Country Director - Ethiopia

About the role

GOAL is seeking an experienced Country Director to lead its Ethiopia programme, providing strategic leadership across programmes, operations, people, partnerships and resources. Reporting to the Regional Director for Africa, you will be the most senior representative in Ethiopia, overseeing a large and diverse team.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for GOAL's Ethiopia programme, aligning with organisational priorities and country needs.
• Lead and support a high‑performing Country Management Team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and innovation.
• Oversee delivery of high‑quality humanitarian and development programmes that achieve impact and meet donor commitments.
• Drive business development by identifying funding opportunities and building strong donor and partner relationships.
• Represent GOAL with government authorities, donors, UN agencies, NGOs and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure effective financial, operational and risk management systems are in place.
• Maintain oversight of security, safeguarding, compliance and duty of care across all country operations.
• Champion staff development, wellbeing, inclusion and organisational culture.

Required profile

• Significant senior leadership experience within an international NGO, humanitarian or development organisation.
• Experience managing large‑scale programmes and multi‑disciplinary teams in complex or challenging environments.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing institutional donor funding.
• Strong understanding of programme quality, operational management, compliance and risk oversight.
• Excellent relationship‑building, representation and influencing skills.
• Experience working with government partners, institutional donors and coordination bodies.
• Collaborative leadership style with a strong commitment to people management and team development.
• Commitment to safeguarding, accountability and humanitarian principles.

Required skills

• Leadership and strategic planning.
• Programme management and monitoring.
• Donor relations and fundraising.
• Financial and operational risk management.
• Stakeholder engagement.