Chief of Party

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The Chief of Party (CoP) plays an important role in ensuring successful program implementation, collaboration, and effective management across various stakeholders. The CoP role includes Program Leadership and Implementation; Representation and Collaboration; Cluster Management and Integration; and Leadership and Decision-Making.

The COP holds overall responsibility for project management, communication, and coordination, serving as the main contact with the donor, the Ethiopian government, and international partners.

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Primary Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Implementation

• Lead all aspects of the development, implementation, and consolidation of the projects.
• Ensure the project is designed and implemented to meet donor expectations in terms of budget, timely results, and quality.
• Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modifications as per given thresholds.
• Support programmatic close-out and financial reporting close-out.
• Coordinate program implementation and finance management according to the policies and procedures of WFP and SPE.
• Work closely and support program managers to achieve program targets.

Representation & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary point of contact to the donor as well as public, private, and non-government stakeholders.
• Represent SPE programming in international circles, highlighting innovative work.
• Manage relationships with consortium partner organizations, including organization of review/planning workshops.
• Coordinate the roles and activities of staff from other consortium member organizations in line with SPE partnership principles.
• Serve as the primary liaison among stakeholders including the Country Representative and relevant government ministries.

Staff Management & Learning

• Effectively manage senior programming and operations talent while managing team dynamics and staff well-being.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and strategically tailor individual development plans.
• Oversee the development of staffing plans and the recruitment process of senior staff.
• Create and maintain proper conditions for learning, establishing a safe environment for sharing ideas and solutions.
• Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for SPE staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality training.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Manage and mitigate risk through monitoring national and regional issues that may impact staff and programming.
• Model a commitment to the efficient use of organization and donor resources.
• Ensure compliance with donor grants, including financial tracking and oversight of program budgets, finance, and administration.

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Specific Job Responsibilities

Program Quality:

• Ensure programs' strategic objectives meet expected technical quality standards.
• Promote alignment of program strategies with relevant national policies, particularly the Ethiopia National Food and Nutrition Strategic Plan.
• Oversee programs' monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) systems, using data analysis to measure performance.
• Enforce quality control mechanisms across all regions and oversee the WFP within given budgets and project deadlines.
• Establish and maintain effective project reporting and communication systems in collaboration with the M&E team.

Management & Administration:

• Ensure strong coordination among program staff through regular coordination meetings, program reviews, and joint field visits.
• Work closely with the Finance department to ensure accurate financial reporting and address variances on a regular basis.
• Ensure staff compliance with all SPE administrative and operational procedures, policies, and applicable donor regulations.

Representation and Advocacy:

• In collaboration with the DCD, act as primary program contact to the donor and serve as the primary representative for the consortium.
• Strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.

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Education / Experience Needed

• Education: Master’s degree (M.A.) in Disaster Relief, International Development, Social Studies, or relevant discipline; OR Bachelor's Degree (BA) in Development, Social Studies, or relevant discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of international emergency response experience for MA holders; OR a minimum of six (6) years of international work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Track record of successfully managing multi-sectoral programs in diverse settings.

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Language & Required Skills

• Languages: Proficiency in English and Amharic is required. Knowledge of the regional language is required; knowledge of any other national language is a plus.
• Willingness to abide by Samaritan’s Purse code of conduct and Statement of Faith.
• General knowledge of Shelter, WASH, Nutrition, and Health program implementation.
• Strong organizational, supervisory, and reasoning problem-solving skills.
• Physical Demands: Ability to travel in-country, stand, walk, run, and occasionally lift/move up to 100 pounds.
• Work Environment: Fluid security context with potential exposure to communicable diseases and hot/humid weather conditions.

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Safeguarding Commitment

The employee is required to carry out duties in accordance with Samaritan’s Purse Safeguarding policy and Code of Conduct. The employee must remain alert and responsive to any child and adult safeguarding risks, promoting strong safeguarding practices at all times.

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