Zonal Program Coordinator

Job Description

Position Title: Zonal Program Coordinator
Position Type: Internal/External
Reports to: Regional Program Manager, Imagine1day
Duty Station: Gimbi Town, West Wollega Zone
Contract Duration: Six (6) months, with a possibility of extension
Number of Positions: One (1)
Salary: As per the organization’s salary scale

Job Overview

Imagine1day is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Zonal Program Coordinator to lead and manage our integrated Education and Child Protection in Emergency (CP/EiE) programming at the zonal level. The position will be responsible for providing strategic direction, coordination, and quality assurance for interventions, including those addressing Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE), across targeted woredas.

This role requires frequent interaction with children and communities. As an organization committed to child safeguarding and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), Imagine1day implements strict screening procedures to ensure the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable communities we serve.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning, Coordination, and Leadership

• In collaboration with the regional office, lead zonal-level coordination and timely development of project implementation plans, including budgeting.
• Provide technical and managerial leadership to CP/EiE interventions, ensuring alignment with best practices and Imagine1day/UNICEF guidelines.
• Participate in project planning sessions and contribute to the development of concept notes and proposals based on community needs assessments.
• Ensure timely, quality implementation of planned activities in line with the Program Cooperation Agreement (PCA), and support regular situational updates and reporting to the regional office.
• Coordinate and facilitate project visits, donor monitoring, and stakeholder engagement at zonal and woreda levels.
• Organize and facilitate capacity-building training in collaboration with teacher training colleges, universities, and other partners.
• Oversee procurement planning in line with organizational financial and procurement policies.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Work with M&E teams to ensure data collection, learning, and reporting systems are in place to track project impact and progress.
• Lead the development of weekly, monthly, and donor reports in line with reporting standards.
• Support regular monitoring and evaluations in partnership with stakeholders and donors.
• Document project inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts systematically, ensuring lessons learned and best practices are shared and communicated.

Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and technical support to project officers, facilitators, and front-line workers.
• Strengthen the capacity of government partners, particularly Women and Children Affairs Offices, on case management, psychosocial support (PSS), prevention and response to violence, and referral pathways.
• Support the alignment of child protection services with existing government mechanisms to enhance sustainability.

Coordination and Representation

• Participate in zonal and regional coordination forums, CP and EiE cluster meetings, and other relevant platforms.
• Collaborate with local government counterparts and humanitarian actors for efficient and effective program implementation.
• Facilitate and support field visits by UNICEF and other key partners.

Program Administration and Human Resource Management

• Ensure efficient management of human, financial, and material resources in accordance with Imagine1day’s policies.
• Support the recruitment, training, and performance management of zonal program staff.

Safeguarding Commitment

Imagine1day maintains zero tolerance for all forms of abuse, exploitation, and violations of safeguarding standards. Rigorous procedures, including criminal background checks and vetting, are part of the recruitment process to ensure the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Educational Planning & Management, Educational Leadership, Educational Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Social Anthropology, Community Development, Development Studies, or related fields.

Experience:

• • Minimum of 5 years’ progressive experience in education and child protection programming, including at least 3 years in program coordination within international or national NGOs or UN agencies.
  • Demonstrated experience in emergency programming and GBV response.
  • Proven ability in stakeholder coordination and working with government counterparts at regional, zonal, and woreda levels.

Skills and Competencies:

• • Strong understanding of CP/EiE minimum standards and school leadership principles.
  • Excellent analytical, report writing, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated team leadership and supervision skills with a transformational mindset.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Fluency in English, Amharic, and Afaan Oromo (spoken and written) is required.
  • Familiarity with Oromia Regional State and experience working with the Oromia Education Bureau (OEB) is an asset.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application letter and updated CV with relevant credentials HERE by May 23, 2025.

📍 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Imagine1day is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from qualified women, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.