This position is a key position and responsibility within the IMC Ethiopia country program team and requires working with a range of internal and external stakeholders. He/She is assisting the sector technical managers and field program staff in developing a sound program proposal for various donors. The position holder will also represent IMC at important discussions with donor, government and other stakeholders and shall remain up to date with humanitarian and development needs; donor priorities and plans in Ethiopia and work along with the Senior Management and HQ in strategizing and making informed decisions on maximizing IMC’s portfolio in Ethiopia.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

 Program and Strategy Development, Donor Relations

·         Lead the program team and program development process during the proposal development process

·         Prepare and lead efficient Proposal Kickoff meetings and daily status calls, ensuring activities adhere to the Proposal Development Plan

·         Lead in the preparation of concept notes and initiate negotiations with stakeholder, coordinating and consulting with the program teams

·         Maintain plans and procedures for the production and approval of proposals; write detailed, high quality proposals for large statutory/institutional donors in coordination with Technical Managers and Coordinators

·         Contribute to the development when not leading of good quality project proposals for funding: This includes discussion with IMC Ethiopia Country office management team as well as with the program development unit at IMC Head Quarters

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

·         Work closely with all the Funding Affiliates and relevant programme departments to ensure high quality and timely submission of proposals and concept notes, to donors and HQ

·         Ensure the content and appearance of final proposal deliverables are at the required quality and all proposals are fully compliant with IMC internal requirement before donor submission.

·         Conduct and document proposal lessons learned and implement actions to improve process efficiency.

·         Collect and develop proposal annexes as required

·         Assist in the tracking of new funding opportunities and calls for applications/proposals. Use computer based opportunity tracking system

·         Participate in developing a sound funding strategy to lay foundations for increasing and broadening the institutional funding that meets the needs of IMC Ethiopia country office and that can be taken forward by the staff in the future

·         Carry out rapid needs assessments and participates in document review/research to establish solid facts and justifications for programme ideas and concepts.

·         Closely work with the program team to help build their capacities to contribute to program development and better understand donor conditionality attached to funding opportunities

·         Coach the field staff and technical managers on the basic of sound program design and winning proposal preparation

·         Along with CD and DoP, identify and build relationships with new donors

·         Provide effective coordination for the establishment of proposal development team with representatives from key stakeholders within and outside IMC

·         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 project budgets and track periodically status

·         Work with the program teams in developing procurement plans and track their status periodically

·         Work closely with grant team to ensure timely endorsement of proposal grant agreements and systemized documentation of proposal tracking  

Assessments and Research

·         Participate in program assessments and background information search

·         Assist the SMT with research upon request, such as identifying potential donors, partners and their strategies

Representation and Coordination

·         As delegated by Program Director, CD, represent IMC Ethiopia in NGO, UN, government and other meetings and negotiations

·         To assist in ensuring that a conducive working environment is created with donors, government and other stakeholders

Key Working Relationship

·         The Program Specialist will directly report to the Senior Program Development Manager

·         The position holder will work closely with the technical team consisting of the health, nutrition, WASH, GBV and livelihoods and the grants management team including Program Operations Coordinator and Grants Manager.

Job Requirements

·         The qualified candidate will possess a masters or degree level education, preferably related to international development, humanitarian relief, social science, communication.

·         Four to six years of work experience on strong program development experience preferably in nonprofit

·         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

Interested applicants who meet the above requirements should submit their application letter by clearly stating the position that you are applying for and CV through THIS LINK OR before April 30,2021

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Note: IMC is equal opportunity employer and hence candidate from all background: religion, ethnic group, qualified women and people living with disabilities, etc are all encouraged to apply.