ForAfrika is an African-founded and led organisation with over 40 years of impact across the continent, and a vision to see Africa thrive. We partner with African communities through our integrated development continuum, moving from crisis to self-sufficiency through our Humanitarian and Development work, and on to commercial viability through our Social Enterprise activities — creating a platform for thriving.
By delivering African-led solutions for Africa, we reach millions of people annually, in communities across Africa through interventions that provide clean water, food security, healthcare, education, opportunities to earn and save as well as become economically active.
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:
1. Regular program quality reviews and discussions
2. Technical support and guidance on program design and implementation
3. Collaborative development of country-specific program strategies
4. Knowledge exchange on innovative approaches and best practices
5. Capacity building initiatives for the country program team
Key Roles and Responsibilities
1. 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
1. Education & Experience
-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 Ethiopia
-Experience in emergency response coordination and humanitarian programming
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
Interested candidates should apply HERE on or before 27th November and provide:
· Detailed cover letter addressing key qualifications and motivation for the role
· Comprehensive CV highlighting relevant experience
· Contact information for three professional references
· Salary expectations and availability date
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding. We encourage applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or other personal characteristics.