The Project Manager for Cash Based Assistance (PM-CBA) at ZOA in Gambella, Ethiopia, is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and monitoring of cash-based assistance programs for vulnerable South Sudan Refugees and host communities. The role involves coordinating with stakeholders, ensuring effective beneficiary targeting, managing financial service provider partnerships, and ensuring compliance with humanitarian standards and donor requirements. The Project Manager-CBA will also conduct market assessments, monitor program impact, and lead a team to ensure the efficient and transparent delivery of cash assistance, contributing to improved livelihoods and resilience of South Sudan Refugees and host communities in the region.

PROJECT MANAGER-CASH BASE ASSISTANCE (PM-CBA)- Short Term

Role Purpose

The Project Manager for Cash Intervention will oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of cash assistance programs targeting South Sudanese refugees in Gambella. The role requires strong technical expertise in cash-based interventions (CBIs), humanitarian response, financial service partnerships, digital cash transfer and community engagement.

This position is both strategic and operational, requiring hands-on leadership in program design, stakeholder coordination, financial management, and compliance. The Project Manager will ensure timely and effective cash transfers, ensure the proper targeting, monitor the impact of assistance on beneficiaries, ensure the beneficiaries from further gender issues, and work closely with local and international partners to enhance coordination, avoid duplication of efforts and program efficiency.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

 Program Leadership & Implementation

• Lead the design and execution of the Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPC) project, ensuring alignment with humanitarian principles and guidelines.

• Develop a clear implementation plan, detailing timelines, clear and exclusive roles, and responsibilities for the staff under your supervision.

• Oversee beneficiary targeting, registration, and verification ensuring a fair and transparent process.

• Identify and manage the most effective cash transfer mechanisms (mobile money, direct cash, e-vouchers, etc.).

• Ensure that cash transfers are timely, secure, and meet the needs of beneficiaries.

• Address operational challenges and propose solutions to improve project effectiveness.

• Integrate protection, gender, and social inclusion considerations in all aspects of project delivery.

Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent ZOA in Cash Working Group (CWG) meetings and humanitarian coordination forums.

• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with UN agencies such as UNHCR, UNICEF, government bodies (RRS), INGOs, local NGOs, and financial service providers (FSPs).

• Work closely with banks, micro finance, mobile network operators, and financial institutions to facilitate seamless cash transfers.

• Engage with refugee and host community leaders to ensure culturally appropriate programming.

• Advocate for cash-based humanitarian assistance as an effective and dignified aid modality.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)

• In collaboration and coordination with MEAL, develop and implement monitoring tools to track program performance and impact.

• Conduct post-distribution monitoring (PDM), market assessments, and beneficiary satisfaction surveys.

• Work with MEAL teams to analyze data and generate evidence-based recommendations.

• Ensure program adaptability, using findings from assessments and feedback mechanisms.

• Document and share lessons learned, best practices, and case studies.

Financial & Compliance Management

• Oversee project budget management, ensuring all expenditures align with donor regulations.

• Ensure transparency and accountability in all cash transfer operations.

• Work with finance teams to process payments, reconcile accounts, and conduct audits.

• Identify and mitigate financial risks, fraud, or mismanagement.

• Ensure compliance with ZOA’s policies, donor guidelines, and international standards (e.g., SPHERE, CHS).

• Ensure the beneficiaries protection in considering “Do No Harm” principes and data protection.

Capacity Building & Team Leadership

• Provide training and technical support to project staff, partners, and community workers.

• Mentor and supervise team members, ensuring a collaborative and high-performing work environment.

• Conduct periodic capacity assessments to identify areas for improvement.

• Promote staff well-being and professional development.

Job Requirements

Educational Qualification and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Humanitarian Assistance, Economics, Business Administration Management, International Development, Project management or a related field.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in cash-based interventions (CBI/MPC) /humanitarian Cash programming for BSc, with at least 3 years for MSc.

•  Demonstrated expertise in cash transfer modalities (mobile money, Red Rose, E. Voucher, cash-in-hand, etc.).

• Experience working with refugee populations, preferably in Gambella region or similar humanitarian settings.

• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, compliance, and fraud prevention.

Technical Skills & Competencies

•  Strong understanding of market assessments, needs analysis, and targeting strategies.

• Experience in post-distribution monitoring, impact evaluations, and data-driven decision-making.

• Excellent partnership-building skills with government, humanitarian agencies, and financial institutions.

•  Ability to manage large-scale humanitarian projects and multiple stakeholders.

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of Amharic and local language such as Nuer and Agnuwa is an advantage

• Ability to work in hardship area, managing stress and multiple priorities.

Desirable Experience & Skills

• Previous cash implementation experience in Ethiopia, particularly in Gambella.

•  Knowledge of Cash implementation, CHS, and Sphere Standards.

• Familiarity with digital financial services and social protection mechanisms.

Work Conditions & Environment

• The position is based in Gambella, Ethiopia, with frequent travel to refugee camps and host communities.

• Field conditions can be challenging, with limited infrastructure, volatile security and high operational demands.

• The role involves occasional travel to refugees and host communities within Gambella regions for coordination meetings and field supervision.

How to Apply

ZOA operates with an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified women and men, people of all nationalities, and cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.

 If you are interested in this position, please apply directly via using THIS LINK

CV’s of no more than 3 pages in length are appreciated.

Please provide at least 3 references related to your previous employment listed in the application. References of previous positions held should not be older than five years.

Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. It is our aim to inform all other candidates of their status in the recruitment process within 4 weeks after the vacancy has closed. An assessment may be part of the recruitment procedure. Documents that do not match the profile above will not be considered. Internal candidates will have priority, in case of similar results.

Please note that, as part of its recruitment process, ZOA carries out background and reference checks for all candidates. As ZOA participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a written questionnaire: the “Statement of Conduct”, which will be sent to past employers regarding Misconduct (such as sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment). 

"Women are highly encouraged to apply for the position"

Also we reserve the right to stop accepting applications before the end date if we find a suitable candidate.