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 for a project of about $3.2 million and ensures coordination among stakeholders. It is based in Addis Ababa, reports to the Director of Program Operations and supervises a MEAL Advisor. The post carries Child Safeguarding Level 3 exposure.

Key responsibilities

• Set the program's strategic direction, oversee planning, implementation and evaluation, and lead area-level needs assessments and the Area-Based Response Strategy for Wag Himra.
• Lead consortium governance, including steering committee meetings, review of partner work plans and budgets, and consolidation of partner reports into donor submissions.
• Manage the budget, including annual budgets, financial forecasts and amendments, and monitor financial performance.
• Coordinate ECHO-funded investments (ABA, ECC, ET-RRM) and act as focal point for ECHO, Member State Offices and other stakeholders.
• Integrate MEAL frameworks, collect and analyse program data, and establish community feedback mechanisms.
• Ensure compliance with child safeguarding, fraud, bribery and corruption policies, and implement risk management strategies.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and performance reviews for program staff.

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, preferably under an area-based approach.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles, coordination mechanisms and donor requirements.
• Desirable: familiarity with the Ethiopian context, experience with consortia, and experience building the capacity of local staff and partners.

Required skills

• Budget management and financial reporting
• Leadership, communication and interpersonal skills