The purpose of the Program Manager (PM) position is to provide leadership and coordination for ensuring the implementation and accomplishment of the objectives of the CARE RiPA project special focus on Regional Level Field Office teams for USAID FtF RiPA activities in line with CARE’s vision, goals, and program principles, standards, approaches and long range Strategic Plan. The PM will have joint responsibility for the project and will manage and support the day-to-day implementation of the project activities in 3 implement action Regions; Afar / Somali / Oromia. S/He will be responsible for leading the planning of all project field activities, leading the field team in implementation, ensuring all reports (financial and narrative) are prepared on time, among other functions. In consultation with the RiPA C.1. DRM-NRM Lad Advisor and in collaboration with the senior level program Advisor staff, she/he develops annual implementation plans and budget, allocates appropriate resources to accomplish the plan, secures qualified staff and ensures that an appropriate monitoring systems are in place to track progress and deviations of program implementation. To promote the highest level of staff performance the PM ensures that all supervisors provide coaching and counseling to the program staff. He/she establishes and maintains effective working relationships with key Regional government and local NGO partners working with RiPA in the same geographic areas. Being senior personnel of the CARE RiPA team, the position holder will ensure day-to-day project relations with Mercy Corps field staff, such as project cluster information sharing and updates, joint field action planning and regular joint reviews of project progress and status.

 RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS: 

Job Responsibility #1: Program Planning 20%

• With the program team analyzes past experiences and incorporate lessons learned in the area of RiPA development into the planning process; and based on past achievements adjusts program targets, strategies, and resources
• Involve in program design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. 
• Develops draft annual and quarterly work plans with RiPA program management team, field staff and partners involved in the implementation;
• Ensure that all program staff have appropriate individual operational plans linked to program priorities;
• Submits / shares all annual and quarterly plans as per established schedules to all program stakeholders.        

Responsibility No. 2: Program Implementation 20%

• Organizes the implementation process of all set targets planned for each RiPA Component activity with respective Advisors, Specialist and Experts working within program departments/section;
• Ensures that all staff have updated monthly and quarterly implementation plans;
• Periodically visits field activities and provide formal and informal feedback to the program staff.
• Maintains ongoing communications with Regional program stakeholders regarding program progress and challenges;
• Continuously assesses RiPA program’s context, assumptions and changes in the working environment to ensure that the program’s focus, strategies and activities remain relevant and propose adaption and adjustments when needed.

     Responsibility No. 3: Program Budget Management 10%

• In collaboration with the C.1. DRM/NRM Lead Advisor, senior Advisors, Cluster Managers and program finance staff prepares annual budgets based on the program proposal
• Ensures compliance with donor requirements in all financial transactions;
• Ensures appropriate utilization of CARE fund codes for charging budget expenditures;
• Working with the C.1. DRM/NRM Lead Advisor - Monitors monthly/ quarterly/ annual budget burn rates and recommends/makes adaptations and adjustment when needed.

 Responsibility No. 4: Staff Management 15%

• Supervises, leads, guides, orients, coaches and provides ongoing support and feedback to all field level program staff, across three regions
• Recognizing and praising successes.
• Identifies challenges and failures that need corrective measures.
• Recommends or initiates personnel actions such as merit increases, other salary adjustments, promotions, transfers, terminations, and disciplinary actions including performance improvement plans;
• Promotes a model working style based on strict adherence to the organizational core values;
• Completes all field level performance management activities including: performance planning, monitoring, and annual performance appraisals;

Responsibility No. 5: Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 15%

• Ensures that RiPA program/s under his/her supervision include an appropriate log-frame and baseline design;
• Works closely with the RiPA CLA team
• Engages with RiPA monitoring system to collect annual and periodic data for tracking program performance and decision making;
• Prepares final draft monthly/quarterly/annual comprehensive and high quality program progress reports;
• Co-facilitates quarterly and annual program review meetings with the team to assess progress, adjust plans, and draw/disseminate lessons learned;
• Implement audit recommendations related to the RiPA program.

Responsibility No. 6: Networking, Learning and Representation 10%

• Establishes and maintains formal and informal communication mechanisms with GO/NGO stakeholders
• Participates in GO/NGO forums and shares update for RiPA program staff 

Responsibility No. 7: Any other duties assigned by Supervisor Coordinator: 10%

• E.g. Match funding Concept Paper, proposal development ...

 PROBLEM SOLVING (Thinking Environment)

All three levels of problem solving are pertinent for the position in one way or another. Since the incumbent deals with the management and coordination of the various day-to-day activities, development, implementation and maintenance of policies, procedures, objectives, short-and long-range planning of the program, s/he shall deal with all three levels of problem solving.

GENDER EQUALITY

• Understanding and demonstrated commitment to the importance of gender, youth and social inclusion issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of Gender Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and PSEAH (safeguarding), as evidenced in previous positions / programming

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS (KNOW HOW)

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Required:

• Bachelor degree in relevant social development discipline or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Desired:

• Master's in development studies and/or related discipline

EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience for post graduates and 5 years for degree holders in pastoral development programs, out of which 1-year service at a managerial level.
• Experience in pastoralist area integrated development and market systems development
• Knowhow of opportunities and challenges of development in Ethiopia

Desired:

• Experience in development oriented NGO environment.
• Experience in representing with Government of Ethiopia 

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Required:

• Proficiency in verbal and written English and Amharic languages; and Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Operational planning, budget planning and management, monitoring and evaluation, report writing
• Practical skill in the areas of non-controversial community development programming
• Demonstrated leadership and managerial ability to inspire and empower others
• Proven skill in DNH (Do-No-Harm) approaches in development
• Firm belief in teamwork, gender equality, sensitivity to HIV/AIDS, transparent and participatory management
• Proven experience of working with pastoralist context   
• Demonstrated technical and managerial ability, sound judgment, ability to interact and work effectively with others at all levels

Desired:

• Skills in organizing and facilitating training events. Expertise in one or more of the following program areas: Pastoralism, DRM, NRM, Gender and Conflict, especially with Gender & Rights Based Approach focus.

COMPETENCIES

Respect, integrity, diversity, excellence, adaptability, stress tolerance, innovation, building partnership, communicating with impact, coaching, facilitating change, developing teams, information monitoring, planning and organizing, leading through vision and value.

 FREEDOM TO ACT

General accountability:

The PM's decisions are prime in terms of the daily functioning and operation of the programs in planning and implementation management, financial and administration areas; his/her decisions are contributory in terms of the CO's long term development focus and organizational policies and procedures.

The PM is a key decision maker in terms of staffing in consultation & concurrence with Program/Area Coordinator and takes into account input from the HRD at the CO.

Financial accountability:

The PM can sign checks to a maximum of US$ 1,500 and co-sign checks for up to US$ 5,000 with other authorized staff at the field office level.

CONTACTS/KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• AC – Coaching, Mentoring and overall guidance, (On all programmatic, administrative, financial, policy, procedural other related issues).
• Technical Group - ensuring appropriate support is provided to field offices and maintenance of working relationships.
• Finance – Consultation and information sharing on budgetary issues and technical assistance.
• HRD and Administration – Consultation and information sharing on issues related to overall administration, policies, and procedures and secure appropriate program support for the programs.

External:

• Communities, PA, Woreda Administration and Rural Development Teams
• Other development organizations working in the area where CARE works (NGOs, CBOs and the Private Sector).
• Special meetings with Woreda / Zonal and Regional government partners and donor representatives when needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND LEVEL OF TRAVEL REQUIRED

The position is based in Addis Ababa. At least up to 40% of the time will be spent in the field.  

How to Apply

CARE Ethiopia is committed to preventing all unwanted behavior at work. This includes sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, and child abuse. We expect everyone who works for us to share this commitment by understanding and working within the CARE Safeguarding Policy and related framework. CARE Ethiopia has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners.

CARE Ethiopia reserves the right to seek information from job applicants’ current and/or previous employers about incidents of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment the applicant may have been found guilty to have committed or about which an investigation was in the process of being carried out at the time of the termination of the applicant’s employment with that employer.

By submitting the application, the job applicant confirms that s/he has no objection to CARE Ethiopia requesting the information specified above. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. 

If you are interested to be part of our dynamic team, exciting work environment and contribute to CARE Ethiopia’s mission and vision, please send your CV (not more than 3 pages) and cover letter (not more than one page) through Ethio Jobs 

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Passionate and dedicated candidates who meet the requirement are strongly encouraged to apply, especially women! CARE seeks to improve the lives of the most marginalized, particularly women and girls. Our diversity is our strength. We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.