Country Director -Ethiopia

Location:  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Organization: Concern Worldwide

Deadline: October 26, 2026

Job Description

Overview and Purpose

You will have the overall responsibility for strategic planning, programmatic direction, and management oversight of all programmes and operations of Concern Worldwide in Ethiopia. You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the Country Management Team ensuring effective and professional management of all aspects of the country programme, ensuring compliance with Concern’s organisational procedures, policies, and values.

Reports to:                      Regional Director

Department:                   International Programmes Department

Terms:                             Two-Year Fixed Term, Accompanied terms

Location:                         Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Salary:                            GB8: €63,461 – €70,513

GB8+ Accompanied International Staff T&Cs

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Develop and implement a coherent country programme that contributes to achieving Concern’s global strategy.
• Provide leadership in the overall effective planning and direction of Concern’s programmes and operations.
• Build strong and committed team of national and international staff adhering to Concern policies and procedures.
• Lead and support in strengthening coordination and collaboration within teams and across all teams.

Security Management

• Take overall responsibility for the security and safety of Concern personnel and resources.
• Be responsible for participatory development and implementation of the Country Security Management Plan.
• Liaise with necessary external bodies to keep abreast of security developments.
• Ensure a functioning Security Focal Group (SFG).
• Work with the SFG to ensure the development and maintenance of effective security systems.
• Report any security threats and incidents to the Regional Director.

Programme Development and Management

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of programmes.
• Ensure effective coordination of technical inputs in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programmes.
• Take lead in ensuring targets of the country level funding strategy are met.
• Develop partnerships with local NGOs and CBOs through the application of Concern assessment tools
• Manage the country programme effectively including allocation of resources, monitoring and controlling.
• Ensure that all programmes are implemented and completed according to programme documents.
• Maintain effective communication and liaise with Concern Head office in Dublin.

People Management

• Responsible for the overall management and development of national and international staff.
• Manage and support country programme team ensuring that there is clearly defined structure and job descriptions for all staff.
• Ensure that regular staff Performance and Development Review (PDR) system is established and maintained.
• Develop, review, and effectively implement all HR related procedures.
• Establish and maintain regular, participative and documented forums and meetings for all key staff.

Budget and Financial Management

• Responsible for overall financial management including participatory budget preparation, revision and monitoring and timely submission of budgets and reports.
• Ensure that the Concern organisational financial guidelines and procedures are adhered to.
• Ensure that internal and donor financial reports are submitted in timely manner and up to high-quality standard.

Representation and networking

• Represent Concern in and establish/maintain coordination and networking relationships relevant stakeholders in the country.
• Ensure compliance with Concern’s statutory obligations in relation to registration compliance, including submission of mandatory reports to the authorities.
• Ensure that relationship and formal agreements with the government are established, maintained and updated as appropriate.
• Represent Concern at various coordination forums.
• Promote the humanitarian principles of Concern in external settings, ensuring that the organisation’s neutrality, impartiality and independence is well communicated and consistently presented.

Accountability  

• Promote and ensure compliance with the requirements of Concern’s Code of Conduct and implementation of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), along with Concern’s community-based complaints and response mechanism (CRM) to ensure maximum protection of and accountability to programme beneficiaries.
• Ensure that all staff are familiar with the principles underpinning accountability and safeguarding.
• Ensure that the CRM is functional, effectively implemented and accessible in all programmes’ locations, enabling safe reporting of both programmatic and sensitive complaints, including safeguarding concerns
• Ensure that safeguarding concerns, are handled with utmost confidentiality and that the safety of the complainants and those affected is prioritised at all stages.

Role Holder Requirements

Essential:

This position demands a dynamic individual with a demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast-paced environment.

• Advanced Degree preferably in social science or development management or business management or related discipline or equivalent in experience.
• At least 5 years’ overseas experience in management and coordination of development and humanitarian programmes with at least 3 years’ experience in a senior management position.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage change effectively.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with an ability/confidence to engage and represent Concern at public forums, media and donors.
• Strong coordination and conflict resolution skills.
• Cross cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
• Good coaching, motivational, facilitation and capacity-building skills.
• Dynamic and willing to take initiatives to complete assigned tasks and work independently.
• Delegation, time management and prioritizing skills and coping with broad range of demands.
• Willingness to travel regularly to the project sites.
• Experience of managing major donor grants such as ECHO, EU, USAID/BHA, UN Agencies and Irish Aid

Desirable:

• Previous work experience in Horn of Africa generally, or Ethiopia specifically
• Experience with commercial contracts and climate financing
• Affinity with organisational values, mission and vision, commitment to humanitarian principles
• Familiarity with sector and governmental coordination mechanisms

How to Apply

To apply:  CVs should be submitted through our website at: >> https://jobs.concern.net by the closing date.

Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be shortlisted on a regular basis and we may offer posts before the closing date.