As an International Christian Humanitarian Development organization, World Vision Ethiopia (WVE) is trusted to deliver integrated programs with target communities through its 51 Area programs (APs) located in seven regional states of the country.  WVE envisions a thriving organization where our strong leadership at all levels results in improved delivery of results for children.

WVE is currently looking for a candidate for Cluster Program Manager for Jimma Area Cluster Program.

Purpose of the position:

 To provide the overall leadership and technical support of programs/projects within a designated area/cluster of districts in a manner that meets set standards to meet wellbeing of children, families and communities. Represents World Vision Ethiopia in the Cluster in accordance with relevant strategies (e.g. national, sectoral, disaster preparedness, etc), policies (e.g. ministry policies, advocacy, child sponsorship, DME management policy, etc) and standards (e.g. , sponsorship, finance, grants, human Resource , etc). Ensure accurate and timely responses in the areas of program development and implementation, accounting, human resource management, logistics and communication. Provide management support in integration and implementation of empowerment approach, by ensuring that allocated programs/project resources are used as per WV policies, donor standards and procedures to attain the Child Wellbeing outcomes. Support the Integrated Programs Director in strategic alignment of resources.

 In order to successfully do so, the Cluster Program manager must be able to effectively communicate World Vision’s Christian ethos, mission and core values of World Vision and demonstrate a quality of spiritual life that serves as an example to others.

The successful candidate will have skills and experience that meet the following requirements:

Major Responsibilities:

7.    Quality programming through quality Program Design, Monitoring and Evaluation (DME) processes

• In close collaboration with sector specialists, ensure that quality projects are implemented at the program area while following partnership standards, policies and protocols, including all relevant sections of the Field Financial Manual.
• In close collaboration with P&C, ensure the right program staffs are recruited, retained, and provided with intentional opportunities, mentoring and coaching for development and ensure that the program staffs receive care and support.
• Ensure adequate quality assurance processes like assessments, design/ redesign, Transformation Development Indicators (TDI) measurements, and evaluation exercises.
• Monitor performance of the Cluster in relation to execution, changes, innovations or new model that is introduced.
• Provide regular reporting to the line management as per the national office guideline, consolidate semi-annual and annual program reports for submission to support office and donor according to LEAP and prepare quality and timely quarterly, bi –annual, annual and terminal report to partners.
• Ensure that both Evaluation and Audit (Finance and Operations) recommendations are timely responded to, fully implemented and progress is reported quarterly.

Qualifications: Education/Knowledge/Technical Skills and Experience:

The following may be acquired through a combination of formal or self-education, prior experience or on-the-job training:

·         Minimum Qualification required: BA/Bsc Degree in Economics, Agriculture, Business Administration, Development Studies/Planning, Social Science, Management, Education, Public Health or related field. An advanced degree in Social Sciences related to development work is preferred. Masters degree is an advantage.

·         Experience: a minimum of 5 years experience with regards to the designing, planning, implementation, supervising and reporting on integrated development, relief and/or advocacy projects and at least 2  years experience in managing complex grants and programs/projects with significant experience in overseeing large multi-year program.

·         Preferred: Working experience in community development.

Technical Skills & Abilities:

o   Foundational values and knowledge: Conceptual understanding of and commitment to development work among the poor. Knowledge of and commitment to fundamentals and understanding of Christian, child-focused and community-based development concepts & ministry approaches and processes. Able to contextualize development models in an innovative way. 

o   Personal adaptive skills: Ability to think critically and reflect.  Willingness to take calculated risks to enable learning. Commitment to continuous learning for self-development.  Ability to pragmatically solve problems and plan a course of action using analytical, conceptual, strategic and forward thinking abilities to achieve effective resolutions. Be a results orientated leader with the ability to handle a heavy work load, manage and satisfy multiple conflicting organizational, donor and other stakeholder demands.

o   Communication skills:  Strong interpersonal skills, Ability to communicate effectively.  Solid computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and email. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff and other stakeholders.

o   Development facilitation: Skills in facilitation of development processes, including organization and mobilization of communities and networking among different development partners such as community-based organizations (CBOs), governments, churches, and World Vision staff and their respective roles and responsibilities. Able to engage religious leaders of all faiths by mobilizing them to promote holistic development.

o   Key aspects of development: Basic knowledge and understanding of key aspects of advocacy, development work; and integration of disaster mitigation, preparedness and response in development programming. Knowledge in working with donor funds, sponsorship operations and grants funding. Working knowledge of disaster management, emergency preparedness, monitoring and evaluation, sphere standards are added advantage. Good planning and organizational skills.

o   Design, monitoring and evaluation: Conceptual understanding and required competency in basic DME functions (LEAP). Applying community-based development DME technical skills and competencies. Measurement and reporting on child well-being outcomes. Working knowledge of proposal writing and negotiation skills.

o   Project management: Knowledge of and experience with staff care and supervision, staff capacity building, cost effective utilization of resources, customer relations service. General principles of program and financial management. Resource acquisition and development. Grants management. Deeper understanding of project cycle management. Ability to lead, guide, coordinate, and facilitate strategic planning processes and establish short and long-term goals within program areas.

o   Leadership skills:  Skills in leading, building, and supporting a team with diverse roles and capacities. Spiritual growth and development of staff.  Ability to provide spiritual leadership to the team and able to engage across denominational boundaries. An excellent people manager with good team-building skills, as well as strong interpersonal and networking skills. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the organization’s culture.

 Working Environment:

·         Full time field-based position.

 Other Attributes and responsibilities

o   Have a ‘can do’ mindset and ability to work with a team to figure out the ‘why, how, who, what & when’.

o   Be rooted and able to form a connection to the community – and must demonstrate passion for living and working in the program area.

o   Be empowerment focused as opposed to service delivery.

o   Must have outstanding oral and written communications and relationship skills and.

o   Must be willing to perform other duties as required.

 Place of Work: SOKORU

Salary: World Vision has an attractive salary and benefits package.