DOT Ethiopia Program Director

About Us

Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) is a global network of daring social innovators who have the tools, knowledge, and networks to create opportunities and transform their own communities. DOT supports youth to become innovators and leaders, and to create and apply digital solutions that have a positive impact in their communities. We believe in the power of youth-led innovation, that communities can be shaped by empowering youth to create sustainable initiatives inspired by community needs, and that social innovation is accelerated when supported by digital technology.

DOT Ethiopia, an Ethiopian registered NGO, is one of the founding members of the DOT network. Over the past ten years, we have connected more than 100,000 young women and men to entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in Ethiopia. DOT Ethiopia has a particular focus on promoting women’s entrepreneurship and will continue to advance gender equality as an organizational and programmatic priority.

The Opportunity

This opportunity is open to Ethiopian nationals only.

DOT Ethiopia is hiring a Program Director to oversee DOT’s Ethiopia program operations. The Program Director will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of several donor funded projects, with a primary focus on DOT’s Entrepreneurship and Business Growth project, funded by the Government of Canada. The Program Director will be a key member of DOT’s Ethiopia’s senior management team and will serve as the direct liaison to DOT’s Project Management team based in Canada. The Program Director will develop work plans, ensure planned activities are executed with quality and on time, oversee financial and risk management, ensure compliance, and oversee monitoring, evaluation and learning activities. The incumbent is also responsible for producing timely, well-written and accurate reports and per the requirements of funding partners, government offices and other stakeholders. The Program Director will also be required to support the Country Director in representing the organization and developing project proposals and new partnerships.  As DOT Ethiopia’s focus is on youth and women led entrepreneurship and innovation, we are seeking someone who is a strong believer in the potential of youth to shape their own communities and an advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Specific Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Project Management

●       Ensure that program and project implementation are aligned with donor requirements, work plans and program/project strategies.

●       Develop work plans, budgets, and project strategy documents in collaboration with DOT Ethiopia regional teams, other departments, and DOT Canada counterparts.

●       Ensure that planned activities are executed on time, within budget, and aligned with project/program outcomes and theory of change.

●       Oversee financial and risk management and ensure compliance with donor requirements.

●       Monitor project spending, track project burn-rate, and coordinate match funds and activities, working closely with the finance department. 

●       Plan, organize and coordinate the direct work of regional program teams to ensure the quality and timely implementation of programs and projects.

●        Oversee the work of the M&E department to ensure that the necessary monitoring and evaluation tools and systems are in place and implemented.

●        Ensure gender equality considerations are reflected in project plans, program implementation, staff management and budgets.

●        Lead participatory project review meetings with regional program staff to inform future strategies and plans, and support organizational learning.

●        Produce high quality, well-written, and accurate reports for donors and government stakeholders, according to donor/government reporting schedule.

●       In collaboration with the Country Director, lead the development of strategic plans for the Ethiopia country program.

Stakeholder Relations and Partnership Development

●       Liaise with key donors on funding opportunities, program priorities and strategies, and ongoing program successes and/or support needs.

●       Support the design and development of new project/program opportunities by producing concept notes, proposals and budgets.

●       Communicate with existing and potential funding partners, government offices, partner organizations, DOT networks, and other relevant stakeholders in areas relevant to the implementation of program activities and partnership development.

●        Prepare visits for international donor government representatives and other high-level visitors.

●        With the Country Director, represent DOT at various donor and other internal and external stakeholder forums.

Human Resources

●       Directly supervise program team staff, including the Senior M&E Officer and Gender Adviser.

●       Hold regular meetings with program staff to discuss planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of project activities.

●        Promote teamwork and a positive and productive working environment.

●        Support program team members to build their capacity and produce high quality, timely, and professional deliverables. 

●        Fluently bilingual, written and verbal, in Amharic and English.

●        Fluently bilingual, written and verbal, in Amharic and English.

●        Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with proven ability to write strong donor reports and public facing documents.

●        At least 7 years of experience in the international development NGO sector, with management and supervisory responsibilities in program administration and project management at a senior management level.

●        Previous sector experience in entrepreneurship development, youth leadership, and women’s economic empowerment is considered an asset.

●        Experience working with international donors, and experience coordinating with other INGOs, national NGOs and government agencies; previous experience with Global Affairs Canada is an asset.

●        Proven ability to manage complex teams and work collaboratively with programs and operational departments, particularly in a multicultural environment.

●        Strong understanding of gender equality principles and gender mainstreaming; knowledge of a rights-based approach is an asset. 

●        Strong understanding and experience with results-based management.

●        Knowledge and understanding of the full project cycle, including project design and M&E systems and procedures required.

●        Excellent communication, interpersonal, and strategic thinking abilities.

●        Strong ICT and digital skills, including strong knowledge of excel, project management tools, MS office, and an aptitude to use virtual communication and collaboration tools.

●        Master’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized university is an advantage.

Personal

●        Strong personal commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment and alignment with DOT’s values.

●        Proven flexibility to meet internal and external deadlines in the context of heavy workload and competing priorities

●        Ability to independently organize work and prioritize tasks.

●        Works well both independently and as part of a team

●        Self-motivated, honest, highly responsible, and punctual

●        Willing to travel regularly within Ethiopia to monitor implementation and program quality.

Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity

DOT is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified female professionals to apply.