Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic development and post-crisis 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 alike.  

Position Summary:

Creative Associates seeks a Senior Program Development Officer for a short-term engagement (up to 6 months) to support a grants program in Ethiopia. The Senior Program Development Officer (SPDO) is responsible for grass-roots development of project concepts and activity submissions as well as overseeing implementation and monitoring of activities.  The SPDO will interact with community groups, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, associations, and other groups implementing funded activities or potential partners for activities.

Reporting & Supervision:

The SPDO reports to the Deputy Regional Team Leader.

Primary Responsibilities:

The SPDO will have principal responsibility for:

• Drafting project ideas with estimated budgets and present them in internal Activity Review meetings for yellow-light consideration;
• Developing and maintaining positive working relations with grantees, local partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries in target communities, districts, and regions;
• Providing assistance to potential local partners and grantees in the design of activities to include brief description of activities to be implemented, objectives, timelines for implementation, expected results and plan for how activity will be monitored and evaluated (objectives, expected results, indicators, timeline, etc.) with the support of the Grants Assistant and in coordination with the Deputy Regional Team Lead;
• Conducting political analysis, impact assessment, and participate in strategy development to advance the program goals;
• Monitoring activity implementation through desk review of reports, regular site visits when possible, and triangulation with external sources of data on activity;
• Becoming familiar and complying with all Creative and USAID procedures and manuals (e.g., Activity Management Guide; Activity Cycle Flowchart; Field Procurement Guide; and Operational Communications, Emergency, Information, and Physical Security Plans);
• Attending focus group discussions and program activities to derive lessons learned to inform future project activities; and
• Periodically traveling to target communities around Ethiopia to meet with partners and beneficiaries and monitor activities.

• Four-year university degree in political science, development, sociology, law, social or political science, or other development-related field;
• Minimum of eight (8) years of general work history is required, as well as five (5) years’ work experience with local communities and local organizations or a related field is required;
• Experience with sub-grants management in Ethiopia;
• In-depth knowledge of Ethiopia, other target communities where the program is operating, and the ability to identify potential interventions that will contribute toward program strategy and objectives;
• Demonstrated experience working with civil society or government entities on issues including but not limited to social change, institutional strengthening, peacebuilding and conflict mitigation strongly preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects;
• Proven records maintenance and database management skills;
• Speaking, writing and reading fluency in English and Amharic; and
• Existing authorization to work in Ethiopia.