Job Description
Programme Manager
Employment type: Full-time, continuing core position
Duty station: Addis Ababa, with regular travel to NGI programme locations
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Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
About Nigat Global Initiative
Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) is an Ethiopian civil society organisation working towards a world where freedom thrives.
NGI works to end exploitation, restore dignity and create job opportunities through trafficking prevention and protection, survivor reintegration, livelihoods and employment, safe migration, youth development, advocacy and systems change.
NGI is entering an important stage of institutional growth. We are strengthening our systems, expanding our programme portfolio and building a high-performing organisation capable of delivering evidence-based programmes across Ethiopia in partnership with government institutions, donors, civil society organisations and international actors.
Purpose of the role
The Programme Manager will provide overall leadership and management of NGI’s programme and grant portfolio.
The postholder will translate NGI’s strategy, grant agreements and programme commitments into clear implementation plans, well-managed teams, timely delivery, strong donor reporting and measurable results.
The Manager will provide practical leadership across programme planning, implementation, grants management, staff supervision, quality assurance, risk management, proposal development and donor engagement.
This is a senior and highly operational role. NGI is seeking a person who can bring structure, discipline and follow-through while working effectively in a growing organisation.
Key responsibilities
Programme leadership and delivery
Lead the planning, coordination, implementation and review of NGI’s programmes and projects.
Translate proposals, grant agreements, budgets and results frameworks into practical workplans, implementation schedules, milestones and staff responsibilities.
Ensure that programmes are implemented on time, within approved budgets and in accordance with donor, organisational and safeguarding requirements.
Establish clear systems for tracking activities, deliverables, risks, decisions and follow-up actions.
Coordinate implementation across NGI’s Addis Ababa office and programme locations in Ethiopia.
Ensure that programme design and implementation remain survivor-centred, safeguarding-sensitive, gender-responsive, disability-inclusive and conflict-sensitive.
Identify implementation delays, quality concerns and emerging risks early, and lead timely corrective action.
Grants management and donor compliance
Lead the programme side of grant management, including start-up, implementation reviews, monitoring of activities and targets, narrative reporting, and programme close-out. Work with the Finance, People and Operations Manager to review expenditure against approved budgets and coordinate donor reporting.
Ensure that programme teams understand their contractual obligations, approved targets, budgets, timelines and reporting requirements.
Lead the preparation and quality assurance of narrative reports, donor updates, workplans, amendments and programme documentation.
Ensure programme information and evidence are accurate, complete and submitted on time.
Work closely with the Finance, People and Operations Manager to align programme implementation, budgets and expenditure.
Ensure that programme records, evidence and supporting documentation are complete, accurate and properly maintained.
Support donor due diligence, grant reviews, partner coordination and compliance processes.
Team leadership and supervision
Supervise, support and develop programme staff, project coordinators and field teams.
Establish clear performance expectations, workplans and reporting arrangements for programme staff.
Hold regular programme review meetings and ensure that agreed actions are followed through.
Strengthen teamwork, accountability, communication and professional standards across the programme function.
Identify capacity gaps and support staff development, coaching and succession planning.
Promote a respectful, inclusive and learning-oriented working environment.
Proposal development and resource mobilisation
Lead or make substantial contributions to the development of concept notes, proposals, logframes, budgets, implementation plans and donor responses.
Identify opportunities to strengthen NGI’s programme model, partnerships and funding position.
Support the CEO and Partnerships function with accurate programme information, evidence, budgets and donor communications.
Ensure that new proposals are realistic, properly costed and aligned with NGI’s capacity and strategic priorities.
Programme quality, learning and impact
Work closely with colleagues responsible for programme quality, research, monitoring, evaluation and learning to strengthen evidence and adaptive management.
Ensure that programme teams use data to monitor progress, identify challenges and improve implementation.
Promote learning from survivor engagement, reintegration, employment, prevention and systems-change work.
Ensure that programme results and lessons are documented for internal learning, donor reporting, advocacy and future programme design.
Leadership reporting and representation
Provide concise monthly management updates to the CEO covering programme progress, grant performance, risks, decisions required and support needed.
Present clear recommendations rather than only reporting problems.
Contribute to organisational planning, budgeting, risk management and strategic decision-making.
Represent NGI professionally with government institutions, donors, partners, service providers and communities when delegated.
Job Requirements
A master’s degree in development studies, social sciences, public policy, international development, management or a related field. A relevant bachelor’s degree with substantial and exceptional experience may be considered.
At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, grants management or a related NGO or development role.
Demonstrated experience managing multi-partner, multi-donor or geographically dispersed programmes.
Strong experience in programme planning, implementation management, proposal development, results frameworks, donor reporting, budget coordination and grant compliance.
Demonstrated experience supervising staff and coordinating teams across different locations.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred: anti-trafficking, survivor protection, migration, forced labour, reintegration, livelihoods, employment, human rights or systems change.
Experience working with international donors, government institutions and civil society partners.
Excellent written and spoken English. Strong Amharic is required. Knowledge of another Ethiopian language is an advantage.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly within Ethiopia and undertake occasional international travel when required.
Core competencies
Strong programme leadership combined with practical, hands-on execution.
Excellent writing, editing, planning, prioritisation and problem-solving skills.
Ability to convert strategy into clear action, ownership and measurable delivery.
Strong people-management skills and the ability to develop staff.
Sound judgement, initiative and accountability.
Ability to manage multiple priorities without compromising quality or deadlines.
Confidence working with donors, government counterparts, partners and field teams.
Strong commitment to survivor dignity, confidentiality, safeguarding and ethical practice.
Ability to work effectively in a growing organisation where systems are still being strengthened.
High emotional intelligence, professionalism and respect for colleagues and communities.
Safeguarding, integrity and working requirements
Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding, survivor-centred practice, confidentiality, professional boundaries and the protection of children and adults at risk.
Willingness to comply with NGI’s safeguarding, code of conduct, anti-fraud, anti-corruption and confidentiality policies.
The successful candidate will be required to provide professional references and complete NGI’s safeguarding and integrity screening process before appointment.
Candidates must disclose any relevant substantiated safeguarding concern, serious disciplinary finding, conflict of interest that may affect their suitability for the role.
Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality and accuracy.
Willingness to work beyond normal office hours when urgent programme, donor or organisational requirements arise.
Terms and application
This is a full-time, continuing core position based in Addis Ababa.
The role requires regular travel to NGI programme locations and occasional international travel when necessary.
Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience and NGI’s approved salary structure.
How To Apply
Please submit a CV of no more than four pages and a concise cover letter explaining your suitability for the role and stating your expected gross salary. Send your application to careers@nigatglobal.org by 9 October 2026, using the subject line Application: Programme Manager.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
NGI is committed to safeguarding, survivor-centred practice, equal opportunity and professional integrity. We particularly welcome applications from qualified Ethiopian women, persons with disabilities and candidates with lived or directly relevant community experience.
