DEPUTY COUNTRY DIRECTOR (DCD)

Reporting directly to the Country Director, the Deputy Country Director (DCD) is a pivotal member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). You will drive the implementation of the MSI Ethiopia (MSIE) business plan, ensuring all donor-funded programs are evidence-based, high-impact, and fully compliant. The DCD provides the bridge between high-level strategy and field-level execution, overseeing full MSI RC operations while fostering a culture of technical excellence, risk mitigation, and continuous capacity building across all departments. We recruit talented, dynamic individuals from diverse backgrounds who share our mission and are committed to delivering measurable results. As an equal opportunity employer, MSIE fosters an inclusive workplace where everyone can participate and contribute meaningfully. MSIE is firmly committed to its Code of Conduct, Adult Safeguarding, Child Safeguarding, and Anti-Sexual Harassment policies, which promote equality and safeguarding the welfare of both team members and clients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Strategic Planning: Lead the MSIE Strategic Review process and develop long-range organizational objectives.
• Operational Oversight: Direct the harmonization of project implementation across all Working Groups to ensure a seamless “One MSI” approach.
• Risk & Compliance: Proactively identify implementation bottlenecks, develop risk mitigation frameworks, and ensure strict adherence to donor regulations and MSI global standards.
• Government & Stakeholder Relations: Act as a key ambassador for MSIE, strengthening partnerships with government bodies, donors, and private sector stakeholders.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

• Execution & Innovation: Support Department Heads and Area team in adapting strategies to local contexts and overcoming field-level obstacles.
• Financial Stewardship: Oversee monthly/quarterly burn rates and field budget allocations to ensure maximum ROI and programmatic efficiency.
• Data-Driven Growth: Conduct regular progress reviews against targets and identify new business development opportunities to expand MSIE’s reach.
• Government Compliance: Manage the preparation of project agreements, biannual reports, and formal evaluations for regulatory bodies.

TEAM DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURE

• Mentorship: Coach and develop a high-performing management team, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and accountability.
• Performance Management: Ensure all team members have clear OGSMs (Objectives, Goals, Strategies, and Measures) and receive timely, constructive appraisals.
• Collaboration: Resolve cross-departmental silos to ensure all teams work toward a unified mission.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Master’s Degree (MBA, MSc, or MPH) in Business Management, Public Health, or a related field.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, with at least 3 years in a senior management role.
  Sector.

Expertise:

• Proven track record in health financing, social marketing, or social business models.

Technical Success:

• Strong background in large-scale project management and high-level donor engagement (bilateral and multilateral).

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Mission Alignment: A deep personal commitment to MSI’s mission and a staunch Pro-Choice advocate.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to inspire, persuade, and lead diverse, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strategic Thinking: Advanced analytical skills with the ability to turn complex data into actionable plans.
• Communication: Fluent in English (written and spoken) with high-level negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Technical Literacy: Expert proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).