About the team
You will be part of the Addis Ababa and North Mecha team to advance evidence bases advocacy, research and influencing within the Country Program and be part of the broader organization dedicated to advancing WaterAid’s mission—to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to clean water and safe sanitation.
The Advocacy and Research Officer will lead the implementation of evidence-based advocacy, research, and influencing initiatives under the Tap to Policy Project and the CLIMB Project, with the overall objective of strengthening national and sub-national policies, increasing prioritization and financing of WASH and climate-resilient services, and promoting systems-strengthening approaches for sustainable and inclusive position will also ensure that programme learning, research findings, innovations, and evidence from both projects are effectively documented, communicated, and leveraged to influence decision-makers and amplify impact at national, regional, and global levelswater resource management.
The post holder will generate, synthesize, and translate evidence into actionable policy messages, facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement, and support strategic advocacy efforts targeting government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, private sector actors, and other key influencers. The role will contribute to shaping policy and financing decisions related to climate-resilient WASH, water security, post-construction management, private sector engagement, and the integration of WASH and water resource management within national climate and development frameworks, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
Under the CLIMB Project, the position will support advocacy and evidence-generation efforts that advance climate-resilient and inclusive water governance, strengthen partnerships, and promote policies and investments that enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities to climate-related water risks.
Policy Advocacy and Influencing
- Lead and coordinate evidence-based advocacy initiatives to influence WASH financing, policy reforms, and system strengthening at national and sub-national levels.
- Design and implement advocacy strategies to promote:
- Dedicated financing for post-construction operation and maintenance (O&M) under the OWNP
- Integration of WASH in climate policies, including NDC and National Adaptation Plan (NAP)
- Climate-resilient WASH (CR-WASH) approaches and system-wide service delivery
- Facilitate policy dialogue, advocacy workshops, and high-level forums with government institutions, CSOs, and development partners.
- Strengthen and actively engage in national platforms and partnerships related to CR-WASH, NDC/NAP, and water sector development.
- Support policy review processes, including assessment and revision of NDC and NAP in collaboration with relevant ministries.
- Advocate for strengthened climate-resilient water governance and increased investment in climate adaptation measures that enhance water security for vulnerable communities.
- Support policy dialogue and influencing efforts related to integrated water resources management, climate adaptation, and resilience-building at national and sub-national levels.
Research, Evidence Generation, and Analysis
- Lead the generation of high-quality evidence to inform advocacy, including research, case studies, and policy briefs.
- Conduct climate and WASH financing analysis and budget tracking to support advocacy for increased and more effective investments.
- Generate evidence on:
- Post-construction service delivery and water scheme sustainability
- Gender-responsive and youth-inclusive service models
- Private sector engagement in water supply systems
- Assess private sector participation opportunities in water scheme management, spare parts supply, and support service delivery, and contribute to legal and regulatory framework improvements.
- Ensure all research applies participatory, inclusive, and ethical methodologies.
Campaigns, Communication, and Knowledge Management
- Design and implement advocacy campaigns to raise awareness on WASH financing, climate integration, and sustainable water management.
- Develop high-quality knowledge products (policy briefs, reports, fact sheets, communication materials) based on project evidence and learning.
- Translate technical findings into clear, compelling advocacy messages for policymakers, media, and the public.
- Amplify project results and lessons learned at regional and global platforms to influence broader policy and funding decisions.
Advocacy, Learning, and Knowledge Management
- Contribute to sanitation and hygiene advocacy initiatives, campaigns, and evidence generation efforts.
- Support research, studies, and documentation to inform policy dialogue and sector influencing.
- Facilitate knowledge management by capturing, synthesizing, and sharing programme learning and best practices.
- Strengthen internal and external learning platforms and promote uptake of innovative approaches.
Stakeholder Engagement and Networking
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders across government institutions, civil society, private sector, development partners, and research institutions to support evidence-based advocacy and policy influencing.
- Engage with relevant national and sub-national government bodies, including key ministries and sector institutions on WASH financing, climate policy integration (NDC/NAP), and system strengthening initiatives.
- Facilitate and participate in multi-stakeholder platforms, coordination forums, and policy dialogue spaces to promote collaboration, alignment, and shared learning.
- Identify and leverage strategic partnerships and alliances to amplify advocacy messages and influence policy and investment decisions.
- Represent WaterAid in relevant advocacy, policy, and technical forums at local, national, and regional levels, as assigned.
- Strengthening linkages between communities, civil society, and decision-makers to ensure inclusive participation and amplification of community voices in policy processes.
Learning, Capacity Building, and Programme Support
- Facilitate learning and reflection processes to strengthen advocacy effectiveness and programme quality.
- Support capacity building of staff, partners, and stakeholders on evidence-based advocacy, policy engagement, and communication.
- Ensure continuous documentation and sharing of lessons, innovations, and best practices from project implementation
Equity and Inclusion
- Ensure advocacy and research efforts are inclusive and promote the voices of women, youth, and marginalized groups.
- Integrate gender equality and social inclusion into all advocacy messages and evidence generation processes.
Safeguarding, Safety, and Security
- Comply with WaterAid’s safeguarding, child protection, and code of conduct policies.
- Follow safety and security procedures during fieldwork and operations.
- Report any incidents or risks in line with organizational procedures.
- Support the integration of safeguarding principles into project activities and assist in monitoring compliance
- Adherent to ethical research standards, and organizational policies
Other
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the line Manager.
- Participate in relevant internal processes, meetings, and task forces as required.
Key Competences, Skills, experience, and Knowledge
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience
- BSc degree or higher in Development Studies, Public Policy, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Economics, Public Health, WASH-related fields, or other relevant disciplines.
- Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience for MSc holders and 7 years for BSc holders, with strong experience in advocacy, policy engagement, research, and/or WASH programming within development or governance-focused projects.
- Demonstrated experience in evidence generation, policy analysis, and advocacy, including developing policy briefs, research reports, and influencing strategies.
- Proven experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement, organizing policy dialogues, and working with government, civil society, and development partners.
- Strong understanding of WASH sector dynamics, public policy processes, and financing mechanisms, including exposure to climate-related frameworks (e.g., NDC/NAP) as an advantage.
- Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection, analysis, and translating findings into policy-relevant recommendations.
- Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex technical information for diverse audiences.
- Strong skills in relationship building, negotiation, and influencing.
- Results-oriented, with strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and coordination skills.
- Familiarity with WaterAid systems, policies, and Quality Programme Standards is an added advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Amharic.
Competencies
- Should have competency in WaterAid common approaches to work including partnerships, convening, inclusion, systems strengthening, creating behavioral change, and mainstreaming gender and inclusion of youth.
- Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity.
- Ability to work to deadlines and under pressure.
- Strong proven delegation, time management and prioritizing skills.
- Flexible, patient, and adaptable to a changing environment.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and team building skills.
- Effective networking abilities.
- Excellent people management capabilities.
- Good public speaking ability in English and Amharic.
If you are passionate about resource mobilization and building partnerships that drive lasting change, we encourage you to apply and be part of WaterAid Ethiopia’s mission.
Click on the link below to upload your CV only and Cover Letter.
Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?
At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.
Pre‑employment screening
To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Our benefits
As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies.
Our People Promise
We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding
We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Wherever you work in WaterAid and whatever job you do, you’ll be joining a global network determined to reach everyone, everywhere with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.
For health, for life, forever.
More Information
- Experience Level Senior
- Total Years Experience 5-10
- Qualification BA/BSc
