Ethiopia Programmes Director (PD)

About the Role – Purpose:

As a member of Concern in Ethiopia’s Executive Country Management Team (CMT), the Programmes Director (PD) will manage and guide the development of Concern’s programmes in Ethiopia in line with its Country Strategic Plan and Concern Worldwide policies and strategies, ensuring quality, strategic purpose, effective participation by and accountability to target communities and other stakeholders.

You shall:

• Lead the development of strategic integrated programming approaches in Concern that incorporate the key elements of ‘triple nexus’ (humanitarian, development and peacebuilding) and systems strengthening for sustainability.
• Ensure that Concern Worldwide plays a leading role in the humanitarian field in Ethiopia, supporting the government and other stakeholders in effective planning and implementation of strategies and response interventions, with an emphasis on building resilience.
• Oversee the identification and building of strategic partnerships across civil society organisations (national NGOs, INGOs, etc.), government institutions, UN agencies, private sector and research bodies in order to achieve integrated ‘triple nexus’ programming and locally led approaches/interventions.
• Maintain high programme quality and effective implementation with an emphasis on feedback mechanisms and learning.
• Actively assist the CD in building the programme profile and strong relationships with donors and other national level stakeholders and maintaining Concern’s reputation for appropriate and high-quality programming.

 

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

Strategic Programming & Leadership:

• Actively participate in the Country Management Team (CMT) and support the Country Director (CD) in the strategic direction and management of the Ethiopia country programme (education, health & nutrition, livelihoods, WASH), ensuring compliance with the Ethiopia strategic plan & regional plans, the wider organizational strategy and key policies. Play a leading role in the development of the new Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of programmes/ projects (activities, budget management), responding to a fast-moving context and needs, with a particular focus on accountability, equality, systems strengthening, and integrated resilience building approaches emphasising partnership & locally led interventions.
• Manage the quality design, proposal/contract bid development & implementation of projects in line with relevant Concern policies, ensuring co-creation and joint monitoring processes with communities, partners and other stakeholders.
• Engage with government, UN system, other NGOs, etc. to secure and maintain a lead role for Concern in Ethiopia in humanitarian response preparation, planning, resourcing and implementation.
• With a focus on appropriateness, timeliness, effectiveness and added-value partnerships, implement and periodically update Concern’s Preparing for Effective Emergency Response (PEER) Plan in Ethiopia, engaging across the organisation in Ethiopia and with Concern’s head office as necessary.
• Work with Concern teams and external stakeholders to continually monitor likely hazards that could give rise to humanitarian emergencies and prepare accordingly.
• Ensure all programme teams are fully committed to Concern’s humanitarian mandate and are prepared and trained to engage in emergency responses as and when required.
• With the CD and other CMT members, play a lead role in identifying and managing key risks – actively engaging in the areas of security management, protection & safeguarding, fraud prevention, securing funding among others.

Strategic Relationships and Fundraising:

• Supporting the Country Director, proactively identify and develop relationships with existing and potential donors, and lead fundraising efforts to maintain and expand a diversified funding portfolio for Concern in Ethiopia.
• Formulation of short-, medium- and long-term funding strategy in consultation with the Executive Country Management Team (CMT) and relevant teams and staff in Concern’s global head office. Play a lead role in implementing the strategy in Ethiopia – engaging with the Concern Desk Officer and fundraising offices and departments of Concern.
• As part of Concern Worldwide’s commitment to locally led programmes/projects where feasible and there is added value, lead in the ongoing identification, selection and teaming processes with relevant national NGOs/CSOs, INGOs, government bodies, research institutions and private sector companies – in line with Concern’s Partnership Strategy in Ethiopia and global organisational policies & strategies.
• Maintain and develop these strategic partnerships to achieve programme impact and positive results.
• Support the CD within the Alliance 2015 Network of INGOs and lead its Food Systems Working group. Regularly engage with Alliance 2015 members to explore options for joint programming and collaboration.
• Support the CD in effective advocacy and communication work. As part of this, develop and implement effective promotion of the work of Concern with external stakeholders – government, donors, UN agencies, other NGOs, national level networks and platforms etc. This should include effective and proactive representation of Concern at relevant coordination meetings and fora.

Locally led / Localization Approach:

• Develop a hybrid programming portfolio in line with Concern’s strategy in Ethiopia – 50% locally led and/or partnerships and 50% direct implementation.
• Supporting the Partnership Coordinator and her team, actively promote genuine partnership across all functions and departments and work to develop a ‘capacity sharing’ mindset and approach.
• Ensure effective implementation of the Ethiopia Partnership Strategy and its regular review.
• Work with the Partnership Coordinator and other departments/functions to develop and maintain strong working relationships with partners to jointly achieve programme/ project objectives. Support the roll out of equitable capacity sharing plans designed and agreed with partners, including key process such as joint organisational capacity assessments and partner review meetings.

Quality Performance and Accountability:

• With CMT colleagues, lead in the ongoing development and strengthening of accountability to communities, partners and other stakeholders, utilising the global Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS). Oversee the implementation and review of Concern’s CHS Plan in Ethiopia, providing support to programme management and teams as necessary.
• Build and maintain high capacity among programme/project teams in engaging with communities (particularly marginalised groups), ensuring expertise in tools and approaches for achieving effective and inclusive participation.
• Ensure all programme staff are familiar with the principles of accountability, safeguarding and Concern’s Feedback Complaints & Response Mechanism (FCRM) and ensure that information about Concern’s accountability and Code of Conduct commitments are effectively disseminated among programme participants and wider communities.
• Lead in maintaining and adapting an effective FCRM across all of Concern’s programmes (including those implemented by partners) – with an emphasis on the safety of complainants and people affected and strict confidentiality. Support in ensuring that all complaints received are properly handled and addressed (with all sensitive complaints transmitted to the CD) in line with Concern’s procedures.
• Manage and support programme and regional teams in the effective and timely implementation of all programmes / projects (including support to partners as necessary) and delivery of agreed results. Ensure timely and quality internal and external reporting in line with Concern’s procedures and donor requirements. Ensure effective corrective action is identified and taken promptly as may be necessary.
• Working with the Country Financial Controller and his team, ensure effective financial management of all programme interventions – development of donor budgets, regular financial forecasting and proper tracking of expenditure in compliance with Concern and donor procedures.
• Oversee Concern’s MEAL system to effectively capture ongoing progress and results. Contribute to learning for adaptation of existing projects and to inform future programme development. Ensure evaluations of programmes as required are carried out and agreed recommendations implemented.
• Undertake monitoring visits to programme areas and provide feedback to programme managers, staff, and partners. Promote joint planning, monitoring, learning reviews with partners and communities across programmes.
• Lead in the integration of equality, environment and DRR in Concern’s work.

Staff and Team Development:

• Overall, contribute to the building of a positive learning culture and sense of team spirit and collaboration organisationally through positive leadership with programme staff and teams.
• Working with HR and key managers, lead in staff recruitment and retention processes (capacity building, career development, etc.) in relation to direct reports and programme teams. Ensure that all programme staff receive proper induction upon joining Concern and that they understand and fully comply with Concern’s policies and procedures.
• Directly manage line reports and lead wider programme team. Develop objectives and monitor performance, holding staff accountable for meeting success criteria. Actively support staff to build on their existing capacity and develop and grow within Concern.
• Ensure that work within the programme function is planned and organised in a way which will meet the organisation’s needs in the most cost-effective manner possible; ensuring that team members are given appropriate workloads and are working efficiently.
• Actively ensure that programme team members keep themselves up to date on best practice in development and humanitarian work. Facilitate technical and management capacity development for staff as needed to attain organisational objectives (training, coaching, etc.).
• Support and ensure effective collaboration and teamwork between programme and support system staff/teams (operations and finance) to achieve our common goals & objectives.

Code of Conduct & Associated Policies:

• Fully adhere to and actively promote Concern’s Code of Conduct & Associated Policies. Ensure that all staff and teams being managed are also aware of these and adhere fully to them. Ensure programme activities are carried out in a way that minimises the risk of abuse, harm or neglect.
• Report immediately/promptly any actual or suspected breaches of Concern’s Code of Conduct & Associated Policies to the Country Director / HR Coordinator / (or via the other communication channels outlined in Concern’s polices) and promptly follow any direction given by the CD or other properly appointed/delegated staff – before taking any action.
• With the Partnership Coordinator, ensure that all Concern’s partners either have equivalent Codes of Conduct & Associated Policies in place, or, that they sign up to those of Concern.
• Fully adhere to security protocols and procedures and ensure that all members of the programmes team also do so. Contribute to on-going security management and planning as necessary.
• Respect confidentiality and follow ethical guidelines.

General Emergency Response Commitment:

• Concern is committed to responding to emergencies efficiently and effectively in order to help affected people meet their basic needs, alleviate suffering and maintain their dignity. To this end, when emergencies strike and the Ethiopia Programme is to respond, all staff are required to actively participate in the response, regardless of location and contribute to the efforts aimed at achieving the humanitarian objective of the organization.

Other:

• Undertake any other related duties as may reasonably be assigned by the Country Director (the line manager for this role).

Person specification:

Essential knowledge, skills and experience

• Master’s degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Humanitarian Studies, Social Sciences, Social work, Business & Public Administration, Anthropology, or other relevant discipline.
• 8-10 years relevant experience, with at least 3 years at senior management level with an INGO in humanitarian / development programming with specific experience in managing multi-sector interventions. Experience with an INGO is a distinct advantage.
• Demonstrable experience of humanitarian/development programming at strategic and operational levels, with leadership and advocacy skills.
• Proven external representation, networking and advocacy skills and ability to build strong working relationships with donors, government and other key stakeholders. Excellent networking skills at regional / national level in Ethiopia and proven track record in resource mobilization.
• Excellent leadership and management skills within diverse teams in a complex and fast-moving working environment. Demonstrable skills in team building, training, coaching and mentoring skills and ability to motivate and develop the skills of others.
• Strong track record in donor engagement and securing funds for programmes. Proven record in proposal development and resource mobilisation.
• Strong experience of and commitment to working in partnership with different types of organisations with an emphasis on localisation, shared values, capacity sharing, and participatory processes.
• Significant experience in community engagement and strong knowledge of participatory approaches.
• Experience in capacity building and quality programme implementation.
• Ability to work on own initiative with limited direct supervision and as part of a team. Organized, motivated and reliable.
• Good knowledge of MEAL concepts/approaches. Experience in M&E and research an advantage.
• Experience of and demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of inequality, in particular gender.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and patience. Strong facilitation and communication/ interpersonal skills. Positive attitude and good sense of humour!
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Amharic. Solid Experience in report and proposal writing. Proven analytical ability and problem-solving skills.
• Strong financial management experience in relation to programme budgets.
• Ability to work under pressure often to strict deadlines.
• Experience/Knowledge of programme participant protection and safeguarding.
• Empathy with and commitment to Concern Worldwide’s ethos and values.
• Good knowledge of computer applications i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Email.

 

Competencies

Candidates are expected to demonstrate abilities in all of the following priority competency areas (the highlighted 5

competencies in bold are most critical):

Managing Yourself	Planning and decision-making
Leadership	Creativity and innovation
Communication and working with others	Influence, advocacy and networking
Delivering results	Change

 

Desirable

• Prior experience in Tigray, Amhara and Somali regions.
• Previous experience working in one or more of the following programme sectors: health, nutrition, WASH, livelihoods, education and in emergency contexts.
• Track record in proposal and report writing.
• Experience in/knowledge of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and Feedback, Complaints & Response Mechanisms (CRMs).
• Security management skills and experience.

We encourage all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or origin, disability, political beliefs, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status to apply to become a part of the organization. Concern is against all forms of discrimination and unequal power relations and is committed to promoting equality.

If this role sounds right for you, please apply with your CV and cover letter. Please be aware we may offer positions before the closing date. Concern reserves the right to interview and select the chosen candidate before closing date for receipt of applications, so early application is strongly recommended.

If you have any concerns about our recruitment process and need particular assistance – for example if you have a disability e.g. a hearing impairment – please let us know and we will do our best to respond to your needs.

Important information:

Concern has an organizational Code of Conduct with three Associated Policies: The Programme Participant Protection Policy, the Child Safeguarding Policy, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy accessible here. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organizations, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organization to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in their work, in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Staff Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their contract of employment.

By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies. Additionally, Concern is committed to the safeguarding and protection of adults and children in our work. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work or volunteer with adults and children are recruited by us for such roles. Consequently, working or volunteering with Concern may be subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking.

During this job application, you will provide Concern with your personal data. Concern takes its responsibilities towards this personal data very seriously and is committed to complying with all relevant data protection legislation.

What we offer

• A competitive salary and benefit package
• Excellent medical benefits (100% cover including dependents)
• 20 days annual leave
• 26 weeks (paid) maternity leave, 18weeks (unpaid) parental leave.