Country Manager

Are you a visionary leader with an ability to champion our mission and drive transformative change? Are you ready to lead strategic programs, forge powerful partnerships, secure funding for lasting impact, and represent Pathfinder on the national and global stage?

About Us: At Pathfinder International, we are driven by the conviction that all people, regardless of where they live, have the right to decide whether and when to have children, to exist free from fear and stigma, and to lead the lives they choose. Since 1957, we have partnered with local governments, communities, and health systems in developing countries to remove barriers to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Together, we expand access to contraception, promote healthy pregnancies, save women’s lives, and stop the spread of new HIV infections, wherever the need is most urgent. Our work ensures millions of women, men, and young people are able to choose their own paths forward

Your Impact: As the Country Manager, you will provide strategic leadership and direction of Pathfinder to achieve the organizational vision, mission and objectives in the Ethiopia country office, overseeing the programmatic and operational management. You will represent Pathfinder with government, local and international organizations in Ethiopia. You will lead in developing, overseeing, implementation, reviewing, and monitoring of the country’s program strategy. Reporting to the Regional Portfolio Director East and Southern Africa, you will develop new programming initiatives, new partnerships and maintain existing partnerships while actively leading key phases of ongoing programs including phase out. You will ensure cross learning and fertilization of knowledge across the organization in all areas of programming, national, regional and international policies and development issues. You will promote fundraising initiatives to ensure effective operations of the country’s programs and its financial and grant management as well as the programs’ sustainability. You will manage the financial and human resources of Ethiopia country office.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Lead in the development and implementation of programs and services that are in line with the overall strategic plan of Pathfinder and the context in the country/region
• Facilitate the alignment of Pathfinder area programs to strategic priorities and accountability mechanisms provided in Pathfinder programming framework.
• Lead, direct and mentor the country staff in line with the organizational strategy.

Brand Ambassador:

• Represent Pathfinder in the assigned country and manage host country relations and Pathfinder interests in dealing with government, international and local organizations, networks and media in the program areas.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with local organizations and networks and establish national and regional strategic relations and alliances with partners working in common cause with Pathfinder objectives.
• Promote Pathfinder’s organizational identity and capacity to all stakeholders and partners in the assigned country and ensure Pathfinder remains relevant to the changing needs of key stakeholders in the Country

Program Development, Management, and Evaluation:

• Lead in the development of the country’s Pathfinder programs.
• Oversee and coordinate the Pathfinder portfolio to ensure the highest level of project quality and accountability, while fostering continuity through building and developing local capacity.
• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of research and advocacy plans on issues of relevance in the country aligned with Pathfinder’s global programmatic and policy priorities.
• Provide continuous monitoring and support to offices and existing projects, coordinates program reviews, evaluations, and follow up implementation of evaluation findings in close collaboration with MEL and Chief Programs and Impact Officer.
• Coordinate the production of timely quality program reports in line with Pathfinder and donor requirements.

Funding and Grants Management:

• Develop networks and partnerships with national/regional/international institutions in Ethiopia and spearhead donor collaboration, fund raising and project development within the country.
• Undertake diversified local and international fundraising initiatives to strengthen program funding and sustainability.
• Coordinate the production of good quality funding proposals and respond to calls for proposals.
• Facilitate donor visits, donor meetings, round table discussions and evaluations.
• Ensure that effective grant management systems are in place and are consistent with Pathfinder’s fund seeking and management policy.

Financial Management and Internal Audit:

• Provide oversight to all finance and administrative services for the country office. Ensures effective implementation and compliance with procedures required by grant or contract agreements.
• Oversee the development and implementation of annual country budgets. Ensures that adequate internal control mechanisms and budget monitoring and review mechanisms are in place. Oversee annual and project-specific audit processes.
• Ensure the preparation, accuracy and timely submission of financial reports that comply with grant or contract agreements and ensure compliance with all aspects of Pathfinder policies and donor funding.
• Check and verify all inventories and promote efficient management of organizational assets.

Human Resources Management and Organizational Development:

• Provide leadership support to country staff and promote best practices in human resources management.
• Coordinate regular reviews and updates of HR policies and procedures and ensure compliance with HR management practices and the national labor laws.
• Oversee adequate implementation of the performance management system including performance objectives and planning, review, appraisal and staff development.
• Oversee and monitor efficiency and fairness of recruitment processes.
• Provide coaching and counselling advice to staff when necessary and leads initiatives to develop staff capacity.
• Organize regular meetings to exchange information, coordinate projects, events and activities, for learning.

Information, Communication and Learning:

• Ensure that Pathfinder programs are maintaining a coordinated and agreed upon information exchange both internally and in its dealing with external parties.
• Ensure that all communication infrastructures are set up and smooth information flow is maintained.
• Ensure that experiences and best practices are documented and shared across the organization.

What You Bring:

• Master’s degree in medicine, public health, social sciences, business administration or a related field, or a combination of education and experience that yields the required competencies.
• 8 years’ experience in managing global business processes and relationships in large, international organizations
• Strong experience in proposal design and technical writing for FCDO, GIZ, BMGF, and other major donors.
• 8 years’ experience in senior leadership position
• Experience in proposal development from concept notes to full proposal.
• 5 years’ experience in developing and implementing innovative strategies of resource mobilization
• Proven writing and speaking skills using local languages and English language

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience implementing or advising non - USAID-funded capacity development programs.
• Previous experience with locally led development approaches and system-thinking models.
• Demonstrated ability to foster inclusive and equitable leadership and organizational culture
• Ability to thrive in a matrixed organization.
• Familiarity with SRHR programs and cross-sectoral integration in health, education, gender, and social protection.
• Proven ability to influence and engage at senior levels of government, donors, and multilateral organizations.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

• Join an innovative, forward-thinking organization that values your growth and ideas.
• Work within a supportive, collaborative environment.
• Make a meaningful impact on our country office operations and programming
• Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Benefit from the opportunity for global engagement.

Skills Required:

• Health / Medical
• Sales / Marketing / Business / Management
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development