Radio Operator

About the organization

People in Need is a non-profit, non-governmental organization built on the principles of humanity, freedom, equality, and solidarity. Founded in 1992 by Czech war correspondents, journalists, and activists, it has expanded into one of the leading non-profit organizations in Central and Eastern Europe. Over three decades, the organization has worked across humanitarian aid, development cooperation, education, and social inclusion.

In Ethiopia, the organization has been active since 2003 and currently works across Oromia, Central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, Sidama, and Tigray through multi-sector programs in development and emergency response. Its core program areas in the country include education, agriculture, climate and environment, water, and social protection. It is also part of Alliance 2015, a network of seven European NGOs working together to strengthen humanitarian and development impact.

Role overview

People in Need is seeking a Radio Operator for the Access and Safety department. The role is based in Addis Ababa with frequent travel to project locations in different regions as needed. The contract is fixed-term until July 31, 2027, and the position has one opening. The monthly salary is USD 258.

The Radio Operator supports safe and secure communication across the country program by managing phones and satellite communication devices, maintaining the condition of communication equipment, monitoring the security situation related to movement planning, and tracking staff movements in real time. The position works closely with drivers, passengers, the Access & Safety Coordinator, the Fleet Manager, and reports to the Access & Safety Coordinator and Country Director.

Key duties

The main focus of the role is to keep communication channels reliable, timely, and confidential, while also supporting movement control and safety-related coordination across all project locations.

• Handle security communications for the full country program and stay in regular touch with project teams and drivers.
• Keep Thuraya devices operational, including coordinating credit activation with headquarters and maintaining an updated inventory of available numbers and their status.
• Work with Human Resources to regularly verify and update employee contact information.
• Receive and pass on messages from the field or coordination teams clearly and accurately.
• Maintain communication records and event logs.
• Ensure all communication devices remain clean, charged, protected, and in good working order.
• Escalate incidents promptly to the Access & Safety Coordinator or Country Director.
• Conduct daily morning check-ins with bases, follow up on situation updates, and flag any irregularities to the Access & Safety Coordinator.
• Review roads and territorial conditions before staff movements, working with logistics and access/safety colleagues.
• Track staff movement according to approved travel requests, communication procedures, and movement timelines.
• Follow communication guidelines and keep daily contact with teams in all locations.
• Maintain and update the contact network so information can be verified and shared effectively.
• Monitor contingency and emergency kits, including medical security kits and security trunks.
• Prepare purchase requests for items needed to replenish or update emergency and security kits.
• Compile or update situation reports, especially on movement-related issues and any worsening conditions.
• Distribute communication tools for field use in coordination with logistics.
• Make sure issued equipment is used properly and provide basic Thuraya training to staff when needed.
• Give communication briefings to new employees, expatriates, and visitors.
• Ensure vehicles leaving the base carry the required communication tools, protective items, and visibility materials where appropriate, including the PIN flag, logo, and no-arms sign.
• Stay updated on movement plans and watch for any changes.
• Organize regular information sessions for staff, especially drivers and guards, on Thuraya use, the communication tree, and communication channels such as Signal, WhatsApp, and Teams.

Accountability and safeguarding

The position requires strict adherence to the organization’s Code of Conduct and key policies. The role also includes safeguarding responsibilities, including prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, as well as child protection considerations.

• Perform duties in line with the Code of Conduct and key organizational policies.
• Take part in trainings and awareness sessions on conduct, safeguarding, and related policies.
• Apply safeguarding measures throughout the project cycle, including SEAH and child protection risk analysis and mitigation planning.
• Ensure team members also participate in required safeguarding awareness and comply with policies.
• Include partner due diligence and capacity checks that assess safeguarding and risk policy implementation, including prevention of SEAH.
• Help maintain a safe, respectful, and protective work environment.

General obligations

The employee must not share any information about the organization’s activities with outsiders, including former staff members who are no longer meant to receive such information. The role represents the organization externally, so professional conduct is expected at all times, both during and outside working hours.

The employee is responsible for any entrusted materials or cash. Any losses or damage caused by negligence must be covered by the employee, in line with the separate asset liability agreement.

Benefits

• Regular 40-hour work week from Monday to Friday
• Per diem and accommodation support when working away from the duty station, depending on location
• Transport allowance
• Bank loan access
• 20 paid annual leave days, plus one additional paid day for each year after completing five years of service
• Extra paid leave for selected holidays
• Medical coverage for the employee, spouse, and children
• Accident insurance covering work-related injuries in accordance with the law
• Employer pension contribution of 11%
• Two additional paid paternity leave days beyond the statutory three days
• Maternity leave as per the law, plus additional financial support for motherhood
• Monthly mobile phone hybrid tariff
• Opportunity for fast career development and internal mobility
• International work environment with exposure to other country programs
• Strong learning and capacity-building support, including internal and external training and induction
• Access to online learning resources such as e-learning and webinars
• Annual staff retreat
• Friendly and fair workplace culture in a small team environment

Application and screening notes

Applications should be submitted as soon as possible through the application form, no later than Monday, June 22, 2026. Candidates must provide a CV and cover letter. Selection may include reference checks and screening procedures, including criminal record and terrorism finance checks.

The organization is committed to preventing sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, financial misconduct, and other forms of misconduct, and it promotes the welfare of children and adults it works with. Diversity and gender equality are strongly encouraged, and no recruitment fee is charged at any stage of the hiring process.

Additional information

Length of contract: fixed term until July 31, 2027. Number of required staff: 1. Work location: Addis Ababa with frequent field travel to project sites in different regions as required. Salary: USD 258 per month.