Head of Programs Ethiopia

ForAfrika is an African-rooted, globally connected organisation dedicated to empowering communities across the continent through sustainable development and humanitarian aid. With over 40 years of operational experience, ForAfrika works in environments that vary from emergency relief settings to long-term development, ensuring that every initiative is contextually aligned with the needs of the people it serves. Through a deep love for Africa and unwavering commitment, ForAfrika delivers programmes that transform lives by embracing an integrated approach to development. This includes enhancing education, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, food security and livelihoods, economic empowerment, and more, building environments where all Africans can thrive.

Position Summary.

The Head of Programs is responsible for leading all programmatic functions across the organization's Ethiopia operations, ensuring high-quality, accountable, and sustainable programming that aligns with strategic objectives and responds to community needs. This senior leadership role encompasses oversight of program implementation, quality assurance, community integration, Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (DMEAL), and emergency response coordination. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership to drive program excellence while building organizational capacity and fostering partnerships that amplify impact.

Reporting Relationships

The Head of Programs has a solid-line reporting relationship to the Country Director and a dotted-line relationship to the Director of Programs, Global Support Office who provides technical oversight, guidance, and capacity building on programmatic matters. This relationship includes:

Regular program quality reviews and discussions

Technical support and guidance on program design and implementation

Collaborative development of country-specific program strategies

Knowledge exchange on innovative approaches and best practices

Capacity building initiatives for the country program team

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Program Leadership & Quality Assurance

Provide strategic direction and oversight for all programmatic activities across multiple sectors including health, education, WASH, food security, livelihoods, and emergency response

Establish and maintain program quality frameworks ensuring adherence to international standards including SPHERE, Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), and donor compliance requirements

Lead the development and implementation of the country program strategy in alignment with organizational mission and donor requirements

Ensure all programs are designed and implemented in ways responsive to community needs, cultural contexts, and beneficiary feedback

Champion innovation in program design and implementation methodologies to enhance effectiveness and sustainability

2. Program Implementation Management

Oversee portfolio of programs with collective budgets and ensure efficient resource allocation across initiatives

Monitor program performance against targets, timelines, and budgetary allocations, implementing corrective measures as needed

Lead program proposal development processes, ensuring technical quality, contextual relevance, and competitive positioning

Coordinate with finance team on budget variance analysis (BVA) and financial reporting to ensure fiscal accountability

Establish and maintain relationships with key donors, government partners, and implementing partners

3.Community Integration & Partnership Development

Ensure meaningful community participation in all phases of program cycle from design through evaluation

Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with local organizations, government entities, and community leaders

Lead development of community engagement strategies that promote local ownership and sustainability

Oversee capacity building initiatives for community-based organizations and local partners

Ensure cultural sensitivity and conflict-sensitive programming approaches across all interventions

4. Emergency Response & Humanitarian Coordination

Lead organizational preparedness for emergency response including development and regular updating of contingency plans

Coordinate rapid response to humanitarian crises, ensuring timely and effective assistance delivery

Represent the organization in humanitarian coordination forums and cluster meetings

Maintain emergency supply stocks and ensure readiness of response teams and equipment

Lead needs assessments and response strategy development during humanitarian emergencies

5. Team Leadership & Organizational Development

Provide leadership and mentorship to program managers, MEAL officers, field coordinators, and technical specialists

Build organizational capacity through staff development planning, training coordination, and performance management

Foster collaborative work environment that promotes professional growth and high performance

Establish clear performance expectations and accountability mechanisms for all program staff

Champion organizational values and ensure adherence to code of conduct and safeguarding policies

6. External Relations & Representation

Serve as primary liaison with donors, government officials, and partner organizations on programmatic matters

Represent the organization at national and international forums, conferences, and coordination meetings

Develop and maintain strategic relationships that enhance program effectiveness and organizational profile

Lead resource mobilization efforts and contribute to fundraising strategy development

Ensure compliance with government regulations and maintain positive relationships with authorities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Degree in development related studies- Agriculture, Range management, Natural Resource Management, Economics, Social sciences or related field

Professional certifications in project/program management (PMP, PMD Pro) preferred

Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in international development or humanitarian programming

At least 5 years in senior management roles

Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-sector programs in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably Mozambique

Experience in emergency response coordination and humanitarian programming

Technical Competencies

Expert knowledge of program cycle management and quality frameworks

Strong understanding of international humanitarian and development standards (SPHERE, CHS, HAP)

Proficiency in DMEAL methodologies, evaluation techniques, and data analysis

Knowledge of major donor requirements (USAID, EU, UN agencies, bilateral donors)

Understanding of conflict-sensitive programming and Do No Harm approaches

Leadership & Management Skills

Exceptional leadership capabilities with experience managing diverse, multicultural teams

Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills with ability to translate vision into operational plans

Excellent communication and presentation skills in English; local language skills advantageous

Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders

Experience in organizational development and capacity building

Personal Attributes

Strong commitment to humanitarian principles and development values

Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in diverse environments

High degree of flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances

Results-oriented with strong attention to detail and quality

Integrity and commitment to ethical programming practices

Working Conditions

Position based in Ethiopia with regular travel to field locations (up to 40% travel)

Willingness to work in challenging environments and respond to emergency situations

Flexibility to work extended hours during crisis response or critical program periods

Commitment to maintaining security protocols and organizational safety standards

DISCLAIMER: Please note that candidates must have the right to live and work in Ethiopia. The company will not sponsor candidates for this role.

Requirements

Please click HERE to apply

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