About the Job
I. JOB SUMMARY:
The Programs Director (PD) is responsible for ensuring that CARE Ethiopia’s programs contribute to CARE’s vision. The Programs Director leads a program team committed to lasting impact at scale in poverty eradication and social justice, in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Women and Girls are top of our programmatic ambitions and radiates through all of our work, and the Programs Director leads and champions this approach.
The Programs Director is expected to provide strategic leadership to the Programs Department in the areas of program Design, development and implementation, including playing a key role in country strategy implementation and dissemination. A major emphasis in this position is to play a strong RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP role in ensuring that Country Office has a robust and diverse donors funding base and that programs are implemented to CARE’s standards for QUALITY and Accountability , along with delivering MEASURABLE IMPACT towards CARE’s mission of reducing poverty and social injustice.
The Programs Director is responsible for overseeing the development of program strategies appropriate for the Ethiopia context and environment, which is associated with chronic poverty and emergency humanitarian needs, due to ongoing conflict and instability. S/he manages a team of Project/Program Managers, Senior Program Managers for both humanitarian and development programs. S/he must also ensure that systems, policies, procedures and people are in place to ensure the proper management and implementation of those projects and programs. The Programs Director is responsible for overseeing the development, testing and implementation of new innovative program approaches appropriate for the country context. S/he works closely with, and is supported by the program units at CI, regional and CARE USA HQ levels, as well as with other CARE International members. The Progarms Director shall deputize Country Director
The DCD Programs is a key member of the Country Office Senior Management Team and as such is responsible for leading and supporting the CO leadership and management initiatives. S/he is responsible (along with the CD) for maintaining good working relationships with host government officials, donors, peer agencies and other partners. S/he is regularly required to serve as Acting CD as needed.
II. RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:
Job Responsibility #1. Program Quality. % of Time: 25%
- Lead process with staff and partners to identify and secure funding for viable humanitarian and development programs in line with CO strategy.
- Oversee the design, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of country office programs and projects and ensure that they are aligned with CARE’s 2030 Vision, regional and country strategies, and CI Programming Principles and Program Quality Standards and Guidelines.
- Ensure systems and plans are in place to guarantee that CO programs/projects are designed and implemented based on sound analysis, address the underlying causes of poverty and vulnerability and achieve measurable positive impact on the poor and marginalized.
- Ensure that proper monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to demonstrate impact and that program lessons are being used to promote improved programming and learning.
- Ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems enhance CARE’s accountability vis-a-vis the communities with whom we work as well as other stakeholders (civil society, donors and government counterparts).
- Work with the CD to oversee the development and implementation of a CO advocacy agenda that supports CO programs and, if possible, is in line with CARE’s regional and global advocacy agendas priorities.
- Ensure that a commitment to women and girls empowerment is central all CARE’s programming
Job Responsibility #2: STAFF MANAGEMENT: % of Time: 20%
- Provide proper supervision and management for all direct reports and lead the establishment and functioning of a strong, effective and coordinated Program team.
- Ensure the proper implementation of CARE’s performance management system for direct reports, including job description and IOPs development, regular feedback, mid-term reviews and annual performance appraisals.
- Pro-actively address performance issues through regular, constructive and honest feedback and coaching.
- Identify necessary staff talent development, career development and succession planning strategies for direct reports.
- Ensure that space, motivation and incentives are available to allow staff to develop and innovate.
- Oversee the recruitment and orientation of new senior program staff.
- Ensure adequate and strong working relationships between program team and other units/teams.
- Promote and champion Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion (DEBI) within the program team, ensuring a safe and inclusive working environment for all, in line with CARE’s values and policies
Job Responsibility #3: Program Management and Strategy: % of Time: 25%
- Ensure that CARE programs and projects are implemented and managed in a manner which achieves the program/project goals, in line with CARE policies and procedures and demonstrate sound resource management.
- Ensure that qualified staff and appropriate policies, procedures and systems are in place to properly manage CARE’s programs/projects.
- Ensure proper management of financial and other resources entrusted to CARE’s programs and projects, including the review and approval of program/project budgets (including project matches) and the monitoring of budget reports (including the proper recording of matches).
- Ensure donor and government reporting is done according to agreed upon standards and in a timely manner, in partnership with CARE International member partners where appropriate.
- Work closely with the Operations teams (finance, procurement, HR, business services, etc.)
- to ensure proper coordination for efficient program implementation.
- Ensure strong logistics & commodity management, and accountability where applicable.
- Regularly review and ensure that the most efficient CO program management structure is established and functional in order to ensure program quality and the cost efficient achievement of project objectives.
- Ensure that the CO program seeks opportunities for innovation and personal growth by promoting a culture of, and mechanisms for, reflective practice and learning at all levels.
- Establish mechanisms for knowledge sharing and learning between projects and programs within the CO and with parties beyond the CO.
- Facilitate the preparation and implementation of the overall CO Program Strategy in line with the CO’s Strategic Plan, national development plans, CARE’s 2030 Vision, regional and country strategies, and CI Programming Principles and Program Quality Standards and Guidelines.
- Lead the preparation of program strategies based on sound contextual analysis and that target specific underlying causes of poverty and social injustice, in line with CARE’s 2030 Vision.
- Ensure adequate integration of humanitarian and development programming within the CO Program Strategy, including seeking opportunities for nexus programming that works across the humanitarian and development continuum and builds the resilience of households and communities against future shocks.
- Ensure that all programs and projects designed and implemented by the CO are in line with those program strategies and contribute to achieving the objectives of the CO Strategic Plan.
- Oversee periodic review of the operating environment and ensure CARE’s role and operating model are in line with that environment.
- Seek strategic partnerships necessary to promote CARE’s vision and programming principles and ensure that those partners understand the COs program strategies.
- Wherever possible, seek to integrate the voice and agency of CARE’s program participants into the design of programs, and ensure that programs are locally-led and owned, and their impact sustainable beyond any specific project period.
- Ensure that programs are designed with the potential for sustainable scale and impact beyond the immediate participant group
Job Responsibility #4: External Relations and Partnership: % of Time: 25%
- Develop and enhance relationships between the CO and other parts of CARE and external organizations so that CARE can maximize its collaboration and impact on poverty reduction and social justice.
- Establish and maintain good relationships with relevant – counterparts/departments of the government, CI members, the locally-represented multi/bi-lateral donors, foundations, international and national NGOs, CBOs and other civil society organizations.
- Identify issues to be addressed to heighten donor and government accountability and maintain a positive image and good visibility for CARE amongst these groups.
- Support and work effectively in coalitions, networks and social movements and contribute to national dialogue on poverty reduction strategies and related issues.
- Ensure timely reporting and communications with CI members, donors, government and other key actors.
- Ensure cordial media relations and act as CARE spokesperson as required.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES AS ASSIGNED: % of time: 5%
1. PROBLEM SOLVING (Thinking Environment)
The level of problem solving this position will face is level number three.
- The Programs Director decisions are prime in terms of the daily functioning and operation of the overall programs of CARE. Her/his decisions are contributory in terms of the CO’s long-term development focus and organizational policies and procedures.
- The PD reviews and coordinates any modification in project goals, strategies, targets, and budgets when appropriate and necessary. Approve the hiring of any international consultants to provide technical assistance to projects and programs to ensure overall quality.
About You
IV. QUALIFICATIONS (KNOW HOW)
A) EDUCATION/TRAINING
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in related field.
Desired:
- Master’s Degree in related field.
B) EXPERIENCE
Required:
- 10 years of experience in senior leadership roles and at least five years’ work experience managing community-based projects in developing countries
- At least 6 years in senior management and leadership positions in humanitarian and development programs. Given the current context in Ethiopia, the job requires a person with strong background and extensive experience in emergency humanitarian programming as well as longer term development programs.
- The position requires someone who is a passionate advocate for the rights of women and girls in Ethiopia.
- An understanding of how to work in partnerships to support localization and civil society strengthening
C) Core Competencies
Relationship Building: Inspirational
- Develops internal and external trusting & professional relationships. Purposefully develop networks to build value through collaboration.
Inclusion – Transformational
- Contributes to an environment where all employees feel a sense of belonging, valued for their differences, and empowered to participate and contribute freely.
Dynamic Learning Mindset – Inspirational
- Continuously seeks opportunities to learn, questions past approaches in the current environment, owns growth and learns from failure.
Delivering Results – Transformational
- Invests time in planning to achieve goals while meeting quality standards & demonstrating commitment.
Communication – Transformational
- Effectively and appropriately interacts with others to build relationships, influence, and share ideas. Uses tact, diplomacy & cross-cultural sensitivity to navigate difficult situations.
D) Leadership Competencies
Strategic Leadership & Execution – Transformational
- Applies vision to think beyond the immediate situation. Invests time in planning, discovery, and reflection. Ensures business goals are met by executing, monitoring, & adjusting.
People Leadership – Transformational
- Inspires, motivates, & empowers people to achieve organizational goals. Coaches, mentors, and manages employee experience, and employee performance. Creates space for others to lead.
IV. WORKING CONDITIONS AND LEVEL OF TRAVEL REQUIRED.
The incumbent is located in CARE Ethiopia Head Office in Addis Ababa.
Requirement Skill
Attention to detail
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and work under pressure.
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
How To Apply
If you are interested to be part of our dynamic team, exciting work environment and contribute to CARE Ethiopia’s mission and vision, please send your CV (not more than 3 pages) and cover letter (not more than one page) through ethiojobs.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Make sure you indicate the position title and location on your application letter.
Passionate and dedicated candidates who meet the requirement are strongly encouraged to apply, especially women!
CARE seeks to improve the lives of the most marginalized, particularly women and girls. Our diversity is our strength. We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.
CARE Ethiopia is committed to preventing all unwanted behavior at work. This includes sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, and child abuse. We expect everyone who works for us to share this commitment by understanding and working within the CARE Safeguarding Policy and related framework. CARE Ethiopia has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives, or partners.
CARE Ethiopia reserves the right to seek information from job applicants’ current and/or previous employers about incidents of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment the applicant may have been found guilty to have committed or about which an investigation was in the process of being carried out at the time of the termination of the applicant’s employment with that employer.
By submitting the application, the job applicant confirms that s/he has no objection to CARE Ethiopia requesting the information specified above. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.
More Information
- Experience Level Manager
- Total Years Experience 10-20
- Qualification BA/BSc
