Program Manager

ECC‑SDCBOM is currently seeking applications from eligible candidates for the post of Program Manager in Meki Town, Ethiopia.

Job Description

Job Title: Program Manager

Organization: Ethiopian Catholic Church Social & Development Commission, Meki Branch Office (ECC‑SDCBOM)

Location: Meki (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time
Career Level: Executive (8–14 years)
Vacancies: 1

Application Deadline: September 5, 2025

 

About Us

The Ethiopian Catholic Church Social and Development Commission – Meki Branch Office (ECC-SDCBOM) is a faith-based non-governmental organization committed to holistic community development, social justice, and sustainable livelihoods in the Vicariate of Meki. As a proud consortium partner in the Realizing Aspirations of Youth in Ethiopia Through Employment (RAYEE II) initiative — a five-year program funded by the Mastercard Foundation and led by SNV — we are driving transformative change for youth employment across key woredas in Oromia and Central Ethiopia Regions.

We believe that empowered youth are the foundation of a thriving society. Through RAYEE II, we aim to unlock economic opportunities for thousands of young Ethiopians through skills development, market systems strengthening, financial inclusion, and inclusive value chain engagement.

Now, we’re seeking a visionary Program Manager to lead our implementation efforts in the Meki cluster and help shape a brighter future for Ethiopia’s next generation.

The Opportunity

As the Program Manager for RAYEE II, you will play a pivotal leadership role in overseeing the strategic planning, execution, and impact measurement of one of Ethiopia’s most ambitious youth employment initiatives. You’ll ensure seamless coordination across government, private sector, educational institutions, and local communities — all while managing a dynamic team and multi-million-birr budgets with accountability and excellence.

This is not just a management role — it’s a chance to drive systemic change, champion youth empowerment, and build resilient, inclusive economies in some of Ethiopia’s most underserved areas.

You’ll report directly to the Regional Program Leadership and work closely with SNV, Mastercard Foundation, and key stakeholders to deliver high-impact results on time and at scale.

Key Responsibilities

📌 Program Leadership & Implementation

• Lead end-to-end implementation of RAYEE II activities within the Meki operational cluster, including skills training, entrepreneurship development, job placement, financial inclusion, and youth engagement.
• Ensure alignment with national youth employment policies, regional development plans, and donor requirements.
• Oversee the integration of safeguarding, gender equity, disability inclusion, and conflict-sensitive approaches across all program components.

👥 Team Management & Capacity Building

• Provide direct supervision to cluster-level staff, including performance management, goal setting, mentoring, and professional development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration within the team.
• Approve travel plans, timesheets, leave requests, and work schedules in line with organizational policies.

💼 Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Serve as the primary liaison between ECC-SDCBOM and regional/zonal/woreda governments, TVET colleges, private sector partners, financial institutions, youth networks, and civil society organizations.
• Build strategic partnerships to expand program reach and sustainability.
• Represent ECC-SDCBOM in technical meetings, policy dialogues, and public events.

💰 Financial & Operational Oversight

• Collaborate with finance and program teams to develop annual budgets and quarterly expenditure forecasts.
• Monitor financial performance, ensure compliance with SNV and Mastercard Foundation regulations, and lead internal audits.
• Manage procurement, logistics, and operational planning for field activities.

📊 Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)

• Partner with the Cluster MEAL Senior Officer to track progress against KPIs and program indicators.
• Use data insights to adapt strategies, improve outcomes, and inform decision-making.
• Prepare high-quality narrative and financial reports for donors and stakeholders.

🚗 Field Commitment & Travel

• Regularly travel to project sites in Arsi, West Arsi, East Shewa, Silte, Alaba, East Gurage, and Mareko Liyu woredas.
• Maintain strong field presence to ensure quality implementation and community engagement.

Who You Are: Qualifications & Experience

✅ Education

• Master’s Degree (MSc) in Project Management, Business Administration, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, or a related field.
  OR
• Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) in the above fields with additional professional experience.

✅ Professional Experience

• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in project/program management with an MSc, or 14 years with a BSc.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale development programs focused on:
  • Youth employment and enterprise development
  • Market systems and livelihoods
  • Skills development and TVET
  • Financial inclusion
• Prior experience working with international donors (e.g., USAID, EU, World Bank, Mastercard Foundation, SNV, etc.) and compliance frameworks.
• NGO experience preferred; familiarity with faith-based development organizations is an asset.

What You Bring: Skills & Competencies

🔹 Leadership & Strategic Thinking
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage complex portfolios, and align programs with long-term development goals.

🔹 Project & Financial Management
Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and risk management.

🔹 Stakeholder Coordination
Strong diplomatic and negotiation skills with experience engaging government bodies, private sector actors, and grassroots organizations.

🔹 Communication & Advocacy
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and a local language (e.g., Amharic, Oromiffa). Ability to craft compelling reports and presentations.

🔹 Gender & Inclusion
Proven commitment to integrating gender equality, youth inclusion, and disability-sensitive programming.

🔹 Adaptability & Resilience
Comfortable working in remote or challenging environments. High energy, problem-solving mindset, and passion for field-based impact.

🔹 Tech-Savviness
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana) and data platforms (e.g., KoBoToolbox, DHIS2) is a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a transformative, nationally recognized youth employment initiative.
• Lead at the intersection of faith, development, and innovation.
• Work in a supportive, values-driven organization with opportunities for growth.
• Make a tangible difference in the lives of marginalized youth.
• Flexible hybrid work model with strong field engagement.

We strongly encourage applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups. Diversity strengthens our mission.

How to Apply

ECC-SDCBOM is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Rigorous background and reference checks will be conducted for all shortlisted candidates.

📩 Submit your application via email: sdcom.vacancy@mcsethio.org

📄 Include:

• A detailed CV
• Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates
• Contact information for three professional references

⏰ Deadline: September 5, 2025
⏳ Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is encouraged.

🔎 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Join Us in Building a Future Where Every Young Person Thrives.

ECC-SDCBOM – Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives.