PROGRAM DIRECTOR ETHIOPIA

Shape strategy. Mobilize resources. Scale impact. CARE Ethiopia is seeking an exceptional Programs Director to provide strategic leadership for a diverse portfolio of humanitarian and development programs and help drive lasting change for communities affected by poverty, inequality, conflict and crisis. This is a pivotal senior leadership role for a strategic, entrepreneurial and values-driven program leader who can translate CARE’s vision and country strategy into high-quality, locally relevant programs that deliver measurable impact at scale. At the heart of CARE’s ambition are women and girls . The Programs Director will champion their rights, agency and empowerment across CARE Ethiopia’s portfolio, ensuring that gender equality and social justice are embedded in program strategy, design, implementation and learning. THE OPPORTUNITY Ethiopia’s operating environment demands a leader who can navigate complexity while maintaining a clear focus on long-term impact. The Programs Director will lead programming across both humanitarian and development contexts , ensuring that CARE’s response addresses immediate needs while also tackling the underlying causes of poverty and vulnerability and strengthening resilience to future shocks. You will lead a team of Project/Program Managers and Senior Program Managers, creating the systems, structures and culture required for excellent program delivery. A major focus of the role will be resource mobilization and technical leadership — strengthening CARE Ethiopia’s donor base, identifying strategic funding opportunities and working with partners to develop programs that are relevant, innovative, scalable and aligned to the Country Strategy. As a key member of the Country Office Senior Management Team, the Programs Director will also contribute to broader organizational leadership and deputize for the Country Director , serving as Acting Country Director when required. *This role is open to Ethiopian Nationals ONLY* WHAT YOU WILL LEAD Strategic Program Leadership & Impact Provide strategic leadership to CARE Ethiopia’s Programs Department and support implementation and dissemination of the Country Strategy. Lead the development of program strategies grounded in rigorous analysis of Ethiopia’s political, economic, social, humanitarian and development context. Oversee the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs across the humanitarian and development portfolio. Ensure programming aligns with CARE’s 2030 Vision, country and regional strategies, Programming Principles and Program Quality Standards. Ensure programs address the underlying causes of poverty and social injustice and deliver measurable, sustainable impact. Strengthen integration between humanitarian and development programming, identifying opportunities for nexus programming, resilience and longer-term systems change . Promote innovation, reflective practice, learning and knowledge sharing across the portfolio. Ensure programs are designed with potential for sustainable scale and impact beyond individual projects . Champion the voice, agency and participation of program participants and promote locally led and locally owned programming. Resource Mobilization & Business Development Lead efforts to identify and secure funding for strategic humanitarian and development programs. Help build a robust and diversified donor funding base for CARE Ethiopia. Work closely with program teams, CARE International members and external partners to develop compelling, technically strong proposals. Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships that can increase CARE’s reach, influence, innovation and impact. Strengthen engagement with donors, foundations, government, private sector organizations and other funding partners. Women, Girls & Social Justice Champion CARE’s commitment to the rights, empowerment and agency of women and girls in Ethiopia . Ensure gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment are central to program strategy and implementation. Support advocacy and programming that advances poverty reduction, social justice and gender equality. Work with the Country Director to develop and implement an advocacy agenda that strengthens CARE’s programmatic priorities and influence. Program Quality, Accountability & Learning Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning systems demonstrate program impact and inform continuous improvement. Strengthen accountability to communities, donors, government, civil society and other stakeholders. Ensure program lessons are systematically captured, shared and translated into improved programming. Establish mechanisms for knowledge exchange within CARE Ethiopia and with CARE International and external partners. Ensure programs meet CARE’s standards for quality, accountability and responsible resource management. People Leadership & Organizational Development Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing, coordinated Programs team across humanitarian and development portfolios. Provide effective supervision, coaching, performance management and career development for senior program staff. Strengthen talent development and succession planning for critical program leadership roles. Create an environment that encourages innovation, learning, professional growth and high performance. Champion Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion (DEBI) and foster a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace. Strengthen collaboration between the Programs Department and Finance, Operations, HR, Procurement, Business Services and other functions. Program & Resource Management Ensure programs achieve agreed objectives while complying with CARE policies, procedures and standards. Oversee effective management of program budgets, financial resources, project matches and other assets entrusted to CARE. Ensure timely, accurate and high-quality donor and government reporting. Work closely with Operations teams to ensure efficient program implementation. Ensure appropriate systems, policies, structures and qualified personnel are in place to support quality and cost-effective delivery. Oversee logistics, commodity management and accountability where applicable. Regularly assess and strengthen the Country Office’s program management structure to ensure it remains fit for purpose. Partnerships, Influence & External Relations Build and maintain strong relationships with government, donors, CARE International members, international and national NGOs, civil society organizations, foundations and private-sector partners . Strengthen partnerships that support localization, civil society strengthening and locally led development. Engage effectively in coalitions, networks, social movements and national dialogue on poverty reduction and related issues. Identify opportunities to strengthen CARE’s visibility, influence and accountability among key stakeholders. Represent CARE externally and serve as a spokesperson with media and other stakeholders when required. WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS This is not simply a role overseeing a program portfolio. It is an opportunity to shape CARE Ethiopia’s strategic direction, influence how resources reach communities, strengthen humanitarian and development programming, build powerful partnerships and drive sustainable impact at scale . You will have the opportunity to help CARE respond to Ethiopia’s immediate humanitarian realities while building pathways toward resilience, social justice and long-term development — with women and girls at the center of that ambition . If you are a strategic program leader who thrives in complexity, mobilizes resources, builds partnerships and turns strategy into measurable impact, we want to hear from you. #LI-CM1