The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission is seeking a qualified and motivated professional to serve as Human Rights Officer, Monitoring and Investigation. This position plays a critical role in advancing justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights. The role is ideal for legal professionals who are passionate about promoting rule of law and safeguarding human dignity.

This opportunity is based at the Dessie City Office and offers a meaningful career path for individuals committed to human rights protection and legal advocacy.

About the Organization

The hiring organization is the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC). EHRC is Ethiopia’s national human rights institution mandated to promote and protect human rights across the country.

EHRC works independently to investigate complaints, monitor detention facilities, conduct research, provide policy recommendations, and advocate for systemic reforms. The Commission plays a central role in strengthening democratic governance and accountability.

By joining EHRC, professionals become part of an institution that directly impacts lives through monitoring, investigation, and evidence-based recommendations. Staff members contribute to national reforms and institutional improvements that shape the human rights landscape of Ethiopia.

Working at EHRC provides valuable exposure to complex human rights issues, collaboration with stakeholders, and opportunities to influence policy and systemic change. It is an excellent platform for legal professionals who seek both professional growth and meaningful impact.

Job Description

The Human Rights Officer will manage individual human rights complaints assigned to him or her and conduct thorough investigations in accordance with legal and institutional standards.

The role involves planning and implementing monitoring activities in places of detention, ensuring compliance with national and international human rights standards. Monitoring may also take place during emergencies, requiring professionalism, objectivity, and sound judgment.

The officer will draft detailed investigation and monitoring reports, finalize findings, and issue recommendations aimed at addressing violations and preventing recurrence.

In addition, the officer will develop and implement advocacy and follow-up strategies to ensure that recommendations are acted upon by relevant authorities and stakeholders.

The position requires collaboration with Senior Human Rights Officers and Coordinators to contribute to institutional decisions and systemic investigations.

The officer will also propose areas requiring thematic or systemic investigation and coordinate referrals within the Commission when necessary.

Managing partnerships and maintaining constructive relationships with stakeholders, including public institutions and civil society actors, is an important part of the role.

Research on human rights issues will be conducted as needed to strengthen evidence-based recommendations and policy input.

The officer will contribute to revisions of systems, policies, manuals, and tools to enhance institutional effectiveness and impact.

This position provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen investigative skills, deepen expertise in human rights law, and build experience in policy advocacy and institutional reform.

Educational Qualification

Applicants must hold an LLB or LLM degree in Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, or a closely related field.

A strong academic background in legal analysis, human rights standards, and constitutional principles will be highly valued.

Work Experience

Candidates with an LLB must have at least four years of relevant professional experience.

Candidates with an LLM must have at least two years of relevant professional experience.

Relevant experience includes legal practice, human rights monitoring, investigation, research, litigation, policy development, or related professional engagement.

Required Skills and Competencies

Applicants must demonstrate adaptability in handling diverse and sometimes sensitive cases.

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for drafting reports and engaging with stakeholders.

Attention to detail is critical in investigations, documentation, and legal analysis.

Problem-solving ability and sound judgment are required to assess complex human rights situations.

Computer literacy is mandatory for documentation, reporting, and communication tasks.

Knowledge of Amharic is required. Knowledge of additional local languages is considered an advantage and may enhance effectiveness in field monitoring.

This role offers substantial professional development through practical fieldwork, investigative experience, and policy engagement at a national level.

Job Location

The position is based at the Dessie City Office in Ethiopia. The duty station may involve field visits and monitoring missions within the surrounding regions.

Employment Type and Salary

The position is full-time employment.

Salary and benefits will be provided according to the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission’s salary scale and internal policies.

This role offers long-term career growth, exposure to national-level human rights mechanisms, and opportunities to build a strong professional profile in the legal and human rights sector.

Women candidates and candidates with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. EHRC is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment. Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to pursue this opportunity and contribute their perspectives and expertise.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a written examination and interview.

Scanned certificates or additional attachments are not required at the time of application.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must apply through the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission’s online HRIS system using the official vacancy link provided in the announcement.

Applicants should ensure that their application is complete and accurate before submission.

The application deadline is February 27, 2026. Late applications will not be considered. Apply link