Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia is a pioneering non-profit organization committed to the treatment and prevention of obstetric fistula and the restoration of dignity to women in Ethiopia. Through the Hamlin Model of Care, HFE provides holistic support across its five regional centers, a national hospital, rehabilitation village, and the Hamlin College of Midwives. In response to new strategic priorities, HFE is strengthening its prevention, reintegration, and community-based programming—requiring coordinated and visionary leadership under the Programs Director.

The Programs Director is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic design, management, and integration of HFE’s non-clinical programmatic pillars: Rehabilitation and Reintegration (Desta Mender), Prevention and Identification (Project Zero and other projects), and Support to Midwifery and Community Health Projects and other related projects. The Programs Director ensures that these initiatives are aligned with HFE’s strategic objectives, driven by evidence, inclusive, and focused on long-term measurable impact. 

 This role provides strategic leadership and supervision to a multi-disciplinary team and works closely with internal and external stakeholders to enhance program quality, sustainability, and impact. The Programs Director is also expected to champion innovation, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration. This is a full-time position offered on a 3-year renewable contract, subject to satisfactory performance and organizational needs.

  Key Duties and Responsibilities

 A. Strategic Leadership and Program Development

• Provide strategic direction for all non-clinical programs, ensuring alignment with HFE’s vision, national health priorities, and global best practices in women’s health (with focus prevention of fistula and birth injuries) and women’s empowerment. 

• Lead the development and periodic revision of programmatic strategies and roadmaps across prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, and health systems support. 

• Translate the organizational strategy (pertaining to program units under its structure) into actionable, results-driven program plans with clear goals, indicators, and timelines.

B. Program Oversight and Staff Supervision

• Directly supervise and support the Rehabilitation and Reintegration Manager, Prevention Manger/Project Zero Coordinator, and Other Projects Coordinators to ensure alignment, performance, and cohesion across all programmatic units.

• Ensure each unit develops and implements detailed work plans, standard operating procedures, and programmatic milestones in alignment with organizational strategy. 

• Monitor the effectiveness and integration of cross-program activities and ensure consistency in service quality and impact across sites.

•  Facilitate regular team meetings, joint planning sessions, and performance reviews to support accountability and team cohesion.

•  Monitors and ensures the proper execution of work plans under its structure.

C. Program Quality Assurance, Learning, and Innovation

• Establish and uphold program quality standards, integrating safeguarding, gender, and inclusion across all programming.

• Promote adaptive program management by using evidence from monitoring and evaluation (in collaboration with the Planning, M & E, and Research team) to drive learning and continuous improvement. 

• Introduce and scale up innovative, cost-effective, and community-led interventions that advance the Hamlin Care Model beyond treatment into prevention and reintegration. 

• Ensure rehabilitation and reintegration programs are trauma-informed, rights-based, and aligned with national standards for post-recovery support

D. Financial Management and Resource Stewardship

• Lead program budgeting and budget monitoring processes in close collaboration with the Finance and Administration Director and ensure efficient and accountable use of resources across the Program division.

• Review and approve program expenditures, procurement requests, and financial reports, ensuring compliance with donors, government and HFE financial policies. 

• Support program teams to identify and propose concepts or ideas for funding opportunities and contribute to or collaborate in partner/donor funding proposal development.

• Collaborate with Planning, Monitoring and Research unit and support program teams in reporting of projects progress and outcomes to government and partners/donors as per agreements and ensure full compliance with reporting requirements including timelines and quality of reports.

•  Ensure there are business cases to support any new initiatives requiring investment to generate revenue.

E. Partnerships, Networking, and Representation

• Under the consent and direction of the GM, build strong relationships with government stakeholders (e.g., Ministry of Health, Women and Social Affairs), donors, UN agencies, and peer NGOs to advance HFE’s programmatic goals. 

• Under the consent of the GM, represent HFE in strategic forums, coalitions, and working groups related to women’s health, gender-based violence, reintegration, and community development. 

• Facilitate effective collaboration with Hamlin College of Midwives, Hamlin Fistula Addis Ababa Hospital and Regional Centers, and other HFE departments through effective communication and coordination for integrated programming. 

• Work closely with Government regional health bureaus in the placement and transition of Hamlin College of Midwives trained midwives positions and ensuring workplace conditions are fit for purpose.

F. Risk Management, Safeguarding, and Compliance

•  Identify programmatic risks and implement mitigation measures to ensure program continuity and credibility. 

• Ensure all programs follow safeguarding standards and uphold ethical principles in engaging with vulnerable populations, especially fistula survivors.

• Provide oversight and technical input to ensure programs comply with national laws, sectoral policies, donor agreements, and HFE policies.

Job Requirements

Requirements

 Education

• Master’s degree in public health, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Social Work, or a related field with extensive program/project management experience. 

• Qualifications in Project Management would be highly regarded.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in senior program management roles, preferably in maternal health, gender equality, or community development.

• Proven experience managing multi-sectoral teams and implementing rights-based, survivor-centered programs.

• Demonstrated success in partnership development, government engagement, and donor reporting

Skills and Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong leadership and decision-making skills. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Amharic. Additional languages are an asset. 

• Advanced project management, budgeting, and analytical skills including financial skills to develop business cases and project budget.

• Deep understanding of gender, health systems, community development, and reintegration work. 

• Commitment to HFE’s mission and values with a passion for women’s empowerment.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel to program sites and regional centers regularly. 

• Strong ethics and ability to manage sensitive and complex social issues with compassion and confidentiality.

How To Apply

Interested candidates are invited to send their updated CV to: hermela@ethiojobs.net Please include “Programs Director” in the subject line.