Program Manager, SHARE – Ethiopia

Location: Must be based in these Cuso International offices 

Africa: Ethiopia 

Reports to: Regional Program Manager (RPM) 

Position Type: Full-time, Fixed-Contract (Till 2028) 

Language requirements: Africa: English & Amharic  

Salary Range:  To be determined based on location   

ABOUT CUSO INTERNATIONAL:  

Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures.  

Cuso presently supports programs implemented in Africa, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Find out more at www.cusointernational.org 

ABOUT THE ROLE:  

Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Cuso International is implementing the volunteer cooperation program Sharing Canadian Experience for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE) (2020-2028) in 10 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.  Reporting directly to the Regional Program Manager (RPM), the Program Manager (PM) will have responsibility for implementing SHARE in the country. Supported by the RPM and working closely with the country Program Support & Finance Manager (PSFM) and lead partner(s), the PM will ensure effective planning and management of SHARE activities in the country, including development and monitoring of the country workplan. The PM will have primary responsibility for managing partner and volunteer relationships and mitigating and managing risks in the country. 

With the upcoming closure of the UGIRLS-2 project, the Country Program Office (CPO) will significantly reduce its staffing structure. This includes the phase-out of the Country Representative role, which currently provides overall country leadership, institutional representation, financial oversight, compliance assurance, and engagement with government authorities, banks, donors, and partners. 

Following this transition, the remaining in-country team will consist primarily of SHARE staff. The current Program Officer role does not carry the mandate, authority, or institutional standing required to assume the Country Representative’s residual responsibilities, particularly in relation to: 

Legal and legislative compliance 

Financial authority and banking oversight 

Formal representation with government, donors, and regulators 

Organizational accountability and business continuity 

To ensure continuity of operations, regulatory compliance, and effective program delivery, these responsibilities must be formally transferred to a strengthened in-country role. Reclassifying the position to Program Manager provides the appropriate level of authority, accountability, and external legitimacy required to manage these functions on behalf of the organization. 

Approval to proceed with this role upgrade has been granted by the Director of Program Quality & Impact, recognizing the operational necessity of aligning responsibilities, authority, and title within the evolving country context. 

The Program Manager (PM) will lead the collaboration with country partners to ensure strategic and sustainable results from the project. The PM will be responsible for managing the partner relationships and supporting capacity strengthening to support implementation of the project, including directing and strengthening our participation in platforms, networks and alliances (PNAs), pursuing emerging opportunities and strengthening engagement, coordination and collaboration with other project partners to achieve project outcomes, e.g. for training activities, knowledge sharing, events and campaigns. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT  

Serve as the de facto country lead for the organization in Ethiopia, ensuring effective delivery of SHARE in line with approved strategies, agreements, and organizational policies.  

Coordinate with the RPM and Senior Manager, SHARE on the development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of annual workplans and budgets.  

Ensure program activities are delivered on time, within scope, and within approved budgets, escalating risks or issues to the RPM as required.  

Participate in regular SHARE regional planning, monitoring, and performance review meetings.  

PARTNERSHIP & STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT  

Lead collaboration with SHARE country partners, including partner(s), to ensure strategic, high-quality, and sustainable results from the VCP.  

Establish, manage, and oversee partnership agreements, including annual work plans, budgets, and performance reviews.  

In collaboration with Program Development, identify, build, and strengthen relationships with partners based on mutuality, trust, and shared values.  

Coordinate partner participation in platforms, networks, and alliances (PNAs), and pursue emerging opportunities for collaboration, learning, and influence.  

Develop and maintain strategic relationships with government institutions, civil society, private sector actors, and key coordination mechanisms relevant to the VCP.  

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & BANKING OVERSIGHT  

Hold delegated financial authority for the VCP in Ethiopia, serving as one of the bank signatories in accordance with the Authority for Civil Society Organizations’ (ACSO) requirements.  

Oversee country-level financial management, including budget oversight, expenditure approvals, cash flow planning, and financial forecasting, in coordination with the Program Support & Finance Manager (PSFM).  

Ensure all financial transactions are compliant with donor requirements, internal controls, and local regulations, with approvals routed through the RPM as required.  

Support financial planning and reporting processes, including donor financial reports, audits, and reviews.  

Legal, Legislative, and Compliance Responsibilities  

Lead organizational compliance in Ethiopia, including registration, licensing, renewals, and reporting requirements with relevant authorities (e.g. ACSO, line ministries).  

Serve as the primary focal point for government engagement on legal, regulatory, and legislative matters affecting the VCP.  

Ensure MOUs, cooperation agreements, and other legal instruments are developed, maintained, and renewed as required for program continuity.  

Coordinate closely with the RPM to ensure alignment with organizational risk, compliance, and governance standards.  

VOLUNTEER & PLACEMENT MANAGEMENT  

Work in collaboration with the Manager, Talent Advisor Services, to develop, manage, and monitor volunteer placement plans, including placement descriptions, work plans, and quarterly reports.  

Collaborate with the Advisor, Global Talent, throughout the volunteer assessment and selection process.  

Deliver in-country volunteer orientations in coordination with the PSFM and partner organizations.  

Maintain strong relationships with volunteers and partners, including regular check-ins and performance monitoring.  

RISK, SAFETY & DUTY OF CARE  

Develop, implement, and regularly review country-level emergencies, safety, and risk management plans.  

Serve as a first line of management for volunteer or partner complaints, conducting investigations in line with organizational policies.  

Keep the SHARE management team and the Safety and Security Advisor informed of any safety or security risks or incidents.  

MONITORING, EVALUATION, ACCOUNTABILITY & LEARNING (MEAL)  

Ensure MEAL systems are in place, understood, and applied by partners and volunteers.  

Oversee timely and high-quality reporting, including work plans, annual partnership reviews, and donor reports.  

Support the collection, storage, and use of data and knowledge in line with the organization’s Program Knowledge framework.  

EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION & COMMUNICATIONS  

Represent the organization with government authorities, donors, banks, partners, and coordination forums at the country level.  

Collaborate with the Engagement team to support storytelling, public engagement, and visibility of the VCP.  

Review and update country briefing information and volunteer-facing resources.  

OTHER DUTIES  

Fulfill any other responsibilities assigned by the RPM or Senior Manager, SHARE.  

Participate in regional, international, and national meetings and events to promote the organization’s work and strategic objectives.  

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS  

EDUCATION  

University degree in international development or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.  

EXPERIENCE  

Minimum seven years’ experience in international development or related fields, including NGO or not-for-profit contexts.  

Demonstrated experience in program and country-level management, including financial oversight, compliance, and donor-funded programming.  

Proven experience managing partnerships, volunteers, and multi-stakeholder relationships.  

Experience preparing narrative and financial reports for institutional donors (e.g. GAC).  

Strong understanding of legal, regulatory, and operational requirements for NGOs operating in Ethiopia.  

CAPACITIES, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES  

Strong leadership, judgment, and decision-making skills in complex operating environments.  

Excellent communication and representation skills with government, donors, and partners.  

High level of organizational, financial, and risk management competence.  

Ability to manage competing priorities and operate with a high degree of autonomy.  

Proficiency in Office Suite and information management systems.  

Fluency in English and Amharic; additional languages are an asset.  

Willingness to travel and work irregular hours when required.