and periodic review of project work plans, operational strategies, and implementation schedules.
Ensure project interventions align with labour market demands, economic opportunities, and youth employment priorities.
Promote systems-strengthening approaches that enhance collaboration among TVET institutions, employers, government agencies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.
Lead adaptive management processes and ensure project interventions remain responsive to changing contextual realities and emerging opportunities.
Identify implementation risks and opportunities and ensure appropriate mitigation and response measures are implemented.
2. Employment Promotion and Enterprise Development
Lead implementation of employment promotion, workforce readiness, and enterprise development interventions.
Oversee initiatives supporting wage employment, self-employment, entrepreneurship, internships, apprenticeships, and job placement services.
Coordinate job fairs, employer engagement activities, business coaching, mentorship programmes, and market linkage initiatives.
Ensure project-supported enterprises and youth-led businesses receive appropriate technical support and business development services.
Monitor employment outcomes and enterprise performance to ensure achievement of project targets and sustainable impact.
3. Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment
Coordinate project-supported financial inclusion interventions aimed at improving access to finance for youth and entrepreneurs.
Facilitate collaboration with SACCOs, MFIs, banks, and other financial service providers.
Support implementation of loan guarantee mechanisms, seed capital initiatives, revolving funds, and other financial access interventions where applicable.
Promote linkages between financial institutions and project beneficiaries to improve access to financial products and services.
Monitor performance and effectiveness of financial inclusion activities and recommend improvements where necessary.
4. TVET and Systems Strengthening
Strengthen collaboration with TVET institutions and relevant government bodies to improve skills development systems and employment pathways.
Support quality implementation of technical and vocational skills training programmes.
Promote alignment between training provision, occupational competency requirements (COC), and labour market demand.
Facilitate partnerships between training providers, employers, and industry stakeholders to improve employability and workforce readiness.
Contribute to strengthening institutional capacity and sustainability of employment and skills development systems.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)
Provide strategic oversight of project monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems.
Ensure effective implementation of project results frameworks, indicators, and performance measurement systems.
Supervise tracer studies, employment tracking, enterprise performance monitoring, and outcome assessments.
Promote the use of digital monitoring systems and data management tools for evidence-based decision-making.
Ensure lessons learned, best practices, and innovations are documented and integrated into project improvement processes.
Lead regular project review and reflection meetings to support adaptive management and continuous learning.
6. Stakeholder Engagement, Partnerships and Advocacy
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with government institutions, TVET agencies, employers, private sector enterprises, business associations, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, and development partners.
Facilitate effective multi-stakeholder coordination and collaboration to support project objectives and systems-level change.
Represent Nexus Ethiopia in technical working groups, coordination forums, stakeholder meetings, and relevant sector platforms.
Lead implementation of project advocacy strategies and support policy dialogue processes related to youth employment, skills development, enterprise promotion, and financial inclusion.
Promote visibility and strategic positioning of the project among key stakeholders and partners.
7. Team Leadership and Capacity Building
Supervise, mentor, and support project staff to ensure high performance and accountability.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented working environment.
Identify staff development needs and facilitate coaching, mentoring, and learning opportunities.
Promote effective communication, teamwork, and knowledge sharing across project teams.
8. Financial and Resource Management
Oversee project budgets and ensure efficient utilization of financial resources.
Monitor project expenditures and budget performance in collaboration with the Finance team.
Ensure compliance with donor requirements, grant agreements, and organizational financial policies.
Support procurement planning and resource allocation necessary for project implementation.
Ensure value-for-money principles are applied across project activities.
9. Compliance, Risk Management and Safeguarding
Ensure compliance with organizational policies, donor regulations, government requirements, and applicable laws.
Promote Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) throughout project implementation.
Ensure project interventions are designed and implemented using conflict-sensitive and Do-No-Harm approaches.
Lead project risk assessments and ensure implementation of mitigation measures.
Support safeguarding, protection, accountability, and ethical programming standards.
Ensure safety and security considerations are integrated into project planning and implementation.
Key Working Relationships
Internal
Executive Director, Program Director, Finance Manager, Operations Manager, Project Officers, MEAL Staff, and Support Departments
External
Government Bureaus and TVET Agencies, Employers and Private Sector Enterprises, SACCOs, MFIs, and Financial Institutions, HELVETAS Ethiopia, Development Partners, Business Associations and Networks , Community and Youth Representatives and Other Project Stakeholders
Duty Station: Mekelle – Field Office
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Tigray Regional Manager – Mekelle
Number of Positions: 1 (One)
Application Deadline: June 26, 2026
Important Notice:
Recruitment under this vacancy is subject to donor approval and final availability of project funding.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Development Studies, Project Management, Economics, Business Administration, TVET, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Master's Degree is an added advantage.
Experience
Minimum 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in project management within NGOs, development organizations, or donor-funded programmes.
At least 3 years of experience managing employment promotion, skills development, TVET, enterprise development, livelihoods, or economic inclusion programmes.
Demonstrated experience working with government institutions, TVET providers, private sector actors, and financial institutions.
Proven experience managing multi-stakeholder partnerships and systems-strengthening initiatives.
Experience working in post-conflict, recovery, resilience, or fragile contexts is highly desirable.
Experience working with youth employment and entrepreneurship programmes is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of TVET systems, occupational competency assessment (COC), and labour market development is an advantage.
Skills and Competencies
Strong project and programme management skills.
Strong understanding of labour market systems, TVET, employment promotion, and enterprise development.
Knowledge of financial inclusion mechanisms, SACCOs, MFIs, and sustainable financing approaches.
Experience in systems thinking and market systems development approaches.
Strong partnership brokering, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and networking abilities.
Experience in adaptive management and scenario planning in complex environments.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Knowledge of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and conflict-sensitive programming.
Proficiency in MS Office and digital project management and monitoring tools.
Fluency in English and Tigrigna is highly desirable.
How To Apply
Interested and qualified applicants are required to fill in the application form through the following link
https://forms.gle/GALNC4csrAg2TxXh8
And submit your CV and cover letter as specified in the application form ONLY.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview and written exam.
Please include the job title and duty station in the application letter.
Female candidates and persons from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Skills (mandatory):
Development Studies, Project Management, Economics, Business Administration,
Apply Now!
Nexus Ethiopia is a national non-governmental and non-profit making humanitarian organization established and registered as a National NGO as per the new CSO's proclamation 1113/19 with the registration number of 6225. Nexus Ethiopia is mandated to operate in all regions and City Administration in Ethiopia.
In partnership with HELVETAS Ethiopia, Nexus Ethiopia is implementing the project entitled “Skills for Employment in Tigray (SET) Project piloting the project in Mekelle and expanding to other towns.
Job Summary
The Project Manager is responsible for providing overall leadership, coordination, and management of the Skills for Employment in Tigray (SET) Project in the assigned implementation area. The role oversees employment promotion, enterprise development, financial inclusion, skills development, and systems-strengthening interventions while ensuring alignment with labour market needs and project objectives. The Project Manager facilitates collaboration among government institutions, TVET providers, private sector actors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable employment opportunities for youth. The position ensures effective project implementation, results-based management, learning, advocacy, and compliance with donor and organizational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership and Project Management
Provide overall leadership and management of the SET Project, ensuring quality implementation and achievement of project outcomes.
Lead the development, implementation, and periodic review of project work plans, operational strategies, and implementation schedules.
Ensure project interventions align with labour market demands, economic opportunities, and youth employment priorities.
Promote systems-strengthening approaches that enhance collaboration among TVET institutions, employers, government agencies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.
Lead adaptive management processes and ensure project interventions remain responsive to changing contextual realities and emerging opportunities.
Identify implementation risks and opportunities and ensure appropriate mitigation and response measures are implemented.
2. Employment Promotion and Enterprise Development
Lead implementation of employment promotion, workforce readiness, and enterprise development interventions.
Oversee initiatives supporting wage employment, self-employment, entrepreneurship, internships, apprenticeships, and job placement services.
Coordinate job fairs, employer engagement activities, business coaching, mentorship programmes, and market linkage initiatives.
Ensure project-supported enterprises and youth-led businesses receive appropriate technical support and business development services.
Monitor employment outcomes and enterprise performance to ensure achievement of project targets and sustainable impact.
3. Financial Inclusion and Economic Empowerment
Coordinate project-supported financial inclusion interventions aimed at improving access to finance for youth and entrepreneurs.
Facilitate collaboration with SACCOs, MFIs, banks, and other financial service providers.
Support implementation of loan guarantee mechanisms, seed capital initiatives, revolving funds, and other financial access interventions where applicable.
Promote linkages between financial institutions and project beneficiaries to improve access to financial products and services.
Monitor performance and effectiveness of financial inclusion activities and recommend improvements where necessary.
4. TVET and Systems Strengthening
Strengthen collaboration with TVET institutions and relevant government bodies to improve skills development systems and employment pathways.
Support quality implementation of technical and vocational skills training programmes.
Promote alignment between training provision, occupational competency requirements (COC), and labour market demand.
Facilitate partnerships between training providers, employers, and industry stakeholders to improve employability and workforce readiness.
Contribute to strengthening institutional capacity and sustainability of employment and skills development systems.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)
Provide strategic oversight of project monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems.
Ensure effective implementation of project results frameworks, indicators, and performance measurement systems.
Supervise tracer studies, employment tracking, enterprise performance monitoring, and outcome assessments.
Promote the use of digital monitoring systems and data management tools for evidence-based decision-making.
Ensure lessons learned, best practices, and innovations are documented and integrated into project improvement processes.
Lead regular project review and reflection meetings to support adaptive management and continuous learning.
6. Stakeholder Engagement, Partnerships and Advocacy
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with government institutions, TVET agencies, employers, private sector enterprises, business associations, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, and development partners.
Facilitate effective multi-stakeholder coordination and collaboration to support project objectives and systems-level change.
Represent Nexus Ethiopia in technical working groups, coordination forums, stakeholder meetings, and relevant sector platforms.
Lead implementation of project advocacy strategies and support policy dialogue processes related to youth employment, skills development, enterprise promotion, and financial inclusion.
Promote visibility and strategic positioning of the project among key stakeholders and partners.
7. Team Leadership and Capacity Building
Supervise, mentor, and support project staff to ensure high performance and accountability.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented working environment.
Identify staff development needs and facilitate coaching, mentoring, and learning opportunities.
Promote effective communication, teamwork, and knowledge sharing across project teams.
8. Financial and Resource Management
Oversee project budgets and ensure efficient utilization of financial resources.
Monitor project expenditures and budget performance in collaboration with the Finance team.
Ensure compliance with donor requirements, grant agreements, and organizational financial policies.
Support procurement planning and resource allocation necessary for project implementation.
Ensure value-for-money principles are applied across project activities.
9. Compliance, Risk Management and Safeguarding
Ensure compliance with organizational policies, donor regulations, government requirements, and applicable laws.
Promote Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) throughout project implementation.
Ensure project interventions are designed and implemented using conflict-sensitive and Do-No-Harm approaches.
Lead project risk assessments and ensure implementation of mitigation measures.
Support safeguarding, protection, accountability, and ethical programming standards.
Ensure safety and security considerations are integrated into project planning and implementation.
Key Working Relationships
Internal
Executive Director, Program Director, Finance Manager, Operations Manager, Project Officers, MEAL Staff, and Support Departments
External
Government Bureaus and TVET Agencies, Employers and Private Sector Enterprises, SACCOs, MFIs, and Financial Institutions, HELVETAS Ethiopia, Development Partners, Business Associations and Networks , Community and Youth Representatives and Other Project Stakeholders
Duty Station: Mekelle – Field Office
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Tigray Regional Manager – Mekelle
Number of Positions: 1 (One)
Application Deadline: June 26, 2026
Important Notice:
Recruitment under this vacancy is subject to donor approval and final availability of project funding.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Development Studies, Project Management, Economics, Business Administration, TVET, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Master's Degree is an added advantage.
Experience
Minimum 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in project management within NGOs, development organizations, or donor-funded programmes.
At least 3 years of experience managing employment promotion, skills development, TVET, enterprise development, livelihoods, or economic inclusion programmes.
Demonstrated experience working with government institutions, TVET providers, private sector actors, and financial institutions.
Proven experience managing multi-stakeholder partnerships and systems-strengthening initiatives.
Experience working in post-conflict, recovery, resilience, or fragile contexts is highly desirable.
Experience working with youth employment and entrepreneurship programmes is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of TVET systems, occupational competency assessment (COC), and labour market development is an advantage.
Skills and Competencies
Strong project and programme management skills.
Strong understanding of labour market systems, TVET, employment promotion, and enterprise development.
Knowledge of financial inclusion mechanisms, SACCOs, MFIs, and sustainable financing approaches.
Experience in systems thinking and market systems development approaches.
Strong partnership brokering, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and networking abilities.
Experience in adaptive management and scenario planning in complex environments.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Knowledge of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and conflict-sensitive programming.
Proficiency in MS Office and digital project management and monitoring tools.
Fluency in English and Tigrigna is highly desirable.
How To Apply
Interested and qualified applicants are required to fill in the application form through the following link
https://forms.gle/GALNC4csrAg2TxXh8
And submit your CV and cover letter as specified in the application form ONLY.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview and written exam.
Please include the job title and duty station in the application letter.
Female candidates and persons from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Skills (mandatory):
Development Studies, Project Management, Economics, Business Administration,
Apply Now!