Program Division Manager

Program Division Manager

Location Type: Office

Employment Type: Full-time

Terms of Employment: Contract-based

Career Level: Senior Level (8–10 years, including 4–6 years managerial)

Number Required: 1

About the Ethiopian Red Cross Society:

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) was established in 1935 and is one of the oldest and largest humanitarian organizations in Ethiopia. ERCS provides services to communities affected by natural and manmade disasters through the provision of emergency responses, ambulance and first aid, family reunification, essential drugs, water and sanitation, and other humanitarian services. ERCS also runs disaster risk reduction programs with the aim of creating resilience households and communities. Currently the ERCS has a structure consisting of 12 Regional Offices, 34 Zonal Branches and 131 District/Woreda Branches, 599 Woreda Red Cross Committee and 5871 Kebele Red Cross committees.

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) is implementing a disaster preparedness project funded by DG ECHO. This initiative aims to enhance coordination on anticipatory action at both national and regional levels. It also focuses on building the capacities of local actors, including the ERCS, to better prepare for and respond to disasters. The ultimate goal is to mitigate the impacts of disasters on communities in targeted regions, such as Somali.

ERCS works in partnership with the Ethiopian Government, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), partnering National Societies, members, volunteers and the communities we serve.

 Work Unit: Program Division

Place of Work: Jigjiga, Somali Region

Reports to: Branch Head

Job Grade: XIII

Job Summary:

The Program Division Manager will be an essential part of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and based in ERCS offices in Somali region.

The Regional Program Manager plays a key role in strengthening the coordination and effectiveness of disaster preparedness and response efforts within the region. This position actively contributes to the development of policies, strategies, and procedural manuals related to disaster preparedness and response, health and WASH, Restoring Family Links (RFL), and migration. Responsibilities include developing project proposals, securing funding, and ensuring timely needs assessments and reporting for all regional disasters. Additional duties involve participating in disaster hazard assessments, overseeing ambulance services across branches, and implementing disaster preparedness and climate change and food security initiatives. The manager works closely with relevant departments at headquarters to receive necessary support and guidance.

Key Performance Areas:

All tasks will be performed under the supervision of the ERCS Somali Region Branch Head.

• Actively contributes to the development of policies, strategies, and procedural manuals, including those focused on Restoring Family Links (RFL) and migration.
• Ensures that emergency needs assessments are conducted and reported for all regional disasters.
• Prepare concept note, design project proposal and solicit humanitarian funds from local partners in consultation with HQ.
• Manages the deployment of emergency teams and ambulance services.
• Provides first aid training, assesses the needs of disaster victims, and coordinates with the HQ for necessary support.
• Identifies and reunifies separated families, maintains records, and reports tracing developments to the HQ.
• Participates in disaster hazard assessments and monitors ambulance services across branches.
• Ensure the Provision of essential drugs to community.
• Procures drugs based on delegation.
• Plans, designs, and implements strategies to address regional disasters. Collects and compiles disaster-related information, implements disaster preparedness and food security programs, and reports progress to HQ.
• Controls drug stores and pharmacies administration.
• Establishes and maintains partnerships and coordination mechanisms with regional authorities, local NGOs, and business institutions to enhance disaster response and preparedness.
• Prepare concept notes and project proposals aligned with ERCS strategic goals and humanitarian priorities.
• Support resource mobilization efforts by identifying funding opportunities and engaging local partners.
• Contribute to the development and dissemination of program-related policies, strategies, guidelines, and manuals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Regional Branch Head.

Requirements

• Second/First Degree in Program Development, Development Studies, Disaster Risk Management, Management, Business Management, Social Work/Social Anthropology, Public Health.
• 8/10 years of relevant experience out of which 4/6 years in managerial position.
• Experience in disaster preparedness and response programming.
• Experience in DG ECHO funded project (preferred).

Knowledge, Skills, & Competences

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High degree of integrity, proactive approach, and discretion in personal conduct.
• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Structured and skilled in managing time and task to meet deadlines.
• Intercultural understanding and ability to work in a team.
• Strong leadership and program management skills.
• Ability to develop proposals and mobilize resources.

Required Skills

• Time management
• Microsoft Office Pack: Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Communication
• Leadership
• Financial management
• Program and project management
• Disaster risk management
• Proposal development and resource mobilization