Assistant Program Manager at Korea International Cooperation agency (KOICA), Ethiopia

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Ethiopia Office is looking for a highly motivated and competent professional for the following position. KOICA is a government agency dedicated to the implementation of the Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). Its mission is to help developing countries reduce poverty, promote wellbeing, and achieve sustainable development. KOICA Ethiopia Office works with various partners including the government, international organizations, business, academia and civil society. Activities include implementing projects, providing capacity-building programs to government officials, and dispatching Korean volunteers and advisors to local institutions.

Position Title: Assistant Program Manager

• The final position title will be determined based on the candidate’s relevant work experience (e.g., “Program Manager” for a candidate with more than 7 years of relevant experience).

Functional Responsibilities

• The Program Manager will play a leading role in managing KOICA’s development cooperation programs in Ethiopia. This position requires strategic leadership, and a high level of adaptability in a multicultural and fast-paced work environment. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Management Tasks

• Lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of KOICA-funded projects in alignment with the Country Program (CP) related to social cohesion and peacebuilding and strategic priorities.
• Identify programmatic gaps and emerging opportunities; initiate concept development aligned with Ethiopia’s development goals and KOICA’s mandate.
• Oversee the preparation and review of detailed project implementation plans, including budgets, schedules, and key milestones.
• Manage project budgets and financial resources to ensure optimal utilization and compliance with regulations.
• Develop and maintain risk management frameworks to proactively address potential challenges and implement mitigation strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate project performance using tools such as Project Design Matrix (PDM), performance indicators, and field missions.
• Utilize data-driven approaches to analyze progress and impact, adjusting plans to enhance outcomes.
• Facilitate stakeholder(s) consultations, needs assessments, and capacity-building activities with government bodies and communities.
• Lead the design and implementation of peacebuilding and social cohesion initiatives in conflict-affected and fragile contexts, collaborating with relevant institutions.
• Lead multi-sectoral coordination and promote collaborative decision-making among diverse stakeholders to maximize project synergy.
• Employ project management tools to streamline workflows, track deliverables, and enhance communication.
• Mentor and supervise project staff and partners to build local capacity and ensure consistent quality standards.
• Adapt program activities flexibly to dynamic field conditions, security situations, and evolving community needs.
• Ensure timely resolution of implementation challenges while maintaining accurate and transparent communication with all stakeholders.
• Demonstrate strong documentation skills in drafting project monitoring reports, work plans, final outcome reports, official correspondences, and other relevant documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain smooth reporting systems with Korean management.

Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment (contract renewable on an annual basis, subject to satisfactory performance)

• The contract will enter into force after the performance evaluation of a 60-day probation period.

Basis Monthly Salary: 700 USD

• Note that this amount is the minimum base salary. Final offer will reflect the applicant’s experience, performance potential, and alignment with the organization’s compensation framework.
• During the probation period, 90% of basis salary will be paid.

Workplace:

• 10th Floor, Platinum building, Bole Sub-district 03 (Bole Atlas), House Number 386, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in International Development, Public Administration, Peace & Conflict Studies, Refugee and migration studies or related fields.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in program/project management in international cooperation.
• Demonstrated experience in project cycle management, results-based reporting and writing, and working with international organizations or government institutions.
• Full professional fluency in English (spoken and written) is required; knowledge of Korean is an advantage.
• Experience working in Ethiopia or similar development contexts preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong strategic thinking, initiative, and ownership of program delivery from start to finish.
• Licensed attorney or equivalent professional legal qualification preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing deadlines, and evolving political dynamics.
• Proven skills in facilitation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement with government institutions, communities, and partner organization
• Ability to navigate a foreign government agency environment with diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, and high ethical standards.
• Experience in peacebuilding, conflict analysis, education, ICT, SME development, or humanitarian programming.
• Familiarity with Ethiopian labor law, tax regulations, VAT procedures, and NGO operations.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and report writing skills.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to work independently, proactively, and in a team-based setting under pressure.
• Understanding of KOICA’s mandate and Korean organizational culture is a plus.
• Experience using AI technologies in project management or legal advisory work is desirable.