The Fred Hollows Foundation is an international development organisation working to prevent blindness and restore sight. We continue to carry on the legacy of Professor Fred Hollows, who believed every person had the right to quality eye care, no matter where they live. The Foundation is known around the world as an organisation that works with purpose and determination. With a reputation for excellence, we are well known for making change happen.   

The Foundation has grown to work in more than 25+ countries throughout Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific, as well as Australia. The Foundation has restored sight to more than 3 million people worldwide. We have an ambitious five-year strategic plan that aims to take us even closer to realising our vision of a world in which no person is needlessly blind, or vision impaired and Indigenous Australians exercise their right to sight and good health. To find out more about our work, please visit our website https://www.hollows.org

The Head of Program & Partnership provides strategic leadership and oversight of FHF’s program portfolio and partnership strategy in Ethiopia. The role ensures programs are technically sound, evidence-based, and effectively implemented, while cultivating strong partnerships with government, donors, NGOs, private sector actors, and communities. It also supports the Country Manager in ensuring operational, technical, and strategic continuity.

The position oversees advisor functions (Eye Health, Trachoma, Clinical Quality, Policy & Influence) and MERLA, enabling integrated, high-impact programming aligned with FHF’s mission to eliminate avoidable blindness and trachoma in Ethiopia.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Head of Program & Partnership will own the outcomes of:

• Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

Lead program design, planning, implementation, and performance management; ensure alignment with FHF strategies and national priorities; oversee technical advisors, MERLA, and program teams; support the Country Manager in strategy execution and operational continuity.

• Partnership Development & Management

Develop and manage strategic partnerships with government, donors, NGOs, private sector, and communities; negotiate and strengthen collaborations to enhance program reach and sustainability; represent FHF in high-level forums to influence policy and resource allocation.

• Technical Oversight & Integration

Oversee technical functions across eye health, trachoma, clinical quality, policy, and NTDs; ensure integration of expertise into program design and delivery; promote innovation for improved effectiveness and sustainability.

• MERLA Leadership

Lead MERLA systems to support data-driven decision-making, continuous learning, and evidence-based programming; ensure knowledge generation and dissemination for policy and advocacy.

• Health Systems Strengthening & Capacity Building

Strengthen government and partner capacity at all levels; embed interventions within health systems; mentor staff and partners to build technical and organizational capability.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

Represent FHF in national and regional forums; advocate for sustainable resource allocation and program integration; ensure accountability through robust reporting and feedback mechanisms.

• Leadership & Governance

Provide leadership and supervision to program and partnership teams; ensure compliance with policies, donor requirements, and regulations; support risk management, safeguarding, and quality assurance.

Other tasks as requested by your manager.

Job Requirements

• 12–15 years of progressive experience in program leadership, partnership management, or health systems strengthening, preferably in eye health or NTD programs.

• Master’s degree in public health, Health Systems, Development Studies, or related field.

• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, technical advisors, and MERLA functions.

• Track record of working with government, donors, NGOs, and multi-stakeholder partnerships at national and regional levels

• Experience in resource mobilization, advocacy, and high-level representation is highly desirable.

• Experience in international development & NFP sector.

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and people management skills.

• Expertise in program design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

• Excellent negotiation, partnership-building, and stakeholder engagement skills

• Ability to integrate technical knowledge with strategic leadership to drive program impact.

• Strong communication, advocacy, and representation skills.

• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages (Amharic, Oromiffa) is an advantage.

How we recognise your contribution

Through our internal programs and employee benefits we aim to create an environment where you will feel supported and empowered.  Whether your focus is on continuous learning, professional development or finding an environment which enables you to thrive while balancing family or personal commitments, we have a range of programs in place to support you.

To find out more about our benefits click here

How To Apply

Applications should be made via THIS LINK or apply using the link below and should include your resume and cover letter. Please address your cover letter to the Talent Acquisition Team and include a response to the “About You”, “Key Responsibilities” and “What You’ll Need to Succeed” sections of the advert as well as details of your current and expected salary.

Applications Close: 30 November 2025

The Fred Hollows Foundation is committed to ensuring our projects and activities are implemented in a safe and productive environment that prevents harm and avoids impacting the health and safety of all people, particularly children, vulnerable people and disadvantaged groups. Applicants are advised that The Foundation reserves the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure we maintain and promote a child safe environment.

Please be advised:

1. Fred Hollows Foundation will never ask for a fee during any stage of the recruitment process.

2. All active roles are advertised directly on our website here.

3. Please note we will not be accepting CV’s via agencies for this role.