Senior Program Lead – Humanitarian Response

About the role

The Senior Program Lead leads the humanitarian program focused on ABA/multi-sector emergency assistance in Wag Himra Zone and other contested areas of Ethiopia. The role manages a consortium of partners (NRC, ACF, PAD, DPO, REACH and SCI), acts as the overall budget holder and coordinates stakeholders to meet donor expectations and organizational goals. It is based in Addis Ababa, on a 24-month contract, reporting to the Director of Program Operations.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and oversee program planning, implementation and evaluation, including area-level needs assessments and service mapping.
• Lead the consortium governance, including steering committee meetings, and review and approve partner work plans, budgets and deliverables.
• Manage the project budget of about $3.2 million, including annual budgets, forecasts and amendments, and endorse changes before submission to ECHO.
• Coordinate ECHO-funded investments (ABA, ECC, ET-RRM) and represent the program with ECHO, Member State Offices and local authorities.
• Integrate MEAL frameworks, collect and analyse program data, and ensure community participation and feedback mechanisms.
• Ensure compliance with child safeguarding, fraud, bribery and corruption, equal opportunities and health and safety policies, and lead risk management.
• Mentor and manage program staff, including the MEAL Advisor.

Required profile

• Master's degree in a relevant field such as social studies, humanitarian studies, international development or project management.
• At least 10 years of experience in humanitarian program management, including at least 6 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience managing multi-sectoral emergency programs, especially under an area-based approach.
• Knowledge of humanitarian principles, coordination mechanisms and donor requirements.
• Desirable: familiarity with the Ethiopian context and experience with consortia; experience in capacity building and training of local staff and partners.