Light for the World is a global development organisation. We empower people with disabilities and enable eye health services in low-income countries. Over the last three decades we improved health systems, enabled education for all, and amplified the voices of people with disabilities. We focus on the poorest and hardest to reach because that’s where we will have the biggest impact. 

Our programmes include:

• Eye Health – preventing blindness and promoting eye health for all.

• Inclusive Education – ensuring children with disabilities receive quality, inclusive education.

• Inclusive Economic Empowerment – ensuring that barriers are removed for men and women with disabilities to access decent work.  

In Ethiopia, our country strategy for the year 2021-2025 focuses on Eye Health, Inclusive Economic Empowerment, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Inclusive Education and Humanitarian Action. Advocacy and disability inclusion are cross cutting theme.  Currently, Light for the World Ethiopia is supporting projects in Addis Ababa City Administration, Amhara, Tigray, Oromia, Sidama, and SNNP regions.

Light for the world therefore seeks the services of an experienced and self-driven person to lead this innovative and ambitious project hence the vacancy below.

Job Title: Head of Programs (HOPs)

Location: Light for the World – Ethiopia Country Office, Addis Ababa

Reports to: Country Director

Direct Supervisee: Program Managers

Terms on Employment: One year contract with the possibility of extension based on performance and of funds availability

The Primary purpose of the role is to ensure Light for the World’s programmes are implemented in line with the approved Country Strategy, AWP and annual budget in [Ethiopia] for Eye Health, NTDs, and disability rights (i.e. inclusive education, DICD, Economic Empowerment, Humanitarian action and disability inclusion and rights). 

The Head of Programmes is responsible to lead and manage the programs team to deliver quality, timely and sustainable program results through programme development, effective coordination, technical support and guidance by ensuring a cohesive team spirit and motivation to perform. The Head of Programmes works closely with the country director to steer and strategically drive the country program implementation, overall development of new initiatives, as well as networking.  The Head of Programs will serve as a member of the Country Management Team and actively contribute to the leadership of the Country Office.

The Head of Programmes is responsible for the programme budget, programme team and to ensure necessary 

processes and policies put in place in [Ethiopia] in collaboration with the Country Director.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Program Development 

• Ensure that new programmes are designed in line with the country strategy, MAPP, Annual Work Plan and budget, 2030, MAPP 

• Contribute to go/no go processes, ensuring implementation capacity is considered prior to new proposal development and the proposal developments are well coordinated between CO and IP teams

• Plan and design quality programmes in consultation with programme managers, senior technical experts, Grant Leads, controlling team, disability inclusion advisory unit, MERLA, Communication and IP teams in response to donor guidelines/call for proposals and concept notes. 

• Oversee needs assessments and partnership development

• Ensure maximization in cost recovery of staffing budget at country office level, while designing new proposals.

Human Resource Management (Programme Team)

• Ensure alignment between demand for implementation capacity and available staff in the programme team.

• Direct line management of program managers (indirect to programme officers), including recruitment, induction, performance management and retention of programme staff members. 

• Identify training needs and programme staff development and coaching areas, providing internal training as appropriate and coordinate and facilitate others training as appropriate. 

• Actively foster team development and collaboration. 

• Provide further guidance and support when needed by the country director.

Grant Management and Donor Compliance

• Coordinate grant kick-off meetings for any new funding received, including program, logistics, and finance. 

• In collaboration with local and international grant leads, ensure timely and quality donor reporting by the programme team.

• In collaboration with finance and grant officers, ensure sound contract management in terms of procurement, financial reporting, and other contractual obligations.

• In collaboration with local and international grant leads, actively engage in risk assessment and making necessary adjustments in programme implementation in case of variances in comparison to the initial planning.

• In coordination with the programs managers and controlling and Grant specialist, ensure the allocated budget utilized for the purpose and improve organizational efficiency. 

• Ensure accountability system implemented across all programs managers in the country office.

Program Management and Implementation

• Ensure all programs are implemented according to country strategy, MAPP, Annual Work Plan and budget, in addition to meeting indicators and deliverables as per project requirements 

• Ensure that results oriented strategic directions, targets, deliverables, and standards of care are communicated and agreed with the respective program teams and external partners and stakeholders 

• Coordination and steering of programmes planning, management and implementation, ensuring interconnectedness of programme elements and synergies for both Earmarked and Unearmarked funding. 

• Ensuring programme implementation quality and systematic monitoring and evaluation 

• Liaise closely with Finance/Grant team to ensure all programs are on track for financial spending, including through the review of spending plans and monthly pipelines. 

• Work with the Program and M&E Manager to implement a reporting system to monitor and evaluate the objectives, indicators, and outcomes of the country program as well as trends in accomplishments. 

• Oversee compilation of quarterly and biannual reports, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. 

• Use data to plan for future evidenced-based programming 

• Ensure the sustainability of programmes and the proper closure of projects. 

Networking and Partnership Management 

• strategic relationship with existing programme partners and identify the capacity of other organizations for possible future collaboration (primarily implementing partners, (I)NGOs and OPDs; whereas the Country Director would engage with donors and national government partners). 

• Ensure proper partnership relations, including due diligence, agreements, capacity building, and sustaining long-term relationships. 

• Identifying partners’ capacity needs and ensuring that crucial capacity gaps are addressed. 

• Ensure implementing partners have got the necessary support from Light for the World program and management team as well as support program team to develop and implement a sound monitoring and supportive supervision plans.

Representation 

• Surve as a member of the Country Management Team (CMT) and contribute to the leadership of the Country Office.

• Attend external meetings relevant to the country program, such as task force meetings, assessment missions, sector/UN/INGO coordination meetings as appropriate. 

• Ensure maximum visibility of Light for the World amongst the NGO community in collaboration with the communication team. 

• Contribute to the positive image and overall credibility of Light for the World, notably through the application of the organizations Code of Conduct, ethics, values, and stand-point towards internal and external actors. 

• Coordinate donor and stakeholder visits to field sites as needed. 

• Represent Light for the World [Ethiopia] (at external and internal meetings) as requested, as well as in the absence of the Country Director.

Collaboration

• Ensure good communication and collaboration at country office level, within programmes/projects, with finance and Operations (Finance/logistics/HR), disability inclusion advisory unit, Communication and MERLA teams. 

• Ensure good communication and collaboration by country office programme staff with colleagues in other teams within the Programme, Impact and External Relations departments at global level, such as Impact and Learning, Program Quality and System Change, Advocacy, SPT, IP and Senior thematic Experts directors 

• Ensure good communication and collaboration with Head of Programmes of other focus countries of Light for the World. 

• Ensure good communication and collaboration with external stakeholders, such as new partners (NGOs, OPDs, implementing partners).

Decision Making and Budget Responsibilities

• According to L’s guidelines, processes and within approved budget frame: 

• New programme development within the framework of the CS, MAPP, AWP and annual budget.

• Approval of financial transactions in BMD within respective programme approval guidelines.

• Formal Line Management responsibilities within the Programme Team (e.g. sign-off leave etc)

• Point of contact on complaints towards key stakeholders

• Approved Programmes Budget including Direct costs including transfers to partners, indirect costs, Human Resource Costs, Operational Management costs.

Skills and Attributes

• A strategic thinker with an international perspective and good understanding of Eye health, NTDs and Disability rights (IE, EE, DICD, HA) programs 

• Proven leadership in developing service delivery and right based approaches, conceptualizing, planning, and implementing projects or programs. Proven experience in quality design, implementation, documentation and knowledge sharing and reporting

• Hands on project/programme planning, Proposal writing/ business development, concept notes development, and leadership skills as well as experiences in financial/grant and human resource management. 

• ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local government, local and International NGOs, donors, community-based organizations, and the private sector.

• Demonstrated track record in building partnerships with government ministries, regional bureaus, agencies, donors, and other key health stakeholders. 

• High level organization skills, attention to detail, professionalism, and reliability.

• Ability to prioritize and manage work independently, in a fast-paced environment and be responsive to internal offices/units and partners. 

• Demonstrates commitment to diversity and inclusion, valuing different perspectives and encouraging contributions by all team members. 

•  Good networks that may be useful in advancing the best outcomes for LFTW’s agendas at national and international levels.

• Strong understanding of grant management processes and standards

• Sound knowledge and experience in the field of disability and development and eye health or health program design and implementation is extremely desirable

• proven experience in team building, coaching and working in a multi-cultural setting will foster motivation and team spirit in our Ethiopian programme team. 

• very good written and oral communication skills in English.

• high commitment to LIGHT FOR THE WORLD’s mandate and values, working towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities and you have a personal interest in international development and human rights.

• Strong understanding of organisational development

• Strong operational management and risk management skills

• Knowledge of safeguarding and safety and security mechanisms

• international outlook, appreciating differences in values and learning from cultural diversity

Job Requirements

Qualifications and Experience requirements: -

BA/BSC/ or master’s degree (preferably) in project management, public health, Developmental Studies, international development and related fields of study with at least 10 years  of relevant experience in designing and managing Donor funding Programs (mainly in inclusive education/IE/, Disability Inclusion Community Development/DICD/, Economic Empowerment/EE/, Humanitarian Action/HA/, Eye health, NTDs and disability rights and advocacy in an INGO setting.  

Besides, strong technical and leadership experience including the management of major grants in an INGO setting is highly required

How To Apply

Please send a non-returnable CV and a cover letter mentioning how your experiences match with the job advertisement until November 5, 2025. Please mention your salary expectation for the role in your application letter and include 3 professional references into your CV. Applications should be sent to THSI LINK

By clicking the green apply now button and then uploading  document.

Note : Don't Forget to Merge all the Necessary Files in one PDF Format 

Note: We only accept applications from qualified persons via Ethio jobs. Persons with Disabilities and Female applicants fulfilling the requirement are highly encouraged to apply. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.