The Area Program Manager is responsible for overall management of the emergency response Project implemented in Benishangul-Gumuz region, Metekel Zone in accordance with the project documents signed between the Government of Ethiopia and Food for the Hungry/Ethiopia

Position: Area program Manager I  (Internal/External)

Duty Station: Gilgel Beles (Benshangul Gumuz)

Duration of Contract:  One-year contract, Renewable (with 60 working days probation period)

Principal Responsibilities:

Key Result #1 – Program Implementation

1. Ensure that the project is operating in accordance with the annual plan of actions, project proposals and also to the standard required by donors and partner government agencies.

2. Coordinate with component heads/officers for any changes occurred during the implementation. 

3. Conduct situational need assessment in the project areas and design appropriate intervention plans in line with the heartbeat of FH.

4. Make sure that donor’s grant conditions are adhered to and deadlines for different reporting are respected.  If there is any deviation from the agreed plan, notify the program director on time.

5. Conduct detailed community structure assessment and possible use of these structures for effective need assessment and sustainable development in the project target areas.

6. Prepare project proposals and have them on shelf ready for consideration in case they want to be implemented.  As we stay longer in the community, this is possible to do and is sometimes important to quickly seek funding when a funding gap is created.

7. Assist the NHP department in the coordination of all community level assessments.

Key Result #2- Staff Management  

1. Ensure that each staff is performing his/her duties and is working to the best of his/her abilities.

2. Make sure that staff members trained in any field should train others when they come back from training.  Facilitate forums and report on the impacts that such training brings on the program implementation in general and the persons’ efficiency in particular.

3. Conduct staff training, need assessment and develop an annual training plan in close collaboration with the NHP department and the HR & OD department.  

4. Promote positive interaction and collaboration among the project staff as well as the partner community.

5. Conduct periodic project staff performance evaluation in a timely manner for all the staff under his supervision and submit to the HR Department at least five days before the deadline in accordance with the performance evaluation policy of FH.

Key Result # 3- Resource Management  

1. Responsible for effective and efficient financial management and accounting for all incomes and expenditures pertaining to the project.  Conduct discussion with the project staff on the status of financial utilization of the project and explanations for variances.

2. Prepare cash flow requests for the year by breakdowns for each quarter based only on the fund pledged and transferred for the project.  

3. Make sure that expenditures are always income based.

4. Closely work with the head office finance department for smooth monitoring of project budget.

5. Ensure not only cost effectiveness but also, as much as possible, cost efficiency in all the process of project implementation.

6. Prepares budget according to FH and donor guideline and submits to the office of finance for review and approval.  

7. Make sure that the budgets and activity plans have got written approval before implementation.

Key Result # 4- Planning & Reporting  

1. Prepare the monthly, quarter and annual plan of action for the project with component heads/ officers and concerned staff in accordance with the original project proposals and available budget for a year. 

2. Make sure that all component heads prepare and submit a monthly action plan within one week before the new month starts for their activity. 

3. Responsible for the on-time submission of the quarterly, bi-annual and annual project progress reports and in accordance with the format and the deadline set by donors’ and government offices’ guideline.

4. Submit a quarterly report for smooth operation of the project.

5. Prepare any extra report as required by the donor or stakeholders and submit on time to the concerned body. 

6. responsible for preparation of plan of action, budget, and periodical reporting on the program progress, monitoring and evaluation of all related activities.

Key Result # 5- Monitoring & Evaluation  

1. Ensures that the project activities are being implemented in accordance with the project annual operational plan.

2. Observes any changes within the project for impacts (both positive/negative) in the community and records them for self-monitoring and evaluation.

3. Give guidance on periodical monitoring and evaluation of the program by partners (targeted beneficiaries, community, co- Program signatories, and donors) to the standard by which all the stakeholders are satisfied.

4. Monitors and evaluates project activities in collaboration with stakeholders, FH/E head office monitoring team and other concerned bodies; 

Key Result # 6- Networking & Partner Relations  

1. Create sound relationships with local partner communities as well as different government offices or line departments so as to facilitate smooth implementation of the program.

2. Represent and participate in different meetings related to FHE, give feedback to the immediate supervisor and provide a written report on special issues that need higher-level management attention on time.

3. Effectively facilitate donor and other team visit to the project

Job Requirements

JOB LEVEL SPECIFICATIONS

• Full agreement with FH’s Christian foundation and beliefs as expressed in The Heartbeat: our Values, Vision, and Purpose.

• Strong Interpersonal skills,

• Emotional maturity,

• Cross-cultural Sensitivity,

• Ability to work effectively under pressure

EXPERIENCE

⮚  5 years related experience out of which two years on managerial position preferably in NGO setting.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

⮚ BA / BSc in Development Studies or other relevant field of study required. Masters degree is preferred,

DISTINGUISHING COMPETENCIES 

• Strong computer skill and knowledge in the area of MS word, MS Excel, MS Access, Powerpoint and email communication.

• High level of initiative taking.

 LANGUAGE

⮚ Proficiency in both spoken and written English. Ability to write reports and business correspondence.

 SAFETY AND SECURITY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Encourages compliance of Safety and Security principles and policies of the organization by all staffs;

• Visiting project Offices and operational areas periodically to meet staff and making sure that all staff members are aware of the safety and security procedures;

• Explains to staffs the reasoning behind the organization’s safety and security policies and procedures

• Organizing local training sessions, such as First Aid, Fire Safety, and Defensive Driving for staff members.  If possible, he/she should conduct briefing and training sessions himself/herself;

• Ensures that safety and security objectives are added to performance reviews and evaluations of all staff members;

• Encourages staffs to adopt safe and secure practices. Ensuring that updated personnel information related to safety (Record of Emergency Data) and security management are kept in Human resources.

GENDER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide adequate time to staff to participate in gender sensitivity workshops and related events.

• Through observation, interviews, and spot-checks, ensure that the staff planning process is gender sensitive.

• Build a better gender balance in staffing through affirmative action.

• Observe if women staff are as involved as men in high-profile activities such as interaction with visitors and chairing meetings, and take corrective action if warranted.

• Encourage female staff to participate in external networks (local and regional), as well as seminars and cross visits.

• Facilitate open and regular discussions with staff on about the work environment, policies, and values convenient to gender issues.

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

FH strives to provide an environment free from sexual exploitation and abuse and harassment in all places where relief and development programs are implemented. FH holds a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse and harassment. FH expects its employees to maintain high ethical standards, protect organizational integrity and reputation, and ensure that FH work is carried out in honest and fair methods, in alignment with the FH Heartbeat and safeguarding and associated policies. Violations to stated policies will be subject to corrective action up to and including termination of employment.

How to Apply

Submit your Application and updated CV’s ONLY via email: recruitment_fhe@fh.org

Note: Candidates MUST refer the position title "Area program Manager I" on the subject line of their email and applications. Female Candidates are highly encouraged to apply!