About the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) 

We are a global communion of churches in the Lutheran tradition, living and working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world.  LWF World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over 20 countries. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world. 

Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Ethiopia   

LWF World Service Ethiopia is a registered foreign charity which has been operating in Ethiopia since 1973, implementing various development and humanitarian projects in different parts of Ethiopia.  LWF World Service Ethiopia works closely with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), the Ethiopian Government, UN organizations, and other funding partners. Its thematic areas include the promotion of food security and sustainable livelihood, sustainable natural resources management, emergency preparedness, response and rehabilitation, and capacity building.  

A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work and our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centred and community-based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and in order to claim and uphold their rights, we engage proactively with local government and community structures. 

LWF Safeguarding Commitment 

LWF World Service is committed to creating and maintaining a safe organization where the people we come in contact with are protected from harm and abuse. Harm and abuse may include but are not limited to physical, psychological, and sexual violence and abuse, financial and material abuse, all forms of modern slavery, and all forms of maltreatment and exploitation. 

Job Purpose

This position is a managerial position that relates to the supervision of projects and staff in the field. The Senior Program Officer is responsible for Food Security, Climate Change Resilience, and Livelihood programs.  He/she is responsible for quality performance and excellence in the delivery of services and reporting. He/she will be reporting to the Program Coordinator for the day-to-day operation, as well as closely working with all management team members

Duties & Responsibilities:

Leadership and Program Management:

• Promote, implement, and uphold the vision, mission, core values, and objectives of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), ensuring all activities align with these guiding principles.

• Provide leadership in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the Food Security and Livelihoods programs. Serve as the focal person to ensure the effective delivery of services to people of concern.

• Ensure continuous improvement in the quality of the Food Security, Climate Change Resilience, and Livelihoods programs by aligning projects with LWF Ethiopia’s policies, strategic goals, and operational standards.

• Drive innovation by introducing new ideas and practices in food security, climate change resilience, and livelihoods, making LWF Ethiopia’s programs more effective, efficient, and adaptive to evolving challenges.

• Directly supervise the operations of all Food Security and Livelihoods projects under your responsibility. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and with maximum impact on beneficiaries.

• Ensure staff adherence to the procedures outlined in LWF’s program operations manual, strategic plan, and all relevant guidelines.

• Promote teamwork and morale within the project offices, fostering an environment of collaboration, transparency, and support.

• Monitor staff performance to ensure all project team members are following LWF’s code of conduct, internal guidelines, and operational best practices.

Program Technical Advisory Role:

• Assess food security risks and natural disasters in the regions where LWF operates. Develop and implement contingency plans to ensure timely and coordinated responses, working closely with local government offices, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders.

• Provide technical leadership and strategic oversight on food security, climate change resilience, and livelihoods. Act as the focal point for these issues, guiding the implementation of agricultural projects, natural resource management, value chain development, and income-generating activities.

• Generate, analyze, and disseminate statistical data on food security, livelihoods, and climate change in the regions of operation. Provide regular updates on the situation and ensure information is shared with relevant stakeholders.

• Provide technical support to project staff on food security and livelihood topics. Ensure that staff have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively carry out their roles by providing training, mentorship, and on-the-job support.

  Support project teams in identifying best practices, challenges, and lessons learned to enhance program impact. Offer technical solutions to challenges as they arise.

• Ensure that all programs adhere to LWF’s technical standards for food security, climate change resilience, and livelihood intervention

Program Implementation and Monitoring:

• Develop, manage, and oversee project budgets, work plans, and activities. Ensure that all activities are carried out in line with approved budgets and project timelines.

• Ensure effective financial management of projects under your supervision, including the timely review and approval of financial reports.

• Supervise the preparation and execution of procurement plans for the projects, ensuring that all procurement processes follow the LWF procedures and standards.

• Coordinate logistics and ensure necessary arrangements are made to support the smooth operation of project activities, consulting the ProLog unit for guidance.

• Monitor project performance regularly through field visits and reporting mechanisms, ensuring activities are being carried out as planned and within the prescribed quality standards.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Ensure regular project monitoring visits to assess the implementation and performance of the projects, offering feedback and recommendations for improvements.

• Prepare and submit high-quality reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on the progress of Food Security, Climate Change Resilience, and Livelihoods programs.

• Oversee mid-term and final evaluations of the projects under your supervision, ensuring that evaluations are conducted on time and findings are used to inform program improvements.

• Ensure the collection of baseline data, conducting periodic needs assessments to help in proposal development and tracking project impact.

Program Planning and Management:

• Lead in proposal development, ensuring that project proposals are written in line with donor requirements and LWF Ethiopia’s strategic objectives.

• Prepare detailed project budgets and comprehensive work plans for all projects under your supervision. Ensure these are aligned with the approved funding and donor guidelines.

• Oversee financial planning and expenditure, ensuring that all project-related costs are within the approved budgets and effectively managed.

• Ensure accurate and timely procurement processes, including the preparation of procurement plans and ensuring that procurement is done following the required procedures.

Cross-Cutting Issues and Compliance:

• Mainstream cross-cutting issues such as gender equity, disability inclusion, environmental protection, GBV, and child protection into all aspects of project management.

• Ensure that the selection, registration, and verification of beneficiaries is conducted in line with LWF Ethiopia’s guidelines, ensuring that vulnerable populations are prioritized and included in interventions.

• Adhere to LWF’s policies, including those related to child rights, disability inclusion, and the protection of vulnerable groups, ensuring compliance throughout all project stages.

Liaison Duties and External Relations:

• Maintain strong relationships with district, regional, and national government bodies, ensuring operational agreements are in place for project activities.

• Foster partnerships with donors, international and local NGOs, and other stakeholders, promoting cooperation in food security and livelihoods programming.

• Represent LWF Ethiopia in relevant coordination forums at national and regional levels, ensuring the organization’s work is aligned with government priorities and donor expectations.

• Liaise with national networks and institutions working in the field of Food Security and Livelihoods to stay updated on trends and opportunities.

Staff Development and Capacity Building:

• Supervise and mentor project coordinators and other staff under your supervision. Ensure that they have the necessary training and resources to perform their roles effectively.

• Ensure capacity building through regular training, workshops, and on-the-job support, focusing on enhancing the skills of project staff in food security, climate change resilience, and livelihoods.

• Conduct performance evaluations for all direct reports, providing constructive feedback and professional development recommendations.

Other Duties:

• Participate in the development of funding strategies for projects approaching completion. Lead efforts to solicit new funding through proposal development, including needs assessments and donor engagement.

• Prepare exit strategies for projects nearing the end of their implementation phase, ensuring they are completed in a way that ensures sustainability and continued impact.

Job Requirements

Qualification and Experience:

• Master's or Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Rural Development, Development Studies, or a related field of study from a recognized university 

• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience in managing Food Security, Livelihoods, or Climate Change programs in humanitarian or development settings.

• Experience in development work, particularly in designing, implementing, and evaluating development-focused programs in food security and livelihoods.

• Experience in donor reporting and proposal development, particularly with international donors 

• Proven ability to write, review, and submit reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and LWF Ethiopia’s standards.

• Experience in reviewing project documents, including proposals, progress reports, and evaluations, ensuring quality and alignment with program objectives.

• Practical experience in developing and managing budgets, including financial reporting, resource allocation, and procurement processes.

• Experience with monitoring and evaluation systems, including the ability to assess project impact and adjust implementation based on findings.

• Experience in conducting training and capacity-building activities for staff and local partners.

• Strong track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and working with cross-functional groups

Additional requirements:

• Strong communication skills in English (written and oral)

• Strong analytical and coordination skills 

• Ability to interact with people and lead diverse teams

• Strong knowledge and experience working in food security, climate resilience, and livelihood interventions in a development setting 

• Good skills in reporting and monitoring

• Experience in project management

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirement can send ONLY a detailed CV and application letter through THISLINK

Women are encouraged to apply and only short-listed applicants will be contacted.