Director of Programs _Job at All God’s Children International (AGCI), Ethiopia

• Report to: AGCI Ethiopia Country Director
• Department: Programs
• Grade: GF
• Status: Full-Time

Position requires the successful completion of an extensive criminal background check.

SUMMARY

The Director of Programs leads, manages, and oversees AGCI Ethiopia’s direct service programs for children and families across the country. This role ensures all services maintain the highest standard of trauma-wise care and safeguarding, while remaining fully compliant with government requirements, internal policies, and AGCI’s global standards. The Director of Programs provides clear, structured, and relational leadership to a diverse and growing team, ensuring strong planning, coordinated implementation, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of all program activities. They champion learning and improvement so that programs remain ethical, responsive, and impactful, while also guiding the development of new services and innovations that support long-term sustainability and growth.

In collaboration with local and international partners, the Director of Programs represents AGCI in government relationships, partner engagement, and MOUs, ensuring the wellbeing of children and families remains at the center of all operations. This position reports directly to the Country Director and serves as a key member of the AGCI Ethiopia Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning, organizational strengthening, and responsible stewardship of resources that expand AGCI’s impact in Ethiopia and around the world.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership and Management

• Lead the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all AGCI Ethiopia direct service programs to ensure effective, trauma-wise support for children and families.
• Ensure all program objectives are aligned with AGCI’s strategic vision, theory of change, quality standards, and long-term sustainability goals.
• Monitor program performance using established metrics and reporting systems, and provide routine updates and recommendations to the Country Director, Senior Leadership Team, and Headquarters.
• Ensure full compliance with AGCI Global Standards, donor requirements, government regulations, and organizational policies and SOPs across all program areas.
• Guide the development of standard operating procedures and new program models that are innovative, scalable, and responsive to emerging needs and priorities.
• Provide strong, supportive, and accountable leadership to a diverse and growing Programs Team and Monitoring & Evaluation Team, cultivating a high-performance culture rooted in collaboration, learning, and professional development.

Child Protection and Safeguarding

• Ensure full implementation and regular strengthening of AGCI’s Child Safeguarding Policy across all programs, facilities, and partnerships.
• Promote meaningful child participation and establish safe, accessible feedback mechanisms that inform program improvement and uphold dignity and rights.
• Provide technical oversight and coaching to ensure trauma-informed, safe, and developmentally appropriate service delivery, including psychosocial and family-based support.
• Support in incident reporting, case reviews, risk assessments, and follow-up actions to ensure timely and effective safeguarding responses.
• Coordinate closely with HQ and post-adoptive families to provide support services when needed.

Capacity Building and Technical Oversight

• Facilitate high-quality TBRI® and trauma-wise capacity-building initiatives for partners, caregivers, local leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Strengthen program team competencies through regular coaching, learning opportunities, and professional development planning.
• Promote innovation and organizational learning by integrating best practices, research insights, and feedback from children and families
• Ensure capacity building efforts and outcomes are documented in AGCI’s case management system.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Represent AGCI at meetings with government entities (ACSO, BoWCSA, BoFED, etc.), donors, networks, and partner organizations, cultivating strong, trust-based partnerships that strengthen program reach, effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Support strategic collaboration with AGCI Headquarters to ensure coherence in mission, policy alignment, and mutual learning.
• Guide the development and monitoring of MOUs, operational agreements, and partnerships.
• Identify and support pursuit of strategic grant and funding opportunities in collaboration with HQ.
• Ensure partnerships, MOUs, meetings, and external service deliveries are documented in AGCI’s case management system.

Operations, Budgeting, and Resource Management

• Collaborate with the Finance Director and Country Director on budget development, financial planning, and resource allocation across programs.
• Ensure efficient, responsible, and safeguarded use of financial and material resources aligned with donor and organizational expectations.
• Monitor and approve program expenditures in accordance with internal policies.
• Lead timely preparation and submission of high-quality HQ and government reporting that demonstrate accountability and impact.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Oversee the implementation and continuous strengthening of M&E systems and tools that measure program outcomes, trauma-wise practices, and progress toward strategic goals.
• Ensure programs remain on track and aligned with AGCI’s mission and Theory of Change, providing insights and recommendations for ongoing quality improvement.
• Conduct needs assessments, baseline studies, and service mapping to inform program planning, innovation, and sustainability.
• Lead timely and accurate quarterly, annual, and ad-hoc reporting to government partners, donors, AGCI leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Support mid-term and end-line evaluations and ensure evaluation findings are translated into actionable learning and program enhancements.
• Contribute to and support research initiatives related to child and family wellbeing, in collaboration with AGCI HQ and external partners where appropriate.

Organizational Development and Team Leadership

• Champion a healthy, collaborative, and values-driven culture rooted in accountability, trust, and trauma-responsive leadership.
• Participate actively in Senior Leadership Team functions including strategic planning, risk assessment, and organizational decision-making.
• Lead program leadership meetings and contribute to organization-wide retreats, trainings, and staff development initiatives.
• Model AGCI’s mission and values in all relationships and decisions, both internally and externally.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in social work, Psychology, Project Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of programmatic leadership experience, preferably within the NGO or nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in child protection, community development, and trauma-informed care.
• Proven leadership of multi-disciplinary teams across complex programs and experience with donor- funded program implementation and compliance.

Leadership & Culture

• People-centered and emotionally intelligent leader who models AGCI’s mission and values.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a positive, trauma-wise, and inclusive work culture.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, negotiation, and maintaining strong diplomatic relationships.
• Contributes strategically and collaboratively as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Professional & Technical

• Advanced expertise in programming, safeguarding, and trauma-informed service delivery.
• Strong knowledge of program design, implementation, financial oversight, and M&E systems.
• Experience managing complex, multi-sector programs and donor-funded initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in engaging with government regulators and key ministries (e.g., ACSO, BoWCSA, BoFED) and cultivating partner relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, case management systems, and data platforms with the ability to learn new tools quickly.
• Familiarity with Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) or commitment to training required.
• Knowledge of child rights, family strengthening, and issues impacting vulnerable children in Ethiopia, including exploitation and trafficking risks.

Integrity & Compliance

• High degree of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to ensure compliance with safeguarding protocols and government requirements.
• Skilled in preparing timely, high-quality reports and documentation for multiple stakeholders.
• Committed to ethical stewardship, transparency, and responsible resource management.

Core Competencies

• Strategic planning and execution with focus on sustainability and measurable outcomes.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to manage competing priorities.
• Critical thinking, adaptability, and strong problem-solving under pressure.
• Effective representation and advocacy with key decision-makers, networks, and donors.
• Proven capability in building AGCI’s visibility and trusted presence across sectors.
• Passionate commitment to empowering children and families, restoring connection, and advancing trauma-wise systems change in Ethiopia.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily office-based position with occasional domestic or international travel to support program activities, training, and safeguarding oversight.
• May require flexible or irregular working hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, based on organizational needs.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform other tasks within the scope of work, as assigned by the Country Director.