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Employment contract in Ethiopia: what it must say, and if you don't have one in writing
A contract has to state your work, place, pay and duration. With no written contract, your employer owes you a signed letter within 15 days. Here's what to check.
An employment contract in Ethiopia has to state the type of work, the place of work, your pay, how and when it's paid, and how long the contract lasts. That's Article 4 of Labour Proclamation 1156/2019. A contract doesn't have to be in writing to count. But if it isn't, your employer has to give you a written, signed letter with these details within 15 days.
What a written contract must state
- The name and address of the employer (Article 6)
- Your name, age, address and work card number, if any (Article 6)
- The type of work and place of work (Article 4)
- The rate of pay, how it's worked out, and how and how often it's paid (Article 4)
- How long the contract lasts (Article 4)
- The signatures of both sides (Article 6)
The contract can't give you less than the law, a collective agreement or the work rules give you (Article 4).
If you've nothing in writing
Your employer has 15 days from making the contract to give you a written, signed letter with those details (Article 7). If you don't object to all or part of it within 15 days of receiving it, it counts as your contract. So read it the day you get it, and put any objection in writing.
If your employer doesn't do this, you don't lose your rights under the proclamation (Article 8). You should still keep proof of your work, such as payslips and messages.
Permanent or fixed term?
A contract is treated as having no end date unless it fits a case in Article 10 (Article 9). A contract for a definite period or a piece of work is allowed for cases such as these.
- A specified piece of work
- Replacing a worker who is temporarily away
- Abnormal pressure of work
- Urgent work to prevent damage or disaster
- Irregular or seasonal work that repeats
- Occasional work outside the employer's permanent activity
- Filling a post suddenly vacated, or a vacancy before a new structure starts. These two can't go over 45 working days and can be done only once
So a fixed term contract for ordinary permanent work, outside these cases, is one to question. If in doubt, ask the labour office or a lawyer.
Check these before you sign
- Is the pay gross or net, and is it split into basic pay and allowances? Your pension is worked on basic pay
- Is there a probation period in writing, of 60 working days or less?
- What are your hours and your place of work?
- Does it match the advert and your offer letter?
- Do you get a signed copy to keep?
Our calculator shows what a gross figure leaves you after tax and pension. Nobody should ask you to pay to get a contract or a job.
Who these rules don't cover
The Labour Proclamation doesn't apply to managerial employees, personal service contracts, the armed forces, the police, state administration staff, judges and prosecutors, or people working for themselves (Article 3). This page explains the law, and it isn't legal advice.
Sources and further reading
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Frequently asked questions
Does a job contract have to be in writing in Ethiopia?
No. Article 5 sets no special form unless a law says so. But the employer must give you a written, signed letter of the terms within 15 days.
What if the letter is wrong?
Object in writing within 15 days of receiving it. If you don't, Article 7 treats it as your contract.
Is a fixed term contract legal?
Yes, for the cases listed in Article 10. Otherwise, a contract is treated as having no end date under Article 9.
Can a contract give me less than the law?
No. Article 4 says it can't set terms less favourable than the law, a collective agreement or the work rules.