Head of Programs (HOP), Ethiopia

Job Description

Finn Church Aid (FCA) Ethiopia is looking for a Head of Programs (HOP) to provide leadership and oversight to its newly established program in Ethiopia. The Head of Programs (HOP) will provide overall leadership and strategic oversight to FCA’s program portfolio in Ethiopia. This includes ensuring the effective implementation of FCA’s three key thematic areas—Right to Peace, Right to Quality Education, and Right to Livelihood—in a complex and evolving humanitarian and development landscape. The HOP will work closely with the Country Director and other key stakeholders to ensure that programs are aligned with FCA’s strategic objectives, are contextually relevant, and deliver impactful results in Ethiopia.

The HOP will work closely with the Country Director, Project Managers, and FCA’s global technical and administrative teams to ensure that all programs are coordinated, impactful, and compliant with FCA and donor guidelines. The role will require the ability to manage a multi-disciplinary team effectively, ensuring capacity building, mentorship, and ongoing performance management while promoting a collaborative work environment that enhances programmatic outcomes.

POSITION: Head of Programs (HOP)

REPORTS TO Country Director

LOCATION: ADDIS ABABA

Deadline for Applications: 21st of November, 2024

START DATE: 1st of December, 2024

Duration of the assignment: Full-time until end of 2025

Background to FCA

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is Finland’s largest international aid organization. We operate in 12 countries, where the needs are most dire. We work with the poorest people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic background or political convictions. FCA work is based on promotion of human dignity and fundamental human rights and freedom, and FCA’s operations are guided by equality, non-discrimination and responsibility. FCA specializes in three thematic priority areas: Right to Peace (R2P), Right to Livelihood (R2L), and Right to Quality Education (R2QE). In Ethiopia, FCA works across multiple sectors, including education, and livelihood development.

Scope of Work & Deliverables

The Head of Programs (HOP) will be primarily responsible for the leadership, management, and oversight of all FCA programs in Ethiopia. This includes ensuring the successful implementation of FCA’s projects in the country while also leading the development of new programs to address emerging needs in the country.The Head of Programs (HOP) will ensure FCA’s programs align with Ethiopia’s National Development agenda, and other national frameworks. The HOP will ensure programming addresses national priorities. Additionally, the HOP will manage donor and stakeholder relationships, ensuring compliance with regulations while enhancing FCA’s visibility in national and international forums.

The HOP is responsible for grants acquisition including being the lead in the project/program design and proposal writing to access institutional funding, and ensures quality planning and implementation of FCA’s program in a timely manner. HOP is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and oversees, coordinates and advises on the implementation and complementarity of projects spread across the country.

Key deliverables include:

• Oversee the implementation of all FCA projects in Ethiopia, ensuring they meet quality standards and are delivered within the agreed timeline and budget. This includes direct supervision of program staff.
• Lead FCA’s engagement with key stakeholders, including government entities, donors, partners, and local communities. Foster collaboration with relevant humanitarian and development actors to enhance program outcomes and ensure alignment with national priorities.
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities by leading the development of competitive proposals, budgets, and concept notes in line with FCA’s objectives. Strengthen relationships with existing donors and build new partnerships to expand FCA’s program portfolio.
• Ensure that all programs comply with FCA’s policies, donor regulations, and relevant legal frameworks. This includes monitoring grants and ensuring that all financial and programmatic reports are submitted on time and in accordance with donor requirements.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and capacity building to the program team, ensuring that staff are equipped with the skills and tools needed to deliver high-quality programs. Promote a culture of learning and accountability within the team.
• Lead the development of new, innovative programming that addresses the evolving needs of the communities FCA serves. This includes adapting programs to respond to humanitarian crises and ensuring sustainability in development initiatives.

Required Expertise and Qualifications

The candidate must possess the below minimum qualifications and skills:

• Master’s degree in international development, International Relations, Humanitarian Assistance, Project Management, Business Management, or a related field with at least ten (10) years of experience in development and humanitarian sector.
• Experience in managing multi-donor programs, with a preference for experience in fragile or post-conflict settings
• Proven expertise in business development, developing funding proposals, budgeting, and financial reporting
• Demonstrated experience working in Ethiopia, with a solid understanding of the region’s geopolitical, socio-economic, and cultural contexts.
• Good understanding of development cooperation and humanitarian standards
• Strong problem-solving and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel extensively and work in challenging environments.
• Experience in project cycle management.
• Excellent skills in analytical thinking and professional writing
• Fluency in English, both oral and written communication.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and experience in working in multi-cultural environments.
• Excellent organizational skills and proactive management and coordination of work.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

Please apply by using the link no later than 21st of November 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This is a national position, open to Ethiopians ONLY.

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is Finland’s largest development co-operation organisation and the second biggest organisation in Finland working in humanitarian aid. FCA is a founding member of the international aid alliance of churches, the ACT Alliance. We seek positive change by supporting the most vulnerable people in fragile contexts. We specialize in supporting local communities’ right to peace, livelihoods and quality education. Qualified and interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy.

FCA practices zero tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse, including child abuse in all forms. FCA has zero tolerance concerning aid diversion and illegal actions, and may screen applicants against international lists to ensure due diligence and compliance with Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism requirements.

FCA is certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS).

N.B: Finn Church Aid is committed to keeping children safe at all times & all levels of its program operations, so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from all forms of abuses. Employment is subject to our Child protection standards, adherence to Child Safeguarding Policy, PSEA including background checks.

FCA does not charge any kind of fee at whichever stage of the recruitment process and does not act through recruitment agents.

(Ethiopian nationals only)