Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
CARE has been operational in Ethiopia for 40 years, focusing on addressing the root causes of poverty and meeting urgent humanitarian needs. The organization has a significant presence with over 1,300 employees and an annual budget exceeding $94 million. CARE Ethiopia manages nearly 50 projects aimed at saving lives, reducing poverty, and promoting social justice, particularly in the Tigray region where they provide emergency food and water, transport pregnant women to clinics, advocate against child marriage, and support those living with HIV and AIDS.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director (CD) position at CARE Ethiopia is a pivotal role that requires a courageous, strategic, and principled leader. The CD will guide one of CARE’s most significant and complex country programs, with the potential to impact millions of lives while advancing gender equality, humanitarian response, and sustainable development. The role demands a leader with a deep understanding of the local context, proven management skills, and a commitment to social justice. The CD will be responsible for developing a new strategic framework for CARE in Ethiopia, managing a substantial budget, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the effective use of resources. The position also involves leading a diverse team of humanitarian practitioners and program managers, promoting CARE's mission, and ensuring operational excellence in a dynamic environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will be responsible for driving strategy and results by enhancing the operational blueprint for CARE’s work in Ethiopia. This includes leading a team of 1,300 staff, maintaining strong relationships with local governments and partners, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards in managing donor funds. The CD will also oversee financial and risk management, promote CARE’s mission and values, and champion diversity and social inclusion. Additionally, the CD will work closely with business development staff to identify funding opportunities and develop partnerships that lead to new revenue streams. The role requires a commitment to creating a positive workplace culture that values hard work, feedback, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 8-12 years of experience in leading humanitarian and/or development programs, preferably within global companies or international NGOs with operations in Ethiopia. A master’s degree in International Development or a relevant post-graduate degree is required. The ideal candidate should be fluent in English and preferably proficient in Amharic. A strong commitment to diversity and advocacy for women and girls is essential, along with experience in securing funds from foundations and institutional donors. The candidate should also demonstrate collaborative management skills, the ability to inspire a shared vision, and experience managing substantial budgets and large teams.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in International Development or a related field is required for this position. This educational background should provide the candidate with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively lead humanitarian and development initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8-12 years of relevant experience in humanitarian and development leadership roles. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing large teams and budgets, as well as experience in securing funding and building partnerships within the NGO sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, and proficiency in Amharic is preferred. This language capability is crucial for effective communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The Country Director role is a senior leadership position that involves full-time commitment. The position is based in Ethiopia, and the organization is open to recruiting internationally. Compensation and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience, reflecting the seniority of the role and the responsibilities involved.