How to Write a CV in Eritrea: Format & Guide 2026
Eritrea has one of Africa's smallest and most closed formal economies, with the public sector and military dominating organized employment. The country's unique labor context, shaped by the National Service system and very limited private enterprise, requires candidates to understand which conventions apply to the narrow range of formal opportunities available.
Document Name and Language
The document is called a CV or Curriculum Vitae in the formal sector. Eritrea has three working languages: Tigrinya (the most widely spoken), Arabic, and English. The language of your CV should match the institution:
- Government ministries and public agencies: Tigrinya or Arabic, depending on the specific office
- International organizations, NGOs, and UN agencies in Asmara: English
- Private-sector companies (very limited): English or Tigrinya
Length
One to two pages is standard. Eritrea's compact formal market means recruiters are often generalists rather than specialists; a concise document is more effective than a comprehensive one.
Professional Photo
A professional photo is expected on CVs submitted to government agencies and most local employers. For international NGOs and UN-related agencies, photo conventions follow the organization's own guidelines, and a photo may or may not be required.
Personal Information
Include: full name (in both Latin script and Tigrinya script if applying to domestic institutions), date of birth, nationality, address (city), phone number, and email address. National service registration status may be relevant when applying to government roles.
Education
Eritrea's higher education institutions are few. Those most relevant to formal employment include:
- Eritrea Institute of Technology (EIT): located in Maekel, it is the primary science and technology university
- Hamelmalo Agricultural College: the main institution for agricultural sciences
- College of Arts and Social Sciences: based in Adi Keyih, covering social sciences and humanities
- Orotta School of Medicine: the main medical faculty
International degrees from Ethiopia (pre-independence), Sudan, Egypt, or Western universities are valued. State the institution, country, degree, and graduation year clearly.
Work Experience
List experience in reverse chronological order. Given the dominance of state employment and National Service, many CVs in Eritrea include government postings, National Service assignments, and parastatal employer roles. Major employers include: the Ministry of National Development, the Eritrean National Mining Corporation (ENAMCO), the Bisha Mining Share Company (a copper and gold joint venture with a Canadian partner), and Eritrean Airlines.
International development organizations operating in Eritrea, including UNICEF, WHO, and WFP (though their presence is limited), recruit staff locally and expect English-language CVs.
Declaration of Authenticity
A declaration of authenticity is expected at the end of CVs submitted to government agencies and international organizations. It confirms the accuracy of the information provided and is treated as a formal statement.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is expected for applications to formal-sector employers and international organizations. It should be brief, formal in tone, and written in the same language as the CV.
Common CV Mistakes in Eritrea
- Not matching language to institution: submitting an English CV to a Tigrinya-language government office signals unfamiliarity with local norms
- Vague National Service descriptions: if your service period is relevant, describe your role, department, and key responsibilities specifically
- Omitting the declaration of authenticity: for government applications, this omission is significant
- Unclear treatment of overseas education: if you studied abroad, specify whether your degree has been recognized by Eritrean authorities