Head of Programs at Young Women Christian Association in Ethiopia

The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Ethiopia is a pioneering women-led organization established in 1962. Since our re-establishment in 2000 as a licensed civil society organization, we have focused on promoting gender equality, influencing governance and policy, socio-economic empowerment, sexual and reproductive health, and rights (SRHR), access to education and youth leadership development in several regions in Ethiopia. The Organization is excited to announce the opening for vacant position for Head of Programs within our organization. This role is critical to ensuring the success, transparency, and continuous improvement of our programs and initiatives. The Head of the Programs is responsible for: Program Strategy & Leadership Lead the development and refinement of the organization’s program strategy, ensuring alignment with mission, national development priorities, and donor expectations. Provide strategic guidance to program teams across all thematic areas (e.g., governance, human rights, youth empowerment, gender equality, livelihoods, climate resilience). Identify emerging issues and opportunities for new programming, partnerships, and innovation. Program Design & Resource Mobilization Oversee the design of high‑quality project proposals, concept notes, and budgets in collaboration with program staff and the National General Secretary. Ensure program designs are evidence‑based, community‑driven, and incorporate cross‑cutting themes such as gender, inclusion, and sustainability. Support donor engagement and represent the organization in funding discussions. Program Implementation & Quality Assurance Supervise program managers and ensure timely, effective, and compliant implementation of all projects. Establish and enforce program quality standards, operational procedures, and accountability mechanisms. Ensure strong coordination between field teams, partners, and stakeholders. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Oversee MEAL systems to ensure robust data collection, analysis, and reporting. Promote a culture of learning, reflection, and adaptive management across programs. Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements and timely submission of high‑quality reports. Team Management & Capacity Building Lead, mentor, and support program staff to strengthen skills in project management, community engagement, and technical areas. Conduct performance reviews and support professional development plans. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performance team culture. Partnerships & External Representation Build and maintain strong relationships with government institutions, donors, NGOs, community groups, and networks. Represent the organization in coordination forums, consortium meetings, and advocacy platforms. Ensure programs adhere to national policies, legal frameworks, and sector standards. Risk Management & Compliance Identify programmatic risks and develop mitigation strategies. Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and Ethiopian laws. Oversee safeguarding, protection, and ethical standards across all program activities. About You Required Qualifications & Experience Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or related field. Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in program management within NGOs/CSOs, preferably holding similar position within CSO Sector in Ethiopia. Demonstrated experience leading multi‑sector programs and managing donor‑funded projects (e.g., EU, USAID, UN, and foundations). Strong understanding of Ethiopia’s civil society landscape, governance context, and community dynamics. Proven leadership, team management, and strategic planning skills. Excellent communication skills in English; proficiency in Amharic and/or other local languages is an advantage.