Head of Programs at the Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD)

Job Title: Head of Programs

Report to: Director

Duration: One year with possible extension

Salary: Negotiable

Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) is a board-led, for not profit organization registered in Ethiopia under the revised Civil Societies Law 1113/2019 with registry number 4307. CARD acquired its legal personality on 24 July 2019, aspiring to see Ethiopia where human rights are respected and democratic culture is flourished. CARD has been working with a mission of advancing a conducive civic, media, and digital space to the respect of human rights and the promotion of democratic culture.

Position Summary

The Head of Programs (HP) position is a strategic and results-oriented leadership post responsible for providing oversight and direction for all of CARD’s programmatic activities. This senior management position plays a critical role in achieving CARD’s vision of seeing Ethiopia being a place where human rights are respected and democratic culture flourished. The HP will report directly to the Director and manages teams of programs staff responsible for CARD’s four core programs: Civic Engagement, Media Space Advancement, Governance and Democratization, and Digital Rights.

To this end, CARD is seeking a highly motivated and experienced candidate for the Head of Programs position to help the center effectively lead the program department, including undertaking the following responsibilities:

Program Leadership and Management

• Develop and implement a strategic program plan that aligns with CARD’s overall mission and goals.
• Lead and manage a team of program staff, fostering a collaborative environment, providing coaching and mentorship, and performance management.
• Oversee the effective implementation of CARD’s four core programs.
• Select beneficiaries according to organizational policies and local laws.
• Ensure program delivery meets the needs of all beneficiaries.

Project Management

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of high-impact programs and projects.
• Secure funding from donors to support CARD’s programmatic activities.
• Manage project budgets and ensure efficient resource allocation.
• Develop and monitor project performance indicators to measure progress and impact.
• Conduct impact assessments and utilize findings to improve program effectiveness.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Establish and maintain a robust system for monitoring and evaluating program outcomes and impact.
• Lead the development of program reports for internal and external stakeholders, including donors upon direction given by the Director.
• Ensure program data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform future program development.

Communication and Advocacy

• Develop and implement communication strategies to effectively market CARD’s programs to various audiences.
• Represent CARD at conferences, workshops, and other relevant events.
• Identify, build, maintain and foster strong relationships with donors, partners, relevant government authorities and other stakeholders.

Financial Oversight (Delegated Authority)

• In accordance with a delegation of authority from the Director, review and approve program budgets, ensuring alignment with program objectives and financial regulations.
• Oversee program budgets, manage financial resources, and ensure efficient use of funds and materials.
• Serves as a signatory on checks for program-related expenses within approved budgets.

Other Responsibilities:

• Stay abreast of current trends in human rights, democracy, and peacebuilding fields.
• Identify and recommend new program initiatives that align with CARD’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Law, Management, Political Science, Governance, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience working in the human rights and democracy sector, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Ability to develop long-term plans and translate them into actionable programs.
• Proven experience in leading and managing programs and projects to achieve set objectives.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams to achieve shared goals.
• Strong understanding of project cycle management, including design, development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding from donors.
• Strong financial management skills for effective resource stewardship.
• Experience in beneficiary selection according to organizational policies and local laws.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of the Ethiopian human rights and democracy context.
• Commitment to CARD’s vision, mission, and values.
• Fluency in English and Amharic; fluency in additional languages a plus.

Stay Informed

• Continuously update knowledge on the latest program management practices, human rights trends, and developments in democracy and peacebuilding.
• Track key human rights and democratization indices and reports to inform CARD’s programmatic and advocacy efforts.