Chief of Party

About Us

GOAL has responded to the world’s major humanitarian crises since its founding in 1977, working with vulnerable communities in 15 countries across the globe with a dedicated team of 3,500 personnel. While GOAL continues to be an agile first-responder to humanitarian crises, it is also committed to working with vulnerable communities to help them survive crises and support them on the road to recovery.

GOAL is a non-for-profit organization that has been working in Ethiopia for over 30 years across all the region of the country towards ensuring the poorest and most vulnerable in our world and those affected by humanitarian crises have access to the fundamental rights of life, including but not limited to adequate shelter, food and livelihoods, water and sanitation, nutrition, healthcare and education. GOAL implements a range of multi-sectoral development, resilience, recovery and humanitarian responses Programmes by being sensitive to cross-cutting issues including gender, accountably, child protection, HIV/AIDS. 

We envision a world where poverty no longer exist, where vulnerable communities are resilient, where barriers to wellbeing are removed and where everyone has equal rights and opportunities.  GOAL Ethiopia’s main donors are Irish Aid, USAID/OFDA, EHF, ECHO and other private donors.

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 budge.t
Team Management: Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to senior staff, ensuring a high-performing and motivated team o
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 o Oversee program budgets and ensure financial
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) o 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
  
  

We strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single requirement listed.  At GOAL we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, we are particularly keen to receive applications from Female applicants. please just contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment.hq@goal.ie  

GOAL commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
GOAL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. We foster an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and valued, we are particularly eager to receive applications from women (and other underrepresented groups). We know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

All employees share in the responsibility for fulfilling GOAL’s commitment to equal employment opportunity and equal treatment. GOAL does not discriminate against any employee or volunteer; or any applicant for employment or volunteering on the basis of age, gender identity, ancestry, political opinion, civil status, medical condition, ethnic background, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Accountability within GOAL

A commitment to GOAL values and GOAL’s integrity framework is critical to working with GOAL. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability: 1) Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols; 2) Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area; 3) Report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour of a GOAL staff or partner.

Safeguarding

Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.

General Terms and Conditions

This Job Description only serves as a guide for the position available. GOAL reserves the right to change this document.