Head Of Programs

Job Summary

The Head of Programs manages corporate program strategies, multi-million-dollar project proposals, donor funding agreements, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) data frameworks, risk mitigation matrices, and donor compliance reports. Core duties include supervising program managers; identifying emerging resource opportunities; enforcing strict accountability mechanisms; leading capacity-building workshops; and representing the YWCA across top-tier national and international coordination forums.

Key Roles & Operational Responsibilities

1. Program Strategy, Leadership & Innovation

• Lead the development, execution, and continuous refinement of YWCA Ethiopia’s overall program strategy, ensuring total alignment with the organizational mission, national development priorities, and donor expectations.
• Provide strategic guidance and thematic leadership to program teams across all core sectors, including governance, human rights, youth empowerment, gender equality, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
• Track emerging socio-economic issues and regional development trends to design innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and community interventions.

2. Program Design & Resource Mobilization

• Oversee the creation and writing of high-quality project proposals, concept notes, and operational budgets in direct collaboration with program staff and the National General Secretary.
• Guarantee that all program models are evidence-based, community-driven, and clearly incorporate cross-cutting themes such as gender equity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
• Drive active donor engagement strategies, leading funding discussions and representing the organization in front of international grant makers.

3. Implementation, Quality Assurance & MEAL

• Supervise, guide, and support program managers to ensure timely, effective, and fully compliant implementation of all active regional projects.
• Establish, monitor, and enforce program quality standards, standard operating procedures, and clear accountability mechanisms across field teams.
• Oversee integrated MEAL systems to ensure robust field data collection, analytical processing, and systematic narrative reporting.
• Build a collaborative culture of reflection, shared learning, and adaptive management to continuously optimize project performance and donor-report accuracy.

4. Team Management, Capacity Building & Culture

• Mentor and lead program personnel to strengthen institutional skills in complex project management, community engagement, and technical themes.
• Conduct objective performance reviews, design professional development roadmaps, and foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance team culture.

5. Partnerships, External Representation & Compliance

• Build and preserve strong institutional relationships with government bodies, international donors, partner NGOs, networks, and community groups.
• Represent the YWCA in high-level coordination forums, consortium meetings, and policy advocacy platforms while ensuring all programs adhere to Ethiopian laws and sector standards.
• Identify programmatic risks, formulate effective mitigation strategies, and ensure complete compliance with donor regulations, internal guidelines, and safeguarding policies.

Foundational Capabilities & Prerequisites

Required Technical Profile & Academic Track

• Academic Foundation: A Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a closely related professional field.
• NGO Senior Longevity: A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive, verifiable experience in program management within NGOs or CSOs, preferably holding a similar senior or divisional head position within the Civil Society Sector in Ethiopia.
• Grant Portfolio Architecture: Demonstrated experience leading multi-sector programs and managing large-scale donor-funded projects backed by institutions such as the EU, USAID, UN, and international foundations.
• Sector Landscape Insight: A deep understanding of Ethiopia’s civil society landscape, regional governance contexts, legal frameworks, and community cultural dynamics.
• Language Command: Flawless professional communication and writing skills in English; proficiency in Amharic and/or other local Ethiopian languages is a distinct advantage.

Core Competencies & Essential Attributes

• Adaptability: Proven ability to pivot strategies in response to shifting national policies, emergency contexts, or donor requirements.
• Communication: High-tier presentation, reporting, and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with grassroots communities and global donors alike.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional precision when analyzing financial budgets, structural proposals, compliance files, and field datasets.
• Problem Solving Skill: Advanced conflict-resolution and analytical skills to address operational bottlenecks and programmatic risks independently.

What the YWCA Placement Offers

• Pioneer Leadership Footprint: Direct the programmatic legacy of one of Ethiopia's longest-standing, most respected women-led civil society institutions.
• Broad Thematic Influence: Guide high-impact human rights, leadership, and economic programs that shape the futures of women and youth nationwide.
• Executive Collaborative Space: Engage in high-level strategy development with international donors, national ministries, and civil society networks.

Skills Required:

• Hr / Public / Admin
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development