As a member of Concern in Ethiopia’s Country Management Team (CMT), the Senior Coordinator – Programme Quality (SC-PQ) will oversee and support high quality programme design and implementation through the active application of organizational and country learning and the incorporation of core cross cutting issues. 

You shall:

• Lead the development of high-quality, competitive donor proposals/bids in Ethiopia in line with the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and Concern Worldwide policies and strategies, working closely with the Desk Officer and global Technical Advisers. This shall include a particular emphasis on integration, sustainability and partnerships where feasible - incorporating ‘triple nexus’ (humanitarian, development and peacebuilding), systems strengthening and other approaches to sustainability, and helping to build effective strategic partnerships.

• Contribute to Concern Worldwide playing a leading role in the humanitarian field in Ethiopia, supporting the government and other stakeholders in effective planning and implementation of strategies and response interventions, with an emphasis on building resilience.

• Support in the maintenance of high programme quality and effective implementation with an emphasis on feedback mechanisms and learning.
• Drive innovative approaches, including overseeing research and dissemination of Concern’s learning and experience to key stakeholders in Ethiopia and further afield.

• Actively assist the PD and CD in building the programme profile and strong relationships with donors and other national level stakeholders and maintaining Concern’s reputation for appropriate and high-quality programming.

• As a manager, be responsible for upholding and promoting Concern’s values, demonstrating leadership on workplace equality, diversity and inclusion, and role modelling a positive safeguarding ethos. 

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

Programmes Design & Development:

• Lead the high-quality design and development of proposals/bids and budgets across multiple departments in the organisation in Ethiopia in line with relevant Concern policies and strategies, ensuring co-creation and joint monitoring processes with communities, partners and other stakeholders, whenever feasible, and fully complying with relevant donor rules and guidelines. 

• Participate in preparing complete, accurate and realistic budgets and procurement plans for donor proposals and as part of Concern’s internal budget procedures, ensure that all MEAL, FCRM, mainstreaming and programme quality initiatives are fully and accurately costed and included in budgets, liaising with relevant coordinators, managers and other staff as appropriate.

• Ensure up to date contextual information is available during the development of new programmes.

• Ensure that core Concern polices including Concern’s “How Concern Understands Extreme Poverty” (HCUEP) and its “Approaches to Emergencies” are understood by all staff and implemented at all levels.

Sector Technical Quality & Standards:

• Develop and update sector level strategies/plans as necessary and lead in ensuring compliance with the wider organizational sector policies and strategies. Contribute to the development of the new Country Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and related specific regional plans.

• Incorporate technical sector level policies, strategies, internationally accepted standards into all programming and organise training of key staff as necessary. Working with other relevant managers and staff, ensure accountability, equality, systems strengthening, and integrated resilience building approaches emphasising partnership & locally led interventions are fully considered and built into programming.

• Support and lead where relevant in the integration of equality, environment and DRR in Concern’s work.

• Support the MEAL Coordinator in the planning and execution of assessments, baselines/endlines, reviews and evaluations.

Humanitarian Sector – Emergency Preparedness and Response:

• With a focus on appropriateness, timeliness, effectiveness and added-value partnerships, implement and periodically update Concern’s Preparing for Effective Emergency Response (PEER) Plan in Ethiopia, engaging across the organisation in Ethiopia and with Concern’s head office as necessary. 

• Work with Concern teams and external stakeholders to continually monitor likely hazards that could give rise to humanitarian emergencies and prepare accordingly.

Strategic Relationships:

• Actively support the PD and Partnership Coordinator as part of programme development in the ongoing identification, selection and capacity sharing processes with relevant national NGOs/CSOs, INGOs, government bodies, research institutions and private sector companies – in line with Concern’s Partnership Strategy in Ethiopia and global organisational policies & strategies.

• Work within these strategic partnerships to achieve and maintain high-quality programming leading to positive impact and results, based on organisational and technical capacity sharing.

• Support the PD in engaging within the Alliance 2015 Network of INGOs in Ethiopia as necessary. 

• Support the PD and Coordinator – Funding & Advocacy/Communications in the effective promotion of the work of Concern and learning with external stakeholders – government, donors, UN agencies, other NGOs, national level networks and platforms etc. This should include effective and proactive representation of Concern at relevant technical and other coordination meetings and fora.

Quality Programme Implementation and Accountability:

• With CMT colleagues, support in the ongoing development and strengthening of accountability to communities, partners and other stakeholders, utilising the global Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS). 

• Contribute to achieving high capacity among programme/project teams in engaging with communities (particularly marginalised groups), ensuring access to tools and approaches for achieving effective and inclusive participation and relevant training for staff.

• Ensure all programme quality staff are familiar with the principles of accountability, safeguarding and Concern's Feedback Complaints & Response Mechanism (FCRM) and contribute to the effective dissemination of information about Concern's accountability and Code of Conduct commitments among programme participants and wider communities.

• Working closely with the Senior Coordinator – Programme Implementation, Area Coordinators, finance and operations functions, support in the effective and timely implementation of all programmes / projects (including support to partners as necessary) and delivery of agreed results. This will include helping to ensure timely and quality internal and external reporting in line with Concern’s procedures and donor requirements and undertaking effective and prompt corrective action in terms of programme quality aspects as may be necessary.

• Contribute to the capture and dissemination of learning for adaptation of existing projects and to inform future programme development. Ensure that agreed recommendations from project/programme evaluations and reviews are implemented.

• Undertake monitoring visits to programme areas and provide feedback to programme managers, staff, and partners. Contribute to promoting joint planning, monitoring, learning reviews with partners and communities across programmes.

Leadership, Staff and Team Development:

• Overall, contribute to the building of a positive learning culture and sense of team spirit and collaboration through positive leadership with programme staff and teams. 

• Working with HR and key managers, lead in staff recruitment and retention processes (capacity building, career development, etc.) in relation to direct reports and relevant teams. Ensure that all programme quality staff receive proper induction upon joining Concern and that they understand and fully comply with Concern’s policies and procedures.

• Directly manage line reports and lead the wider programme quality team. Develop objectives and monitor performance, holding staff accountable for meeting success criteria. Actively support staff to build on their existing capacity and develop and grow within Concern.

• Working closely with the other functions reporting to the PD, ensure that work within the programme quality function is planned and organised in a way which will contribute to meeting the organisation’s needs in the most cost-effective manner possible; ensuring that team members are given appropriate workloads and are working efficiently.

• Actively ensure that programme quality team members keep themselves up to date on best practice in development and humanitarian work. Facilitate technical and management capacity development for staff as needed to attain organisational objectives (training, coaching, etc.). 

• Support and ensure effective collaboration and teamwork between the programme quality function and other functions within the wider programmes function, and with other key teams in Concern: Area Coordinators and relevant regional staff, support system staff/teams (operations and finance) to achieve our common goals & objectives.

• Actively participate in the wider Country Management Team (CMT), in particular contributing programme quality and technical expertise (humanitarian, education, health – including nutrition and WASH, livelihoods sectors) and support the effective and proper evolution of the Ethiopia country programme’s strategy.

Code of Conduct & Associated Policies:

• Fully adhere to and actively promote Concern’s Code of Conduct & Associated Policies. Ensure that all staff and teams being managed are also aware of these and adhere fully to them. Ensure programme activities are carried out in a way that minimises the risk of abuse, harm or neglect.

• Report immediately/promptly any actual or suspected breaches of Concern’s Code of Conduct & Associated Policies to the Country Director / HR Coordinator / (or via the other communication channels outlined in Concern’s polices) and promptly follow any direction given by the CD or other properly appointed/delegated staff – before taking any action.

• Fully adhere to security protocols and procedures and ensure that all members of the programmes team also do so. Contribute to on-going security management and planning as necessary.

• Respect confidentiality and follow ethical guidelines.

General Emergency Response Commitment:

• Concern is committed to responding to emergencies efficiently and effectively in order to help affected people meet their basic needs, alleviate suffering and maintain their dignity. To this end, when emergencies strike and the Ethiopia Programme is to respond, all staff are required to actively participate in the response, regardless of location and contribute to the efforts aimed at achieving the humanitarian objective of the organization.

• Support the PD in ensuring that all programme teams are fully committed to Concern’s humanitarian mandate and are prepared and trained to engage in emergency responses as and when required.

• All managers are required to actively participate in any emergency response as and when required. 

Other:

• Undertake any other related duties as may reasonably be assigned by the Programmes Director (the line manager for this role).

Person specification:

Essential knowledge, skills and experience 

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, in Education, Health, Nutrition, WASH, Livelihoods/Food Security, Development Studies, International Relations, Humanitarian Studies, Social Sciences, or other relevant discipline.

• 5-7 years relevant experience, with at least 3 years at middle management level with an NGO in humanitarian / development programming with specific experience in managing multi-sector interventions. Experience with an INGO is a distinct advantage.

• Demonstrated capacity to keep up to date with developments and innovations across different technical sectors (education, health (including nutrition and WASH), or livelihoods) in both humanitarian and longer-term development.

• Proven record in developing high-quality proposals/bids for donors, working across organisational functions and externally with communities, different stakeholders and partners. Experience in capacity building and quality programme implementation and reporting a distinct advantage.

• Significant experience in community engagement and strong knowledge of participatory approaches.

• Good knowledge of MEAL concepts/approaches. Experience in M&E and research a distinct advantage.

• Experience of and demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of inequality, in particular gender, and other cross-cutting approaches (e.g. DRR, environment, protection, etc.).

• Excellent leadership and management skills within diverse technical teams in a complex and fast-moving working environment. Demonstrable skills in team building, training, facilitating, coaching and mentoring skills and ability to motivate and develop the skills of others.

• Ability to work on own initiative with limited direct supervision and as part of a team. Organized, motivated and reliable. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure to strict deadlines. Flexibility, adaptability, and patience. Positive attitude and good sense of humour!

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Amharic. Solid Experience in report and proposal writing. Proven analytical ability and problem-solving skills.

• Experience/Knowledge of programme participant protection and safeguarding.

• Empathy with and commitment to Concern Worldwide’s ethos and values.

• Good knowledge of computer applications i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Email.

Competencies

Candidates are expected to demonstrate abilities in all of the following priority competency areas (the highlighted 4 competencies in bold are most critical):

Desirable

• Strong experience of and commitment to working in partnership with different types of organisations with an emphasis on localisation, shared values, capacity sharing, and participatory processes.

• Proven external representation, networking and advocacy skills and ability to build strong working relationships externally with key stakeholders. Excellent networking skills at regional / national level in Ethiopia.

• Strong financial management experience in relation to developing and managing programme budgets.

• Experience in/knowledge of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and Feedback, Complaints & Response Mechanisms (CRMs).

• Security management skills and experience.

• Prior experience in Tigray, Amhara and Somali regions.

  We encourage all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or origin, disability, political beliefs, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status to apply to become a part of the organization. Concern is against all forms of discrimination and unequal power relations and is committed to promoting equality. 

  If this role sounds right for you, please apply with your CV and cover letter. Please be aware we may offer positions before the closing date. Concern reserves the right to interview and select the chosen candidate before closing date for receipt of applications, so early application is strongly recommended.

  If you have any concerns about our recruitment process and need particular assistance - for example if you have a disability e.g. a hearing impairment - please let us know and we will do our best to respond to your needs.  

  Important information:

  Concern has an organizational Code of Conduct with three Associated Policies: The Programme Participant Protection Policy, the Child Safeguarding Policy, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy accessible here. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organizations, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organization to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in their work, in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Staff Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their contract of employment. By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies. Additionally, Concern is committed to the safeguarding and protection of adults and children in our work. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work or volunteer with adults and children are recruited by us for such roles. Consequently, working or volunteering with Concern may be subject to a range of vetting checks, including criminal background checking. 

• During this job application, you will provide Concern with your personal data. Concern takes its responsibilities towards this personal data very seriously and is committed to complying with all relevant data protection legislation. 

• What we offer

• A competitive salary and benefit package

• Excellent medical benefits (100% cover including dependents)

• 20 days annual leave

• 26 weeks (paid) maternity leave, 18weeks (unpaid) parental leave.

How To Apply

Interested applicants should send non-returnable C.V., application letter outlining how their experience and education fit this vacancy through https://forms.gle/38xzyFkyuVpQas8i6 . Please note that there is no need to submit your supporting documents at this stage: 

Women and people with disability are highly encouraged to apply!