Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, governance 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 International seeks a Senior Program Manager for an anticipated USAID-funded grants project.

Reporting & Supervision:

This position reports to the Chief of Party (COP).

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the COP, and in close coordination with USAID, the Senior Program Manager (SPM) will:

• Identify and develop ideas to enhance program support in Ethiopia, in line with program objectives and priorities;
• Liaise with Ethiopian government officials, private sector actors, local and international NGOs, and others as needed, to facilitate coordination, trouble-shoot, exchange information, develop and monitor activities, and provide technical assistance and advice;
• Provide in-depth, conceptual input to USAID and Contractor senior field leadership, program staff, and others to contribute to and refine the program’s strategy, goal, objectives, and priorities, and ensure alignment of activity development with an evolving political and security context;
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to project staff and local partners to ensure activities appropriately support program theories and assumptions;
• Provide ongoing analysis on political, security, social context and developments relevant to USAID Ethiopia’s objectives;
• Travel (to the extent possible) and/or support remote management platform to monitor contextual developments, develop key program relationships, identify opportunities for USAID engagement, and assist in assessing program impact and learning; and
• May supervise Program Development Officers (PDOs) or other staff.

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience working in post-conflict or transitional contexts is required. At least two (2) years’ experience should be in Ethiopia and/or elsewhere in the Southern or East Africa region;
• University degree, preferably in a related field, such as international relations, political science, international law, public policy, or sociology;
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles, concepts, practices, and methods relevant to addressing challenges in Ethiopia;
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the Ethiopian historical, economic and political context;
• Experience in engaging and establishing rapport with host country government officials at national and local levels;
• Experience designing technical assistance and capacity building activities in politically sensitive, insecure, complex, rapidly changing and bureaucratically challenging environments;
• Supervisory management experience is highly preferred, but not required;
• Demonstrated experience with activity design, development, and implementation. Experience developing and managing grants is preferred but not required;
• Complete written and oral fluency in Amharic is required; and
• Working proficiency in written and oral English is required; fluency in English desirable.
• Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
• Position contingent upon donor funding.