Head of Programs Ethiopia
ForAfrika
Ethiopia, South Sudan
Role description
Position Summary.
Reporting Relationships
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Strategic Program Leadership & Quality Assurance
- Provide strategic direction and oversight for all programmatic activities across multiple sectors including health, education, WASH, food security, livelihoods, and emergency response
- Establish and maintain program quality frameworks ensuring adherence to international standards including SPHERE, Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), and donor compliance requirements
- Lead the development and implementation of the country program strategy in alignment with organizational mission and donor requirements
- Ensure all programs are designed and implemented in ways responsive to community needs, cultural contexts, and beneficiary feedback
- Champion innovation in program design and implementation methodologies to enhance effectiveness and sustainability2. Program Implementation Management
- Oversee portfolio of programs with collective budgets and ensure efficient resource allocation across initiatives
- Monitor program performance against targets, timelines, and budgetary allocations, implementing corrective measures as needed
- Lead program proposal development processes, ensuring technical quality, contextual relevance, and competitive positioning
- Coordinate with finance team on budget variance analysis (BVA) and financial reporting to ensure fiscal accountability
- Establish and maintain relationships with key donors, government partners, and implementing partners3.Community Integration & Partnership Development
- Ensure meaningful community participation in all phases of program cycle from design through evaluation
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with local organizations, government entities, and community leaders
- Lead development of community engagement strategies that promote local ownership and sustainability
- Oversee capacity building initiatives for community-based organizations and local partners
- Ensure cultural sensitivity and conflict-sensitive programming approaches across all interventions4. Emergency Response & Humanitarian Coordination
- Lead organizational preparedness for emergency response including development and regular updating of contingency plans
- Coordinate rapid response to humanitarian crises, ensuring timely and effective assistance delivery
- Represent the organization in humanitarian coordination forums and cluster meetings
- Maintain emergency supply stocks and ensure readiness of response teams and equipment
- Lead needs assessments and response strategy development during humanitarian emergencies5. Team Leadership & Organizational Development
- Provide leadership and mentorship to program managers, MEAL officers, field coordinators, and technical specialists
- Build organizational capacity through staff development planning, training coordination, and performance management
- Foster collaborative work environment that promotes professional growth and high performance
- Establish clear performance expectations and accountability mechanisms for all program staff
- Champion organizational values and ensure adherence to code of conduct and safeguarding policies6. External Relations & Representation
- Serve as primary liaison with donors, government officials, and partner organizations on programmatic matters
- Represent the organization at national and international forums, conferences, and coordination meetings
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships that enhance program effectiveness and organizational profile
- Lead resource mobilization efforts and contribute to fundraising strategy development
- Ensure compliance with government regulations and maintain positive relationships with authorities
- Degree in development related studies- Agriculture, Range management, Natural Resource Management, Economics, Social sciences or related field
- Professional certifications in project/program management (PMP, PMD Pro) preferred
- Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in international development or humanitarian programming
- At least 5 years in senior management roles
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-sector programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably Mozambique
- Experience in emergency response coordination and humanitarian programming
- Expert knowledge of program cycle management and quality frameworks
- Strong understanding of international humanitarian and development standards (SPHERE, CHS, HAP)
- Proficiency in DMEAL methodologies, evaluation techniques, and data analysis
- Knowledge of major donor requirements (USAID, EU, UN agencies, bilateral donors)
- Understanding of conflict-sensitive programming and Do No Harm approaches
- Exceptional leadership capabilities with experience managing diverse, multicultural teams
- Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills with ability to translate vision into operational plans
- Excellent communication and presentation skills in English; local language skills advantageous
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Experience in organizational development and capacity building
- Strong commitment to humanitarian principles and development values
- Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in diverse environments
- High degree of flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances
- Results-oriented with strong attention to detail and quality
- Integrity and commitment to ethical programming practices
- Position based in Ethiopia with regular travel to field locations (up to 40% travel)
- Willingness to work in challenging environments and respond to emergency situations
- Flexibility to work extended hours during crisis response or critical program periods
- Commitment to maintaining security protocols and organizational safety standards