Chief of Party

GOAL

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

About the Position

GOAL Ethiopia is seeking a highly qualified Chief of Party (COP) for the upcoming Resilience in Pastoral Areas multi-year program. This five-year initiative aims to enhance the resilience of households, markets, and governance institutions across Ethiopia, with a focus on improving food security and fostering inclusive economic growth. If successful it's expected the Chief of Party will start on 1st April 2025.

As the COP, you will provide visionary leadership and oversee the overall implementation of the program, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. You will be responsible for guiding the technical direction, financial management, operational execution, and human resources needs of the project. You will lead a team of senior staff to ensure the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of all program activities and deliverables. We are looking for passionate and dedicated professionals who are committed to building a future where resilience replaces crisis, and where communities can thrive. The COP will play a critical role in achieving the program's outcomes, driving sustainable development, and improving the lives of vulnerable populations across Ethiopia.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight: Lead the design, implementation, and continuous adaptation of the program’s technical strategy;
Operational Leadership: Oversee all program operations, ensuring that all activities are implemented efficiently, on time, and within budget;
Team Management: Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to senior staff, ensuring a high-performing and motivated team;
Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison to USAID, representing the program publicly, and managing relationships with key stakeholders, including government entities, donors, and implementing partners;
Monitoring and Reporting: Ensure strong systems for monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) to measure program success, manage risks, and adapt strategies as needed.

The Chief of Party (COP) oversees this large, multi-year development program in Ethiopia. The COP is responsible for ensuring the program’s success and guiding its strategic vision, implementation, and impact. Below is an outline of the roles and responsibilities of a COP:

Strategic Leadership and Vision;
Program Management and Implementation;
Team Leadership and Staff Management;
Stakeholder Engagement and Representation;
Financial Management and Resource Allocation;
Oversee program budgets and ensure financial;
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL);
Lead the design and implementation of a robust;
Risk Management and Problem-Solving;
Gender and Inclusivity.

Skills & Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as International Development, Agriculture, Economics, Public Health, Environmental Science, or another related discipline;
Language Skills: Fluency in English is required (both written and spoken). Proficiency in local languages (e.g., Amharic, Somali, or other regional languages) is an asset;
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in managing large-scale international development programs, preferably in sectors such as food security, economic development, resilience, disaster risk management, nutrition, or governance;
At least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role, such as Chief of Party, Program Director, or Deputy COP, managing complex, multi-year USAID-funded projects or similar donor-funded initiatives;
Proven experience working in Ethiopia or in similar fragile or developing countries with a focus on pastoral communities, food security, or rural development. Knowledge of the political, cultural, and socio-economic dynamics of the region is preferred;
Technical Expertise: Deep technical knowledge and experience in resilience-building, food security, disaster risk management, inclusive economic growth, nutrition, and/or governance;
Experience working on programs that focus on improving resilience in vulnerable populations is highly desirable;
Financial and Operational Management: Demonstrated experience in managing large budgets, overseeing complex financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with donor regulations. Proven ability to manage operational challenges effectively and efficiently.

Desirable quality, skill and competence

Experience and knowledge of market system strengthening and a working knowledge of M4P methodologies will be a strong advantage;
Previous experience working with private sector organizations within a development /humanitarian context;
Strong technical knowledge in the following sectors: health, nutrition, WASH, food security, market system and economic development, cash-transfer programming;
Comprehensive understanding of resilience, behaviour change and inclusion approaches;
Ethiopia-specific experience in working in the development and humanitarian sector.

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