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ForAfrika Job Vacancy 2026: Head of Programs – Ethiopia

ForAfrika
1 hour ago
Full-time
On-site
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Management Jobs in Ethiopia, NGO Jobs in Ethiopia, International Jobs in Ethiopia

ForAfrika is inviting qualified and experienced development and humanitarian professionals to apply for the position of Head of Programs in Ethiopia. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the organization's programs, ensuring effective implementation, quality assurance, accountability, and sustainable impact across multiple sectors.

Candidates must have senior management experience in international development or humanitarian programming, with a strong background in multi-sector program management, emergency response, donor compliance, and team leadership.

Job Overview

  • Position: Head of Programs
  • Organization: ForAfrika
  • Job Location: Ethiopia
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Required Experience: 8–10 years in development or humanitarian programming, including at least 5 years in senior management
  • Education: Degree in a development-related field or a related discipline
  • Application Deadline: November 11, 2026
  • Work Arrangement: Field travel of up to 40%
  • Work Authorization: Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in Ethiopia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

About ForAfrika

ForAfrika is an African-rooted organization working across the continent to advance sustainable development and deliver humanitarian assistance. With more than 40 years of operational experience, the organization supports communities through programs in education, health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), food security, livelihoods, and economic empowerment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Program Leadership and Quality Assurance

  • Lead the development and implementation of country program strategies aligned with organizational objectives and donor requirements.
  • Oversee multi-sector programs covering health, education, WASH, food security, livelihoods, and emergency response.
  • Ensure program quality and compliance with international humanitarian standards, including SPHERE and the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS).
  • Promote community-responsive, culturally appropriate, innovative, and sustainable programming approaches.

2. Program Implementation and Resource Management

  • Oversee the program portfolio, ensuring effective resource allocation and implementation.
  • Monitor program performance against targets, budgets, and timelines and implement corrective actions when necessary.
  • Lead the preparation of high-quality program proposals.
  • Coordinate with finance teams on budget variance analysis and financial reporting.
  • Maintain effective relationships with donors, government institutions, and implementing partners.

3. Community Engagement and Partnerships

  • Promote meaningful community participation throughout the program cycle.
  • Develop strategic partnerships with local organizations, government entities, and community leaders.
  • Support capacity building for community-based organizations and local partners.
  • Ensure that programs incorporate local ownership, cultural sensitivity, conflict sensitivity, and sustainability.

4. Emergency Response and Humanitarian Coordination

  • Lead emergency preparedness planning and maintain contingency plans.
  • Coordinate timely responses to humanitarian crises.
  • Represent the organization in humanitarian coordination forums and cluster meetings.
  • Lead emergency needs assessments and response strategy development.
  • Support operational readiness, including emergency supplies and response team preparedness.

5. Team Leadership and Organizational Development

  • Lead, mentor, and support program managers, monitoring and evaluation staff, field coordinators, and technical specialists.
  • Coordinate staff development, training, and performance management.
  • Establish clear performance expectations and accountability mechanisms.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performance working environment.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational values, safeguarding policies, and codes of conduct.

6. External Relations and Resource Mobilization

  • Represent the organization in engagements with donors, government officials, and partner organizations.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships that strengthen program delivery.
  • Participate in fundraising strategy development and resource mobilization.
  • Represent the organization at relevant national and international meetings.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable government regulations.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Professional Experience

  • A degree in a development-related field, such as agriculture, range management, natural resource management, economics, social sciences, or a related discipline.
  • A minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in international development or humanitarian programming.
  • At least 5 years of experience in senior management positions.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-sector programs in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Experience in emergency response coordination and humanitarian programming.
  • Experience in Mozambique is preferred.

Professional certifications in project or program management, such as PMP or PMD Pro, are an advantage.

Technical Skills

  • Strong knowledge of program cycle management and program quality assurance frameworks.
  • Understanding of international humanitarian and development standards, including SPHERE, CHS, and HAP.
  • Proficiency in Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (DMEAL) methodologies, evaluation techniques, and data analysis.
  • Familiarity with major donor requirements, including those of USAID, the European Union, United Nations agencies, and bilateral donors.
  • Knowledge of conflict-sensitive programming and Do No Harm approaches.

Leadership and Communication Skills

  • Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, multicultural teams.
  • Strong strategic thinking, analytical skills, and operational planning capabilities.
  • Excellent English communication and presentation skills; local language skills are an advantage.
  • Proven ability to develop relationships with stakeholders and institutional partners.
  • Experience in organizational development and capacity building.

Personal Attributes

  • Commitment to humanitarian principles and sustainable development.
  • Cultural sensitivity and adaptability in diverse working environments.
  • Strong integrity, accountability, and ethical judgment.
  • Results-oriented approach with attention to quality and detail.
  • Flexibility to respond to changing operational needs and emergencies.

Working Conditions

  • Based in Ethiopia, with regular travel to field locations of up to 40%.
  • Willingness to work in challenging environments and respond to humanitarian emergencies.
  • Flexibility to work extended hours during emergency responses or critical program periods.
  • Commitment to organizational security protocols and safety standards.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through ForAfrika's official recruitment portal using the link below.

Apply Here: https://forafrika.simplify.hr/vacancy/a1nbea

Application Deadline: November 11, 2026

Important: Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in Ethiopia. ForAfrika will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.