Job Summary

This role is open to Ethiopian Nationals only.**

The Deputy Country Director – Programs (DCD Programs) is responsible for ensuring that CARE Ethiopia’s programs contribute to CARE’s 2030 vision of “a world of hope, inclusion and social justice, where poverty has been overcome and all people live in dignity and security”. The DCD Programs leads a program team committed to lasting impact at scale in poverty eradication and social justice, in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Gender equality sits at the heart of our programmatic ambitions and radiates through all of our work, and the DCD Programs leads and champions this approach.

The DCD Programs is expected to provide strategic leadership to the Programs Department in the areas of program quality, development and implementation. This includes playing a key role in country strategy development and dissemination. A major emphasis in this position is to play a strong RESOURCE MOBILZATION AND TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP role in ensuring that Country Office has a robust and diverse donor funding base and that programs are implemented to CARE’s standards for QUALITY and ACCOUNTIBILITY, along with delivering MEASURABLE IMPACT towards CARE’s mission of reducing poverty and social injustice.

The DCD Programs is responsible for overseeing the development of program strategies appropriate for the Ethiopia context and environment, which is associated with chronic poverty and emergency humanitarian needs, due to ongoing conflict and instability. S/he manages a team of Project/Program Managers and CoP/DCoPs, as well as the Program Quality and Learning Unit which is focused on the design, funding, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects, and the Deputy Program Director who is responsible for resource mobilization . S/he must also ensure that systems, policies, procedures and people are in place to ensure the proper management and implementation of those projects and programs. The DCD Programs is responsible for overseeing the development, testing and implementation of new innovative program approaches appropriate for the country context. S/he works closely with, and is supported by the program units at CI, regional and CARE USA HQ levels, as well as with other CARE International members. The DCD Programs is a key member of the Country Office Senior Management Team and as such is responsible for leading and supporting the CO leadership and management initiatives. S/he is responsible (along with the CD) for maintaining good working relationships with host government officials, donors, peer agencies and other partners. S/he is regularly required to serve as Acting CD as needed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

PROGRAM QUALITY

• Lead process with staff and partners to identify and secure funding for viable humanitarian and development programs in line with CO strategy.
• Oversee the design, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of country office programs and projects and ensure that they are aligned with CARE’s 2030 Vision, regional and country strategies, and CI Programming Principles and Program Quality Standards and Guidelines.
• Ensure systems and plans are in place to guarantee that CO programs/projects are designed and implemented based on sound analysis, address the underlying causes of poverty and vulnerability and achieve measurable positive impact on the poor and marginalized.
• Ensure that proper monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to demonstrate impact and that program lessons are being used to promote improved programming and learning.
• Ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems enhance CARE’s accountability vis-a-vis the communities with whom we work as well as other stakeholders (civil society, donors and government counterparts).
• Work with the CD to oversee the development and implementation of a CO advocacy agenda that supports CO programs and, if possible, is in line with CARE’s regional and global advocacy agendas priorities.
• Ensure that a commitment to gender justice is central all CARE’s programming

STAFF MANAGEMENT

• Provide proper supervision and management for all direct reports and lead the establishment and functioning of a strong, effective and coordinated Program team.
• Ensure the proper implementation of CARE’s performance management system for direct reports, including job description and IOPs development, regular feedback, mid-term reviews and annual performance appraisals.
• Pro-actively address performance issues through regular, constructive and honest feedback and coaching.
• Identify necessary staff talent development, career development and succession planning strategies for direct reports.
• Ensure that space, motivation and incentives are available to allow staff to develop and innovate.
• Oversee the recruitment and orientation of new senior program staff.
• Ensure adequate and strong working relationships between program team and other units/teams
• Promote and champion Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion (DEBI) within the program team, ensuring a safe and inclusive working environment for all, in line with CARE’s values and policies

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

• Ensure that CARE programs and projects are implemented and managed in a manner which achieves the program/project goals, in line with CARE policies and procedures and demonstrate sound resource management.
• Ensure that qualified staff and appropriate policies, procedures and systems are in place to properly manage CARE’s programs/projects.
• Ensure proper management of financial and other resources entrusted to CARE’s programs and projects, including the review and approval of program/project budgets (including project matches) and the monitoring of budget reports (including the proper recording of matches).
• Ensure donor and government reporting is done according to agreed upon standards and in a timely manner, in partnership with CARE International member partners where appropriate.
• Work closely with the Operations teams (finance, procurement, HR, business services, etc.) to ensure proper coordination for efficient program implementation.
• Ensure strong logistics & commodity management, and accountability where applicable.
• Regularly review and ensure that the most efficient CO program management structure is established and functional in order to ensure program quality and the cost efficient achievement of project objectives.
• Ensure that the CO program seeks opportunities for innovation and personal growth by promoting a culture of, and mechanisms for, reflective practice and learning at all levels.
• Establish mechanisms for knowledge sharing and learning between projects and programs within the CO and with parties beyond the CO.

PROGRAM STRATEGY

• Facilitate the preparation and implementation of the overall CO Program Strategy in line with the CO’s Strategic Plan, national development plans, CARE’s 2030 Vision, regional and country strategies, and CI Programming Principles and Program Quality Standards and Guidelines.
• Lead the preparation of program strategies based on sound contextual analysis and that target specific underlying causes of poverty and social injustice, in line with CARE’s 2030 Vision.
• Ensure adequate integration of humanitarian and development programming within the CO Program Strategy, including seeking opportunities for nexus programming that works across the humanitarian and development continuum and builds the resilience of households and communities against future shocks.
• Ensure that all programs and projects designed and implemented by the CO are in line with those program strategies and contribute to achieving the objectives of the CO Strategic Plan.
• Oversee periodic review of the operating environment and ensure CARE’s role and operating model are in line with that environment.
• Seek strategic partnerships necessary to promote CARE’s vision and programming principles and ensure that those partners understand the COs program strategies.
• Wherever possible, seek to integrate the voice and agency of CARE’s program participants into the design of programs, and ensure that programs are locally-led and owned, and their impact sustainable beyond any specific project period.
• Ensure that programs are designed with the potential for sustainable scale and impact beyond the immediate participant group

EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

• Develop and enhance relationships between the CO and other parts of CARE and external organizations so that CARE can maximize its collaboration and impact on poverty reduction and social justice.
• Establish and maintain good relationships with relevant – counterparts/departments of the government, CI members, the locally-represented multi/bi-lateral donors, foundations, international and national NGOs, CBOs and other civil society organizations.
• Identify issues to be addressed to heighten donor and government accountability and maintain a positive image and good visibility for CARE amongst these groups.
• Support and work effectively in coalitions, networks and social movements and contribute to national dialogue on poverty reduction strategies and related issues.
• Ensure timely reporting and communications with CI members, donors, government and other key actors.
• Ensure cordial media relations and act as CARE spokesperson as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field
• Master’s Degree in related field
• At least 5 years in senior management and leadership positions in humanitarian and development programs. Given the current context in Ethiopia, the job requires a person with strong background and extensive experience in emergency humanitarian programming as well as longer term development programs.
• The position requires someone who is a passionate advocate for the rights of women and girls in Ethiopia.
• An understanding of how to work in partnership to support localization and civil society strengthening.
• 8 years in a senior management position in emergency humanitarian & development fields.