Area Coordinator | Amhara Kobo Base
Location: Amhara Kobo Base, Ethiopia
Organization: Samaritan’s Purse
Deadline: May 20, 2026
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Area Coordinator leads and oversees all programs and operations within the assigned region, ensuring that activities align with Samaritans Purse strategy, donor expectations, and local legal requirements. The role manages key operational areas in the program area including security, HR, finance, and community relations & while supervising both managerial and nonsupervisory staff. Core responsibilities include training and guiding national staff, assigning work, evaluating performance, and resolving workplace issues, all carried out in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws.
KEY RESPOSIBILITIES
Program Leadership & Coordination
- Lead and coordinate all projects within the assigned area in close collaboration with the Country Director (CD) and Deputy Country Director-Programs & Strategy (DCD-PS), and Chief of Party (CoP).
- Ensure all Samaritans Purse systems, standards, and field operating guidelines are fully implemented.
- Oversee ongoing program operations, working closely with program managers to resolve challenges, adjust implementation strategies, and ensure strong impact through effective monitoring and evaluation.
- Produce timely and accurate reporting, including weekly and monthly updates for the Country Director and review of quarterly and final donor reports.
- Support the development of new program concepts by coordinating assessments, identifying priority needs, and contributing to proposal and budget development.
Operational Management
- Establish and supervise logistics systems, ensuring procurement and inventory management comply with Samaritans Purse policies.
- Oversee local financial processes in alignment with Field Operating Guidelines, including approval of purchase requests, monthly audits of procurement systems, and monitoring of pricing and inventory.
- Ensure program operations are functional, accountable, and efficient, including prioritizing resource allocation and maintaining strong internal controls.
Human Resources & Staff Development
- Work with the Chief of Party (CoP) and the country HR Manager to manage staffing needs, conduct interviews for management roles, and enforce disciplinary measures when necessary.
- Provide training for newly hired staff, conduct performance evaluations, resolve staff disputes, and maintain high staff morale.
- Monitor and report significant physical, emotional, or spiritual concerns affecting supervised staff.
Security Management
- Serve as the security focal person for the assigned area, maintaining updated evacuation and contingency plans.
- Conduct regular security briefings, gather and analyze relevant information, assess risks, and coordinate with senior leadership to determine safe operational areas.
- Enforce all safety and security policies and procedures.
Financial Oversight
- Collaborate with the Finance Manager to prepare fund requests, spending forecasts, and budget monitoring.
- Approve funding requests and payments, review program activity reports for accurate expense allocation, and conduct surprise cash counts to mitigate financial risk.
External Relations & Representation
- Build and maintain positive relationships with community leaders, government officials, UN agencies, and NGOs to ensure acceptance of Samaritans Purse and avoid program overlap.
- Attend relevant coordination meetings and contribute to identifying gaps and opportunities for programming.
Spiritual Leadership & Organizational Culture
- Participate in daily devotions and prayer support for the ministry, its donors, and volunteers.
- Maintain a strong Christian witness in all interactions with colleagues, partners, vendors, and beneficiaries.
- Carry out all additional tasks assigned with a generous and serving spirit for the benefit of Samaritans Purse.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE NEEDED
- Masters’ degree in Development Studies, Project Management, Business, or related field
- 6 to 7 years of related experience of which minimum 3 years in a managerial role; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Previous experience working in similar position, particularly in assigned area is preferred
- Field level management experience
LANGUAGE
- Proficiency in English and Amharic
- Knowledge of the regional language required
- Knowledge of any other national language is a plus
SKILLS REQUIRED
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be willing to abide by Samaritans Purses code of conduct and understand the principals of Samaritans Purses values, as well as be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
In addition, the following skills are required
- Attention to detail, anticipation and follow up are core values of the job function as well as maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality regarding contracts and salaries.
- Possesses strong organizational and problem-solving skills within a fast-paced environment.
- Must be a self-starter and internally driven to success and hard work.
- Committed to the SP values and ethics.
- demonstrated experience in evidence-based planning, and program design and implementation.
- developed and implemented evidence-based community engagement/ AAP strategies in humanitarian contexts, using strong analytical, policy and program development skills.
- contexts and knowledge of USAID/BHA program implementation in different settings
- Ability to present complex findings to non-technical audiences, to build trust, inside and outside the organization and to provide a clear sense of direction, mentorship and effective guidance to the team, empowering the team and ensuring a positive environment for all.
- Ability to work toward a common goal with others by communicating clearly, actively listening to others, taking responsibility for mistakes, and respecting different perspectives of stakeholders.
- Ability to conduct sound political analysis and understand complex environments, providing options and advice.
- Experience working in dynamic and innovative environments.
- Demonstrated thought leadership and strong management skills.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagram, or schedule form.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk and run; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be exposed to loud noises around the maintenance and construction workshops.
- May travel in country with exposure to communicable diseases, hot and humid weather conditions.
- Work in a security context that is fluid
SAFEGUARDING COMMITMENT
The employee is required to carry out his/her duties in accordance with Samaritans Purse Safeguarding policy and Code of conduct.
Employee should remain alert and responsive to any child and adult safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills, which will enable him/her to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child and adult safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct his/herself in a manner consistent with the Safeguarding Policy.
