A preeminent First Responder, International Medical Corps provides emergency relief to those hit by disaster, and offers the skills needed to rebuild stronger. We train people – giving communities the tools and knowledge to be self-reliant and be their own best First Responders when disaster strikes again.

International Medical Corps focuses on the delivery of community-based primary health care. We emphasize training and education, and prioritize hiring local staff – in fact, 96% of our field-based staff and health professionals are recruited from the local community. This helps to ensure that skills and knowledge are passed on and remain long after our programs have ended. Through the integration of specialties like emergency medicine, women’s health, nutrition services, water and sanitation, and mental health into the primary health care setting, we ensure that those we serve receive holistic, comprehensive care. The value of International Medical Corps’ integrated approach to community health and well-being and our emphasis on capacity building through training are critical for the long-term growth of ‘conflict and natural disaster-affected communities’ and ‘fragile states’.

International Medical Corps never asks job applicants for a fee, payment, or other monetary transaction. If you are asked for money in connection with this recruitment, please report to International Medical Corps at the website provided at the end of the vacancy.

The IMC Program Development Specialist works at the direction of the IMC Program Development Coordinator. The primary function of the Program Development Coordinator is to produce compelling and quality concept notes and proposals, which requires working with a range of internal and external stakeholders. The position holder will assist the sector technical managers and field program staff in developing sound program proposals for various donors and in sourcing relevant funding opportunities. The position holder will also represent IMC at important discussions with donors, the government, and other stakeholders, and shall remain up to date with humanitarian and development needs, donor priorities and plans in Ethiopia. He/She will support the Program Development Coordinator, Senior Management, and HQ in strategizing and making informed decisions to maximize IMC's portfolio in Ethiopia. 

As applicable to this position, an individual must promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization and maintain a clear understanding of International Medical Corps’ and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards. Staff are also responsible for preventing violations to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment.  If you see, hear, or are made aware of any violations to the Code of Conduct and Ethics or Safeguarding Policy, you have an obligation to report.

If this is a supervisory position, one must set an example of ethical behavior through one’s own conduct and oversight of the work of others; ensure that those who report to you have sufficient knowledge and resources to follow the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct & Ethics; monitor compliance of the people you supervise; enforce the Code of Conduct & Ethics and International Medical Corps’ policies, including the Safeguarding Policy and the Protection from Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace Policy, consistently and fairly; support employees who in good faith raise questions or concerns.

It is all staff shared responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom we work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children. This includes safeguarding from the following conduct by our staff or partners: sexual exploitation and abuse; exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children, adults at risk, or LGBTI individuals; and any form of trafficking in persons.  

Equal Opportunities 

International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program and Strategy Development, Donor Relations

• Assist the leadership and program team in program development.

• Lead the preparation of concept notes and initiate negotiations with stakeholders, coordinating and consulting with the program teams.

• Maintain plans and procedures for the production and approval of proposals; write detailed, high-quality proposals for institutional donors in coordination with Technical Managers and Coordinators.

• Contribute to the development of good quality project proposals for funding, including discussions with the IMC Ethiopia Country office management team as well as the program development unit at IMC Headquarters.

• Stay up to date with donor policies and application processes, remaining abreast of major development assistance agreements and potential NGO funding opportunities.

• Assist in tracking new funding opportunities and calls for applications/proposals.

• Participate in developing a sound funding strategy to lay foundations for increasing and broadening the institutional funding base of IMC.

• Participate in needs assessments and document review/research to establish solid facts and justifications for program ideas and concepts.

• Closely work with the program team to help build their capacities to contribute to program development and better understand donor compliance and requirements.

• Coach the field staff and technical managers on the basics of sound program design and winning proposal preparation.

• Along with senior management and the Program Development Coordinator, identify and build relationships with new donors.

• Approach potential donors and develop professional and productive relationships, including holding face-to-face meetings where appropriate.

• Work with the ET finance and Split finance teams to develop sound project budgets.

• Work with the program teams to develop procurement plans and track their status periodically.

• Work closely with the grant team to ensure timely endorsement of grant agreements and systematized documentation and tracking of proposals.

Assessment and Research 

• Participate in program assessments and background information searches.

• Assist the Program Development (PD) team with research for identifying funding opportunities, potential donors, partners, and their strategies. 

Representation and Coordination

• When delegated, represent IMC Ethiopia in meetings and negotiations with NGOs, the UN, government, and other stakeholders.

• Contribute to ensuring a conducive working environment is created with donors, the government, and other stakeholders

Key Working Relationships

• The Program Development Specialist will report directly to the Program Development Coordinator.

• The position holder will work closely with the technical team, consisting of the health, nutrition, WASH, GBV, and MHPSS specialists, as well as the Finance, Logistics, MEAL and Grants management teams. 

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree in international development, social development, humanitarian relief, social science, and communication or a bachelor’s degree with relevant additional experience. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• 5+ years of relevant and progressive experience in fundraising, resource mobilization, and proposal development roles, preferably in a nonprofit organization setting. 

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage time. 

• Capacity to work in a busy environment and strategy to manage the workload.  

• Sound knowledge of project cycle management.

• Ability to articulate in a clear and concise manner.

• Seasoned proposal writing experience.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data. 

• Strong organizational skills.

• Knowledge of various international donor proposal requirements.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the capability to work within different cultural environments.

• The capacity to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Proficiency with computers including MS Office. 

• Advanced fluency in English is required (Written and Spoken). 

How to Apply

• Register using the following link CLICK HERE