Area Manager
donor representatives and other official visitors, when requested to by the GOAL Country Director, and provide information as required
Afar - Assayita
Role description
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Internal/External
Reference No:
REC/ 107/26
Job title:
Area Manager
Location:
Afar - Assayita
Reports to:
Deputy Programmes Director _ Direct line Management
All Heads of Department at CO (Program and Support) _ functional Management
Number of Posts
01 (one)
Closing date:
July 12, 2026
About GOAL
GOAL
’s mission is to work with the most vulnerable communities to help them respond to and recover from humanitarian crises, and to assist them to build transcendent solutions to mitigate poverty and vulnerability.
GOALis a non-for-profit organizationthat has been working in Ethiopia for over 30 years across all the region of the country towards ensuring the poorest and most vulnerable in our world and those affected by humanitarian crises have access to the fundamental rights of life, including but not limited to adequate shelter, food and livelihoods, water and sanitation, nutrition, healthcare and education. GOAL implements a range of multi-sectoral development, resilience, recovery and humanitarian responses Programmes by being sensitive to cross-cutting issues including gender, accountably, child protection, HIV/AIDS.
We envision a world where poverty no longer exist, where vulnerable communities are resilient, where barriers to wellbeing are removed and where everyone has equal rights and opportunities. GOAL Ethiopia’s main donors are Irish Aid, USAID/OFDA, EHF, ECHO and other private donors.
About the Position:
The AM is responsible, as the most senior field staff, for all GOAL programme activities in the project location. The AM should have a good top-level knowledge and understanding of activities in their area, in particular, they should be aware of the constraints faced by their team and proactively work with their teams to manage these constraints and troubleshoot problems.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of the Area Manager (AM) is to provide leadership and direction to the GOAL field team. The AM will oversee the operational/support functions (Security, Human Resources, Logistics, Procurement, Finance and Compliance) as well as the direct programme activities (Health, Livelihoods and food Security, Nutrition, WASH, and Emergency Response) including high-level coordination (including local authorities), programme planning and overseeing the day-to-day operations of field staff.
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY/DUTIES
The AM is responsible for ensuring that programmes receive the maximum possible level of support from the Operational/Support functions. This will involve ensuring:
Proper planning to ensure programme implementation is in accordance with the donor project documents (Proposals, work plans, budgets etc.),
Good, timely, coordination between programme departments and support functions,
All parties understand the constraints faced by other departments,
Efficient performance of the Operational/Support functions,
Any conflicts between the different departments are resolved quickly and amicably.
Security
The AM is the Security Focal Point for their Area Office responsible for the safety of their team and always in a position to respond to a security incident.
Overseeing Security in the programme site includes:
Implementing GOAL’s Security Guidelines and Procedures.
Periodically review site specific security guidelines.
Ensure all office and accommodation meet basic security standards, including fire prevention, lockdown and evacuation procedures
Ensure that all staff are familiar with GOAL’s Security Guidelines and with the GOAL evacuation plan.
Provide a security briefing to all staff/visitors arriving at the site for the first time.
Monitor the security situation and provide regular information to the CD/Security Officer of any incidents, changes or adverse conditions affecting staff safety or project operations in the region.
The AM should have regular dialogue with the Commissioners, NGO security focal point and field staff in the facilities concerning the current and expected security situation including threats and concerns.
External Coordination
Relationships with open dialogue and mutual respect should be nurtured with all stakeholders. Meetings should include updates on the planned program direction understanding the concerns and promoting ownership of the program by the various stakeholders.
Liaise with partners at state and county level; attend all appropriate coordination meetings and share information regarding projects and security where relevant.
Ensure good relations with SSRRC/ROSS and local authorities, including but not limited to Commissioners and Executive Directors, ensuring that GOAL remains impartial/ neutral as per the humanitarian core standards.
Liaise with Ministry of Health at State & County level on the management of the PHC services.
Accompany donor representatives and other official visitors, when requested to by the GOAL Country Director, and provide information as required.
Programmes
weekly coordination meetings with the programming heads of the department, combined with a robust schedule of site visits to ensure that the AM is familiar with the programme activities.
the AM responsibility is limited in the fact that the technical staff will provide technical direction and support for programme activities. Technical responsibility for the programme activities will always remain with the programme coordinators in the programme site (AHM, Field Engineer etc) and in Addis Ababa (Programmes Directors, Deputy Programmes Director, and the Head of each Programme Departments).
the AM must be familiar with the Donor contracts and proposals related to their programme site. They ought to be aware of the different activities and indicators contained in the proposals and of the progress made towards achieving those targets.
the AM is responsible for ensuring the success of all visits. This involves receiving a ToR, discussing the ToR upon arrival of the visitor, and facilitating contact with the relevant staff where necessary. The AM should meet the visitor at the end of the visit to discuss the findings of the visit and any recommendations.
monitor and audit payments made for training and for distributions.
support in the monitoring, evaluation and learning elements of the programme and supports different research and assessments.
ensure the quality of the programme and timely implementation to be aligned with national, international and donor standards.
responsible for ensuring and creating a culture for appropriate community engagement, accountability to the affected community, and evidence-learning generation on each project.
Logistics
Provide guidance and leadership to the logistics team in the field site to ensure all requirements are provided in a timely and cost-effective manner including:
on a day-to-day basis managing Senior Logistics Staff.
ensure that GOAL’s logistical procedures are always adhered to, reporting any breaches to the Head of Logistics and Systems Director
ensuring that the Logistics Office provides the required support to programmes.
ensure 100% asset checks and 100% stock take are undertaken at the area office.
ensure that monthly stock reports and SMS are done as per policy.
identify any training needs with the team and liaise with the Logistics Coordinator and Human Resources to develop an appropriate training plan.
Procurement
Provide guidance and leadership to the Procurement team in the field site to ensure all requirements are provided in a timely and cost-effective manner including:
on a day-to-day basis managing Senior Procurement Staff.
ensure that Procurement follows GOAL policy and procedures and looks to always ensure Value for Money.
report any breaches of procurement policy to the Procurement Manager/ACD Systems.
identify any training needs with the team and liaise with the Head of Procurement and Head of Human Resources to develop an appropriate training plan,
ensuring that the procurement office provides the required support to programmes on a timely basis.
lead the process of preparing area-level procurement plans, ensuring each grant has a procurement that is shared with the Head of Procurement.
Human Resources
Provide oversight, leadership, and direction to the HR function at the field site including:
strict implementation/compliance with GOAL Ethiopia’s HR Handbook.
on a day-to-day basis managing the HR field officer.
ensure all new hires are properly authorized and a contract of employment is issued before they start work.
ensure all new hires are adequately inducted.
monitor and approve all annual leave. Ensure that an annual leave calendar is in place and that most of the annual leave is taken during the rainy season.
ensure timely review of payroll.
ensure GOAL’s HIV/AIDS workplace policy is implemented.
ensure implementation of staff performance management systems.
the AM supported by the AHM should monitor the health of all relocatable staff members; this should include mental (stress) and physical health. Any concerns or serious illness affecting relocatable staff must be reported to the CD and PHC Co.
the AM is responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day living and working conditions in their sites are of an acceptable standard or that plans are in place and being implemented to bring the location up to the required standard.
Finance
Overseeing the Finance department in the programme site, including:
on a day-to-day basis managing the Financial Field Officer
working with the Finance Field Officer to ensure that GOAL’s Financial Guidelines are always adhered to, reporting any breaches to the Financial Controller/CD. ▪ monthly review of spending and forecasting ▪ weekly cash counts.
review of Cashbook for reasonability of expenditure.
review of financial paperwork to ensure all transactions are properly authorized and that all the required supporting documentation is on file.
JOIN US
Do you want to join an exciting organization that brings high level impact to the community and add value to your professional advancement? Then join us if you have:
Required Skills & Competencies
Masters’ Degree or Bachelors’ Degree in business administration, Social Science or similar.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role.
Experience in security management in a volatile environment; must have strong analytical skills.
Proven experience in programme management.
Previous experience liaising with governmental/local authorities and other NGOs.
Strong strategic thinking and relationship-management skills
Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills.
Solid understanding of donor compliance and grant regulations.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.
Leadership, mentoring, and coordination skills in multicultural settings
Proven experience in remote and complex operational environments.
Flexible/motivated.
Good interpersonal and motivational skills.
The job duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.
REMUNERATION and BENEFITS:
GOAL will pay a competitive basic salary based on the salary grading with addition benefits.
A chance to develop tangible experience.
Being part of a team who continue to make a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people.
Commitments:
GOAL’s recruitment procedure is fair and transparent which is also in line with the organization’s commitment to its integrity, honesty and culture. GOAL is committed to ensure that, its performance complies with the terms and conditions of relevant agreements, applicable laws & regulations.
GOAL highly promotes Equality, diversity and inclusion and works with women and men, People with disabilities, and employees of various ages including youth, supports their empowerment and appreciates their achievements constantly. GOAL also encourages applications from diverse candidates including women, people with disabilities, people with diverse backgrounds, and youth to apply.
GOAL has zero tolerance to discrimination on the basis of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, race, economic status etc . we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.
Hence, pre-employment background checks will be conducted, and employees are required to read, understand, sign and implement different polices including safeguarding and child protection policy, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and abuse policy, sexual harassment policy, code of conducts and any other rules and regulation of the organization. GOAL is strongly committed not to harm the people under its care.
Safeguarding
Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.
Accountability within GOAL
Alongside our safeguarding policy, GOAL is an equal opportunities employer and has a set of integrity policies. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability:
Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols.
Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area.
Report any concerns about inappropriate behavior of a GOAL staff or partner.
You are welcome to include your
sex (Male or female)
and
any disability issues
in your CV (please note that this information will only be used to comply with affirmative action policy of the organization)
How To Apply
APPLICATION PROCEEDURE:
Interested and qualified applicants need to submit ONLY once their non - returnable application with CV for one vacancy. The vacancy reference number along with the title & Duty station need to be written in the application letter.
Applicants can directly apply through green “
Apply now”
button
Please be sure your application and CV should be in
PDF
or
Word
only
. (The system couldn’t accept other than PDF and Word.)
GOAL strongly encourages female candidates to apply!
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview and exam.
Shortlisted candidates will need to submit other supporting documents upon request at later stage.
GOAL is not able to contribute towards any costs incurred by candidates.
Skills (mandatory):
ability to build lasting relationships, • Creativity, Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Languages:
ENGLISH
Work experience:
3-5 years
Managerial experience:
3-5 years
Apply Now!
Internal/External
Reference No:
REC/ 107/26
Job title:
Area Manager
Location:
Afar - Assayita
Reports to:
Deputy Programmes Director _ Direct line Management
All Heads of Department at CO (Program and Support) _ functional Management
Number of Posts
01 (one)
Closing date:
July 12, 2026
About GOAL
GOAL
’s mission is to work with the most vulnerable communities to help them respond to and recover from humanitarian crises, and to assist them to build transcendent solutions to mitigate poverty and vulnerability.
GOALis a non-for-profit organizationthat has been working in Ethiopia for over 30 years across all the region of the country towards ensuring the poorest and most vulnerable in our world and those affected by humanitarian crises have access to the fundamental rights of life, including but not limited to adequate shelter, food and livelihoods, water and sanitation, nutrition, healthcare and education. GOAL implements a range of multi-sectoral development, resilience, recovery and humanitarian responses Programmes by being sensitive to cross-cutting issues including gender, accountably, child protection, HIV/AIDS.
We envision a world where poverty no longer exist, where vulnerable communities are resilient, where barriers to wellbeing are removed and where everyone has equal rights and opportunities. GOAL Ethiopia’s main donors are Irish Aid, USAID/OFDA, EHF, ECHO and other private donors.
About the Position:
The AM is responsible, as the most senior field staff, for all GOAL programme activities in the project location. The AM should have a good top-level knowledge and understanding of activities in their area, in particular, they should be aware of the constraints faced by their team and proactively work with their teams to manage these constraints and troubleshoot problems.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of the Area Manager (AM) is to provide leadership and direction to the GOAL field team. The AM will oversee the operational/support functions (Security, Human Resources, Logistics, Procurement, Finance and Compliance) as well as the direct programme activities (Health, Livelihoods and food Security, Nutrition, WASH, and Emergency Response) including high-level coordination (including local authorities), programme planning and overseeing the day-to-day operations of field staff.
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY/DUTIES
The AM is responsible for ensuring that programmes receive the maximum possible level of support from the Operational/Support functions. This will involve ensuring:
Proper planning to ensure programme implementation is in accordance with the donor project documents (Proposals, work plans, budgets etc.),
Good, timely, coordination between programme departments and support functions,
All parties understand the constraints faced by other departments,
Efficient performance of the Operational/Support functions,
Any conflicts between the different departments are resolved quickly and amicably.
Security
The AM is the Security Focal Point for their Area Office responsible for the safety of their team and always in a position to respond to a security incident.
Overseeing Security in the programme site includes:
Implementing GOAL’s Security Guidelines and Procedures.
Periodically review site specific security guidelines.
Ensure all office and accommodation meet basic security standards, including fire prevention, lockdown and evacuation procedures
Ensure that all staff are familiar with GOAL’s Security Guidelines and with the GOAL evacuation plan.
Provide a security briefing to all staff/visitors arriving at the site for the first time.
Monitor the security situation and provide regular information to the CD/Security Officer of any incidents, changes or adverse conditions affecting staff safety or project operations in the region.
The AM should have regular dialogue with the Commissioners, NGO security focal point and field staff in the facilities concerning the current and expected security situation including threats and concerns.
External Coordination
Relationships with open dialogue and mutual respect should be nurtured with all stakeholders. Meetings should include updates on the planned program direction understanding the concerns and promoting ownership of the program by the various stakeholders.
Liaise with partners at state and county level; attend all appropriate coordination meetings and share information regarding projects and security where relevant.
Ensure good relations with SSRRC/ROSS and local authorities, including but not limited to Commissioners and Executive Directors, ensuring that GOAL remains impartial/ neutral as per the humanitarian core standards.
Liaise with Ministry of Health at State & County level on the management of the PHC services.
Accompany donor representatives and other official visitors, when requested to by the GOAL Country Director, and provide information as required.
Programmes
weekly coordination meetings with the programming heads of the department, combined with a robust schedule of site visits to ensure that the AM is familiar with the programme activities.
the AM responsibility is limited in the fact that the technical staff will provide technical direction and support for programme activities. Technical responsibility for the programme activities will always remain with the programme coordinators in the programme site (AHM, Field Engineer etc) and in Addis Ababa (Programmes Directors, Deputy Programmes Director, and the Head of each Programme Departments).
the AM must be familiar with the Donor contracts and proposals related to their programme site. They ought to be aware of the different activities and indicators contained in the proposals and of the progress made towards achieving those targets.
the AM is responsible for ensuring the success of all visits. This involves receiving a ToR, discussing the ToR upon arrival of the visitor, and facilitating contact with the relevant staff where necessary. The AM should meet the visitor at the end of the visit to discuss the findings of the visit and any recommendations.
monitor and audit payments made for training and for distributions.
support in the monitoring, evaluation and learning elements of the programme and supports different research and assessments.
ensure the quality of the programme and timely implementation to be aligned with national, international and donor standards.
responsible for ensuring and creating a culture for appropriate community engagement, accountability to the affected community, and evidence-learning generation on each project.
Logistics
Provide guidance and leadership to the logistics team in the field site to ensure all requirements are provided in a timely and cost-effective manner including:
on a day-to-day basis managing Senior Logistics Staff.
ensure that GOAL’s logistical procedures are always adhered to, reporting any breaches to the Head of Logistics and Systems Director
ensuring that the Logistics Office provides the required support to programmes.
ensure 100% asset checks and 100% stock take are undertaken at the area office.
ensure that monthly stock reports and SMS are done as per policy.
identify any training needs with the team and liaise with the Logistics Coordinator and Human Resources to develop an appropriate training plan.
Procurement
Provide guidance and leadership to the Procurement team in the field site to ensure all requirements are provided in a timely and cost-effective manner including:
on a day-to-day basis managing Senior Procurement Staff.
ensure that Procurement follows GOAL policy and procedures and looks to always ensure Value for Money.
report any breaches of procurement policy to the Procurement Manager/ACD Systems.
identify any training needs with the team and liaise with the Head of Procurement and Head of Human Resources to develop an appropriate training plan,
ensuring that the procurement office provides the required support to programmes on a timely basis.
lead the process of preparing area-level procurement plans, ensuring each grant has a procurement that is shared with the Head of Procurement.
Human Resources
Provide oversight, leadership, and direction to the HR function at the field site including:
strict implementation/compliance with GOAL Ethiopia’s HR Handbook.
on a day-to-day basis managing the HR field officer.
ensure all new hires are properly authorized and a contract of employment is issued before they start work.
ensure all new hires are adequately inducted.
monitor and approve all annual leave. Ensure that an annual leave calendar is in place and that most of the annual leave is taken during the rainy season.
ensure timely review of payroll.
ensure GOAL’s HIV/AIDS workplace policy is implemented.
ensure implementation of staff performance management systems.
the AM supported by the AHM should monitor the health of all relocatable staff members; this should include mental (stress) and physical health. Any concerns or serious illness affecting relocatable staff must be reported to the CD and PHC Co.
the AM is responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day living and working conditions in their sites are of an acceptable standard or that plans are in place and being implemented to bring the location up to the required standard.
Finance
Overseeing the Finance department in the programme site, including:
on a day-to-day basis managing the Financial Field Officer
working with the Finance Field Officer to ensure that GOAL’s Financial Guidelines are always adhered to, reporting any breaches to the Financial Controller/CD. ▪ monthly review of spending and forecasting ▪ weekly cash counts.
review of Cashbook for reasonability of expenditure.
review of financial paperwork to ensure all transactions are properly authorized and that all the required supporting documentation is on file.
JOIN US
Do you want to join an exciting organization that brings high level impact to the community and add value to your professional advancement? Then join us if you have:
Required Skills & Competencies
Masters’ Degree or Bachelors’ Degree in business administration, Social Science or similar.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar role.
Experience in security management in a volatile environment; must have strong analytical skills.
Proven experience in programme management.
Previous experience liaising with governmental/local authorities and other NGOs.
Strong strategic thinking and relationship-management skills
Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills.
Solid understanding of donor compliance and grant regulations.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.
Leadership, mentoring, and coordination skills in multicultural settings
Proven experience in remote and complex operational environments.
Flexible/motivated.
Good interpersonal and motivational skills.
The job duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.
REMUNERATION and BENEFITS:
GOAL will pay a competitive basic salary based on the salary grading with addition benefits.
A chance to develop tangible experience.
Being part of a team who continue to make a real difference to the lives of the most vulnerable people.
Commitments:
GOAL’s recruitment procedure is fair and transparent which is also in line with the organization’s commitment to its integrity, honesty and culture. GOAL is committed to ensure that, its performance complies with the terms and conditions of relevant agreements, applicable laws & regulations.
GOAL highly promotes Equality, diversity and inclusion and works with women and men, People with disabilities, and employees of various ages including youth, supports their empowerment and appreciates their achievements constantly. GOAL also encourages applications from diverse candidates including women, people with disabilities, people with diverse backgrounds, and youth to apply.
GOAL has zero tolerance to discrimination on the basis of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, race, economic status etc . we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.
Hence, pre-employment background checks will be conducted, and employees are required to read, understand, sign and implement different polices including safeguarding and child protection policy, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and abuse policy, sexual harassment policy, code of conducts and any other rules and regulation of the organization. GOAL is strongly committed not to harm the people under its care.
Safeguarding
Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.
Accountability within GOAL
Alongside our safeguarding policy, GOAL is an equal opportunities employer and has a set of integrity policies. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability:
Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols.
Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area.
Report any concerns about inappropriate behavior of a GOAL staff or partner.
You are welcome to include your
sex (Male or female)
and
any disability issues
in your CV (please note that this information will only be used to comply with affirmative action policy of the organization)
How To Apply
APPLICATION PROCEEDURE:
Interested and qualified applicants need to submit ONLY once their non - returnable application with CV for one vacancy. The vacancy reference number along with the title & Duty station need to be written in the application letter.
Applicants can directly apply through green “
Apply now”
button
Please be sure your application and CV should be in
or
Word
only
. (The system couldn’t accept other than PDF and Word.)
GOAL strongly encourages female candidates to apply!
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview and exam.
Shortlisted candidates will need to submit other supporting documents upon request at later stage.
GOAL is not able to contribute towards any costs incurred by candidates.
Skills (mandatory):
ability to build lasting relationships, • Creativity, Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Languages:
ENGLISH
Work experience:
3-5 years
Managerial experience:
3-5 years
Apply Now!