Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well regarded by competitors and partners.

Program Description: 

The USAID-funded Ethiopia Civic Engagement Activity is a four-year activity that aims to strengthen Ethiopia’s civic fabric in support of more inclusive, peaceful, and responsive governance. The project aims to strengthen civic and community-based actors’ ability to engage in policy analysis, advocacy, dialogue, and collective action for peaceful, democratic change and foster multi-stakeholder civic partnerships in support of inclusive dialogue, respect for human rights, and advancing more effective, citizen-responsive, and accountable governance.

Position Summary:

The Senior Program Coordinator coordinates all USAID-funded Ethiopia Civic Engagement Activity (ECE) activities in Mekelle City. This includes overseeing Cluster Lead Organizations (CLOs). As the focal person for ECE activities in the city, the senior program coordinator ensures effective implementation of program activities, fosters multi-stakeholder partnerships and promotes inclusive civic engagement. The coordinator will work closely with local civic actors, government officials, the private sector, and community members to ensure that all program components are aligned with ECE’s objectives to strengthen Ethiopia’s civic fabric and promote inclusive, peaceful, and responsive governance.

Position Location: Mekelle

Reporting: This position reports to the Technical Program Director

Responsibilities: 

Program management 

• Serve as the focal point for all ECE activities in Mekelle, overseeing the implementation of Cluster Lead Organization (CLO).
• Work with the Addis Ababa Capacity Strengthening team to assess the capacities of CLOs and members, providing tailored support to improve their ability to engage in governance, advocacy, and collective action.
• Ensure the project milestones/ deliverables are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with the approved work plans and donor requirements.
• Ensure proper coordination between ECE project teams and partners to foster cohesive and impactful civic engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate cross-grantee activities like PDIA, GESIY, and capacity-strengthening activities with the ECE team.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual work plans, budget forecasts and periodic reports of Mekelle city partners
• Compile issues that are beyond the Sr. program coordinator’s authority and escalate to the supervisor /SMT
• Coordinate with the ECE AA team on centrally organized events for partners.
• Host and coordinate visits from ECE HQ AA office team and USAID.
• Coordinate the Cascading/rollout of instructions, strategies, and updates from the AA main office to the partners.

MEL and Research 

• Monitoring and evaluation of program activities in Mekelle, working closely with AA MEL team to track progress, outcomes, and challenges.
• Ensure timely reporting on all Mekelle activities, contributing to donor reports, internal updates, and learning sessions.
• Work with the MEL team to ensure that lessons learned and best practices from the region are documented and shared with the broader ECE team.
• Regularly review CLOs performance, identify areas for improvement, and make recommendations for corrective actions.
• In consultation with the MEL team, participate in developing and maintaining a monitoring and evaluation system to evaluate progress and impact based on the agreed goals.
• Serve as a focal point for the consultants hired by ECE to conduct research and assessment activities, facilitating data gathering and organizing meetings with different stakeholders in Mekelle city.
• Select respondents for KII, FGD, and others for research and assessment activities and facilitate communication.
• Lead and coordinate internally conducted research or assessments at the city
• Organize coordination platforms/meetings with partners under the city

Grant management 

• In collaboration with the Grant team, participate in pre-award activities in Mekelle including the technical pre-award survey
• Conduct subgrantee/sub-partner monitoring activities within the city
• Oversea the grantee’s program implementation progress, provide feedback and necessary technical support to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the Creative agreement with USAID
• Coordinate with the AA ECE team to select thematic areas for the CLO grants, research grants, and micro-grants based on the assessment findings
• Coordinate with the ECE team in the process of airing RFA by providing input on city-specific contexts
• Lead and coordinate the cocreation process of the grantee’s proposal until submission for approval
• Facilitate post-award orientation for grantees under the city

Partnership and engagement 

• Build relationships with local stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and community leaders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between city stakeholders and the ECE project, fostering strong partnerships to advance governance reforms and civic engagement.
• Actively support CLOs forming multi-stakeholder partnerships that promote dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy on key governance issues.
• Represent the ECE project in city forums, meetings, and events, advocating for inclusive civic engagement and governance.
• Establish effective working relationships with city government, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the day-to-day relationship management of key stakeholders in the City by providing accurate and timely program management and contract-related data.
• Contribute to the effective management of relationships with sub-contracting partners, managing the sub-contracts, ensuring partners are contributing inputs in line with agreements and that ECE’s best interests are protected.
• Establish strong networks and relationships with city partners, government representatives, and other stakeholders to ensure good levels of program support and understanding, as well as facilitate good levels of access to stakeholders by senior program staff and consultants.
• Establish communication systems with partners to ensure an enabling environment for partnership.
• Represent the ECE on the city-specific matters that need ECE’s participation by liaising with the local government, CSOs, Media, and any other stakeholders (with ECE AA office approval)
• Host visits from the government, partners, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with other NGOs in the area and ensure mutual collaboration
• Handle issues/queries/any requests from the local partners and respond to them per the creative policies in consultation with supervisors.

Communications

• Collaborate with ECE Communication and outreach specialists to gather important information for social media and newsletters.
• Support the development and planning of communication activities consistent with the ECE communication strategy in the city.
• Document success stories, challenges, and lessons learned in her/ his hub and share them with the Communication and Outreach specialist through regular program reports
• Initiate city-specific communication platforms with the staff and partners and ensure an instant flow of information.
• Ensure that communication with city stakeholders is consistent, transparent, and aligned with the overall objectives of the ECE project.

Capacity Strengthening and Technical Support:

• Collaborate with the Addis Ababa Capacity Strengthening team to support CLOs to assess their capacity needs, providing tailored technical assistance to address gaps.
• Lead the institutionalization of collective action among city civic actors by providing mentoring, coaching, and guidance on governance, advocacy, and peacebuilding.
• Ensure that program activities promote the meaningful participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in governance and peacebuilding processes.
• Support the organization and facilitation of dialogues, learning sessions, and other events, encouraging civic actors to collaborate and engage in governance processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor