Executive Director at Vision for Ethiopia Association (VEA)

Reports To: Board of Directors

Organizational Overview

Vision for Ethiopia Association (VEA) is a legally registered, non-profit, local organization dedicated to improving the well-being of children and communities across Ethiopia through community development and humanitarian interventions.

Position Summary

The Executive Director is the senior-most leader responsible for the overall strategic direction, management, and representation of VEA. This role oversees all organizational operations, including program implementation, financial management, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement. The Executive Director ensures that VEA’s programs are contextually relevant, effectively delivered, and aligned with the organization’s vision and mission.

VEA working with Churches as partners for many years and the ED is expected to maintain established relationships with churches through strategic partnerships and engagements.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent VEA in all official, legal, and strategic engagements with government entities, donors, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Provide visionary leadership and overall management of VEA’s operations, programs, and personnel.
• Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of all projects to ensure quality implementation and timely achievement of objectives.
• Prepare and oversee the implementation of annual strategic, programmatic, and financial plans.
• Ensure effective resource mobilization through proposal development and strategic donor engagement.
• Monitor and evaluate organizational performance, program impact, and budget utilization on a quarterly, bi-annual, and annual basis.
• Develop and enforce operational policies, procedures, and guidelines that support organizational growth and accountability.
• Recruit, lead, and manage staff performance, ensuring a high-performing, values-driven team culture.
• Promote a culture of transparency, integrity, and accountability across all levels of the organization.
• Establish strategic partnerships and engagements with churches and faith-based organizations
• Serve as the key liaison to the Board of Directors, providing timely reports and strategic recommendations.

Qualifications and Experience

Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Community Development, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field from a recognized university.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in the NGO or development sector, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership or similar role.
• Demonstrated experience in child development and community-based programming is highly desirable.
• Proven experience-managing grants from major institutional donors such as USAID, GAC, EU, World Bank, etc.
• Experience working with or alongside churches, Christian organizations, or other faith-based institutions is a strong asset.

Key Competencies

• Strong strategic leadership and organizational management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proven capacity in fundraising, proposal development, and donor relationship management.
• Sound understanding of financial management, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks.
• Ability to lead under pressure, manages risks, and responds quickly to organizational challenges.
• Commitment to the values of compassion, integrity, community empowerment, and faith-based collaboration.

Salary:

• Compensation will be based on the organization’s salary scale and the candidate’s qualifications and experience.